About 100 onlookers flanked a crowd of about 50 protestors as they gathered Friday in the HUB-Robeson Center to protest potential U.S. military action in Iraq.

During the noontime demonstration -- labeled a "die-in" by organizers -- protesters sprawled on the first and second floors of the HUB with body bags and caskets around them. The event was intended to raise awareness about possible civilian casualties caused by a war with Iraq, Sacha Brown, protest co-coordinator, said.

Brown (senior-English) said the protestors were prepared to meet negative reactions about the protest.

"Death is pretty alienating, but it should make people uncomfortable," she said.

The group entered the HUB wearing shrouds, white face paint and carrying a banner saying, "No blood for oil." Some students were placed in body bags.

The protestors were met with a variety of reactions from Penn State students throughout the hour-long demonstration.

Matt Thompson (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) said he was caught off guard when he spotted the protesters on his way to class.

"I'm a little freaked out," Thompson said. "I was just walking to class and I see this crowd gathering."

Some students found the fact protestors dressed as corpses to be distasteful.

"I personally find it offensive," David Baker (junior-physics) said. "But if that's how they want to express themselves, that's fine. I just think a more tactful approach would have been appropriate."

Lindsey Calhoun (junior-rehabilitation services) saw the protestors lie down on the second level of the HUB. She stayed to show support for the demonstration.

"I think they're making a good point," Calhoun said. "It's a good way to raise awareness."

Brown said the students were protesting without a permit, which they were told they needed in order to remain without possibility of removal.

Bill Moerschbacher, Penn State Police Services duty supervisor, was on hand with several other officers to monitor the protest.

He said he was not worried about things getting out of hand.

"We're just monitoring them," Moerschbacher said. "As long as it's peaceful, we're not going to worry about making them leave."

The protest finished without incident and no arrests were made.

Scott Morris, protest co-coordinator, said he was not afraid of opposition during the protest.

"The key point about activism is to educate and not alienate, but at the same time we can't be passive," Morris (graduate-language and literacy) said. "Fear of alienation is always there. Many leaders say they want peace, but we want peace with justice."

Several students felt the protest was unsuccessful.

"It's pure entertainment and it's not going to stop us from going about our business," Lindsay Ream (junior-biobehavioral health) said.

David Frodsham (sophomore-civil engineering) said the demonstration would not have an impact.

"If we're going to war, there's probably a good reason for it," he said.

Lee Rensimer (senior-anthropology), who protested Friday, said he was impressed with the number of e-mails he collected regarding the event.

"We heard, 'Go back to California, you pinkos,' " Rensimer said. "They clearly have nothing better to do."