In today's popular culture, television viewers are used to seeing something shocking. Just look at the success of disc jockey Howard Stern.

Dr. Laura Schlessinger's doctoral degree separates her from Stern, who's known for his opinionated statements. Her educational background alone makes her an expert to some.

Schlessinger, who currently has her own radio show that according to Time reaches 18 million listeners, is now slated to host her own talk show on CBS starting Monday.

Protestors have shouted against the upcoming television show in several cities, and State College may soon be able to count itself among them.

Six Penn State students met last night to plan protest activities and organize students for an arranged demonstration slated for noon on Monday at the University Gates.

The move to television for the best-selling author is fraught with conflict because of the deemed insensitivity that the protestors argue will be present in the programming.

Also a doctor of physiology and long-time family therapist, Dr. Laura Schlessinger, is not the most loved person in America. Her highly controversial, conservative views have been subject to public outcry across the nation.

"Most of the things she says is untrue. She said things about homosexuals being deviant and biological errors. The APA (American Psychological Association) has stated for years now that homosexuality is not a disorder," said Elad Nevo (senior-communications).

"It's not the fact that she's conservative. What she's been getting the most attention for is what she's been saying against gays and lesbians," said Lynn Thompson (senior- women's studies and comparative literature).

She has stated in various forms of the media, however, that her opinion remains that homosexuality is not in error; it is the behavior that is erroneous.

"(Schlessinger's view) affects us sort of because anytime there's one more person whose getting syndication, who gets that much more time to express their hatred, it's one more thing to make the day darker," Thompson added.

As one of the most successful female talk show hosts, Schlessinger's views about such topics as the early sexual education of children are often applauded, her opinions on homosexuality are not. She has been making comments about the topic that some people do not consider politically correct since 1997.

Schlessinger's show does not just affect gays and lesbians.

"Dr. Laura's bit about biological errors is very offensive. I happen to have mild cerebral palsy, and I know that, in the past, people with disabilities were treated as biological errors. I can't see any error in being gay, biological or otherwise," said David Shannon (senior-physics), another attendee at the meeting.

There was at least one student at last night's meeting who was hesitant to protest.

"I didn't feel comfortable protesting (Schlessinger)'s freedom of speech. Elad has convinced me that this is important because while she has a right to free speech, she doesn't have a right to make assertions that are not based on fact," said Tarah Ausburn (senior-psychology).

Perhaps what it does come down to, though, is an issue of freedom of speech.

"I personally would have problems with (Schlessinger's conservative views.) I don't have to listen to it," Thompson added.

Another organizational meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday in the Lambda Student Alliance room at 320 HUB.