Kimberlie Kranich's reader opinion, "Speak up," on Feb. 7 is yet another example of how the Rene Portland issue has been blown way out of proportion. We've all heard enough about this issue, and it's time to quiet down.

According to Ms. Kranich, discrimination based on sexual orientation is no longer allowed at Penn State, and this statement took effect in the summer of 1991. This is true.

But the point is that Rene Portland has already publicly stated that she is aware of the new University policy. Maybe I'm mistaken but isn't that the purpose of the clause -- to be aware that nobody should be descriminated on the basis of which sex they prefer?

Ms. Kranich goes on to talk about Portland's alleged policy on banning lesbians, her reputation, and her weak public statements, but this makes no sense.

First, even if Portland did ban lesbians from her team in the past (which we don't know for sure), she wasn't breaking any rules. Right or wrong, the University had no clause on discrimination based on sexual orientation before the summer of 1991.

Therefore, the past is history. You can only judge Rene Portland or any other Penn State coach based on their actions from the summer of 1991 and on.

Secondly, saying that you are aware of something is not a "weak public statement." Stating that you are aware of an issue is important.

Murdering people is against the law. I think most of us are aware of that. Must we go up to every citizen in the United States and demand them to say: "You have my word. I guarantee I won't kill anybody." I would think that this isn't necessary. It is a given.

Thirdly, you can be aware of something without agreeing with it. As a member of the Roman Catholic church, you can classify me as one of the fifty percent of the students that think homosexuality is immoral.

That's my personal belief, I'm entitled to it. That does not make me homophobic! I do not "fear" such activity. I understand that people have the right to engage in whatever kind of sexual activity they please, provided it's legal. That's their business, and I have no right to tell them they're wrong.

I understand there are several diverse people out there. If 10 percent of the population wants to engage in homosexual activity, they have a right to do so, whether I agree with such practices or not.

Finally, there is a right to remain silent in this country. Keeping your mouth shut is a lot better than running around shouting: "Homosexuality sucks!" People who do that are wrong. I have no respect for those kind of people.

I commend Athletic Director L. Budd Tarman, University President Joab Thomas, and Lady Lions Coach Rene Portland for holding their ground against these protests.

They are not letting the media get to them. You have to put your foot down somewhere because from the summer of 1991 on, no Penn State coach has been caught in the act of breaking any rule or policy.

With that in mind, no action should be taken. If a coach is caught of violating a rule or policy in the future, then I agree that disciplinary action should be taken. Until then, these protesters have no legitimate complaint at this time.