Illinois State protests prompts meeting on campus atmosphere

NORMAL, Ill. (AP) - A protest claiming Illinois State University doesn't offer a welcoming atmosphere to black students has prompted the school's president to call a meeting with demonstrators.

The Black Homecoming Committee organized a Monday march that questioned the forced cancellation of its event. The Pantagraph in Bloomington reports the group said its reservation for a concert at Redbird Arena was canceled because of a last-minute volleyball practice.

The committee later composed a letter saying diversity and inclusion "is not upheld by Illinois State University."

President Larry Dietz on Tuesday invited members of the committee and the Black Student Union to meet with him and the Campus Climate Task Force. Dietz said he is troubled when the school is accused of falling short of welcoming diversity and inclusion.

The Campus Climate Task force was created to address racial issues, gender equity and LGBT concerns.

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Information from: The Pantagraph, http://www.pantagraph.com