Posted on 11/21/2003 1:31:46 PM PST by Willie Green
For education and discussion only. Not for commercial use.
More than 100 students gathered on the steps of Old Main yesterday to announce their decision to come out of the "conservative closet."
A little after noon, Penn State College Republicans chair Brian Battaglia began "Conservative Coming Out Day" by encouraging the audience to register to vote as Republicans and to research each candidate.
"Let [your] voice be heard in the bell of truth," he said.
Sean Clark (senior-political science) focused on discrimination in the classroom. He talked about his English 15 (Rhetoric and Composition) class freshman year, and the fact that his teacher introduced herself to the class by saying, "Just so you know, I hate Republicans."
The students in his class who wrote from conservative viewpoints were consistently given lower grades than their liberal counterparts, he said.
Many of them feared the liberal bias, and were afraid of being labeled as "bigots," "racists," and "homophobic," he added.
He included in his speech statistics about the political makeup of faculty and administration on 32 college campuses.
As he spoke, a strong gust of wind knocked down the balloon archway positioned over the podium.
"Take it as a sign, my friend," someone in the crowd yelled.
Clark ignored the jeers and continued with his speech.
"How can universities claim to educate students when they only present one side of the story," he said.
He ended by encouraging students to speak out against administrators who try to shut down student-run events -- both conservative and non-conservative.
Despite some controversy surrounding the event fliers, the only protest came from passers-by and occasional hecklers in the crowd.
John Litz (sophomore-liberal arts), a member of Allies, said the group was told to show up at the rally as individuals and not to protest.
"I just wanted to see what they have to say," he said. "I support their right to free speech, but at the same time, I don't think they should be putting down other groups to get their views across."
Toby Eberhart, chairman of the Penn State Young Americans for Freedom and a resident assistant in Leete Hall, said he was sick of the "blatant discrimination" against conservatives.
He added his experience as an RA has shown him the "left-leaning" discrimination by residence life. He said he was unhappy about having to promote National Coming Out Day through fliers and Stall Stories, but could not publicize the conservative rally through the same means.
"I have learned that 'living and learning' requires learning of all liberal views," he said.
Tiffany Iriana, one of the rally's organizers, said she was especially happy with the way the event was promoted, because it spawned discussion between groups.
"I encourage any group, if they feel they are being ... marginalized, to do the exact same thing."
Matt Montemorano (junior-film) said he supported the conservatives' desire to rally, but said he did not agree with many of their political views. He added the rally had not swayed his opinions at all.
"My beliefs were probably strengthened," he said.
Josh Pontrelli and Collegian Staff Writer Jen Winberry contributed to this report
Add "hick-a-phobe", and watch them look at you like a deer looks at headlights.
I had this printed real fancy and framed it. It sits on my desk. So true
Corrected link:
That's right.
Of particular note is Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington.
She made millions during her employment at RealNetworks, then bootstrapped herself into a Senate seat,
and now she's out to screw the very system that made her wealthy.
Bitch.
You don't have to sacrifice your heart to have a brain, you just have to think.
Feeling good is nice, but doing something meaningful is more effective.
Against the "Taliban in Tennis Shoes?
Fat chance.
The WSRP needs to wake up or they're gonna keep losing elections.
Nethercut may be a nice guy, but he;'s got too much baggage.
And, he looks like hell on camera.
Yep.
Sheriff Reichert would win, hands down, Senate or Governor. Whichever.
And, the DemocRATS are scared sh*tless that he will actually throw his hat in the ring.
Pray.
Wormy.... shuush quite... communism "IS" socialism...
now slowly back away from this thread...don't let them know you're leaving... good luck..
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