Carrying signs reading "Homophobia has no place on the Lady Lions basketball team," more than 50 students and town residents paraded in a wide circle in front of Rec Hall to protest Coach Rene Portland's alleged policy of barring lesbians from her team.

Fourteen-year-old Laura Mummert, a potential Lady Lion, stood among them before Saturday's game against James Madison University. But her parents say that Portland's alleged policy concerns them and that it may harm the team as society becomes more aware of discrimination.

"I think it's important for Laura to understand that position because Rene Portland has a lot of influence on young women," said Christine Mummert, Laura's mother. "I don't think that being a lesbian has anything to do with athletic ability."

Portland allegedly has not allowed lesbians on the team during her 10 years as a coach. She has declined to talk to the news media about the allegations.

But when an article about Portland's alleged policy as defined by former and current team players and other coaches appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer March 10, gay and civil rights groups demanded an explanation.

Players quoted in the article suggest Portland seeks to shelter her players from the stereotype that labels female athletes as gay, and from the dissention that might result on the team were lesbians allowed.

Such comments angered groups like the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Student Alliance, the Undergraduate Student Government Department of Women's Concerns, Students and Youth Against Racism and Penn State Pro-Choice, leading them to plan the protest.

"It's evident that not only do the students need to be educated on homosexuality but, embarrassingly enough, so does the faculty," said protester Angela Mikula, co-director of the USG Department of Women's Concerns.

LGBSA political co-director and protester Craig Waldo agreed, saying that the Inquirer article is "just a prime example of why we need a sexual orientation clause."

Portland would not comment on the protest or her policy.

When asked during a post-game press conference if she was aware of the protest outside, Portland said, "No, I was getting ready for the game," and left.

Many bystanders said they opposed Portland's alleged policy.

"I don't think the public really knows Penn State's policy on this. If indeed she's trying to prevent lesbians on the team, I think there should be some formal University action," said Mark Shirey, a 1986 University graduate.

But not everyone who stole curious glances at the demonstrators said Portland's alleged policy is wrong.

"I think a homosexual woman would be a distraction to the team. I mean, if I was on a guy's team, and there was a guy in the locker room looking at my balls all the time, it's just a distraction," said one University student who would not reveal his name because "these people will probably be throwing pink eggs at my house."

Laura had little to say about the alleged policy or the protest. When asked if Portland's alleged policy would change her mind about seeking a position on the team, Laura Mummert only shook her head, saying shyly, "No, I don't think so."

But her father Earl Mummert, a 1967 University graduate, predicted differently.

"Oh, her mind will change," he said, with an apprehensive smile.