Latino students heard a speech from NIU President John La Tourette and raised concerns Thursday night about differences in the budgets of NIU’s minority organizations.

La Tourette addressed this issue at this year’s first Organization of Latin American Students meeting.

OLAS President Cesar Remond said while the number of Latino students continues to increase, OLAS receives about $1,200 per year from the Student Association.

“In comparison to other minority groups, we are underbudgeted,” he said. Other minority organizations receive about $18,000 per year, he said.

“There is a very big disparity,” Remond said. “My idea is not to take anything away (from other organizations) but to equalize.”

La Tourette said students must speak to the SA with a unified voice to bring about changes.

“When you have a budget that’s been decreased, it is going to be a problem,” he said.

Remond said more funds are needed for events which enable students to make contacts and build leadership skills.

Two major events in Chicago are the Hispanic Leadership Conference and the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement Conference. OLAS sends a limited number of students to these events, Remond said.

“I think this is a good opportunity for all Latino students to attend these events,” Remond said.

Members also were concerned about moving OLAS to a bigger facility. The organization is located in the basement of the University Resources for Latinos building.

Members also inquired about relocation plans for the Center of Latino and Latin American studies when the Campus Life Building is built.

La Tourette said space for programs is a continuing problem at NIU, and the creation of new facilities is a long-term project.

These problems must be dealt with in the future, he said.