The president of MSU's largest group within the Council of Racial Ethnic Students resigned at a meeting last Thursday, but the group is still planning to continue its work as planned.

Black Student Alliance President Latisha Heath resigned from her position. Heath, a social work junior, has been active in the alliance since her freshman year. The organization will elect a new leader Thursday at its weekly meeting.

Heath declined to comment why she resigned but said she still plans to be involved with the general assembly.

Criminal justice senior and former Vice President Stephanie King was named the interim president and will stay in the position until her graduation in December. She declined to comment further.

Representatives from the Office of Racial Ethnic Student Affairs said Heath resigned because she wanted to strike a better balance between her activities and schoolwork, but members in the group wouldn't confirm the claim.

"It's an internal thing we're trying to handle," King said. "We're just working to deal with losing a president."

The alliance also has vacancies for a Residence Halls Association representative and a Black Caucus directors.

Despite the change of leadership, members are confident activities will continue as normal.

King said the group's main focus is on the Black Power Rally, and members also are working to decide other events for this semester.

About 500 students and supporters participated in the group's Black Power Rally last year. This year, the event is tentatively scheduled for November, King said.

Formed in 1969, the Black Student Alliance aims to promote unity, academic success and cultural and political awareness to strengthen and uplift the black community.

Black Student Alliance meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays in the Multicultural Center, located in the basement of the MSU Union.

For more information, visit www.msu.edu/~bsaemail.