As a former chairman of the Penn State College Republicans, I am ashamed and disgusted with the antics of the current College Republican membership. The pictures displayed on the club Web site not only tarnish the perception of the club, but they ultimately damage the reputations of those involved in the event.

The goal of the College Republicans is to facilitate a dialog on political issues for conservative-minded college students. This nationwide organization also provides students an opportunity to participate in Republican campaigns, attend political functions throughout the United States and promote the ideals outlined in the Republican Party platform.

In years past, the Penn State College Republicans held true to these notions. The club sponsored voter registration drives, community service projects, public debates and occasionally hosted nationally recognized speakers. The College Republicans cast a positive light on the Penn State University and respected other's opinions. The College Republicans had to earn the respect of the students and administration to cast aside stereotypes of conservative thought.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, I thought we had achieved this goal. Instead, the respect for the club has been shamelessly lost in light of recent events, and now it is back to square one. Conservatives and non-conservatives should not categorize these acts as those of College Republicans, for those involved in this fiasco are not worthy of the label College Republicans. This is far more elementary than an issue of right or left; it is an issue of genuine respect.

I continue to remain devoted to my political beliefs, but I will not allow a few who disrespected the club, the party and themselves to blur the line between political activism and disregard for other's opinions.