I recently became aware of the current controversy at Penn State regarding College Republicans chairman Brian Battaglia's Halloween party ("Pictures lead to call for resignations," Dec. 5). Battaglia rightly asserts that he has the right to post pictures of blackface, KKK costumes, "oversodomized frat pledges," etc. on his personal Web site. No one should take away his right to free speech.

But I would like to use my free speech to say this: Battaglia is an absolute disgrace to the conservative movement. I am a campus conservative activist just down the road from PSU, and his moronic actions in no way reflect my principles or those of my compatriots.

The Conservatives Club here at Bucknell has fought long and hard for the ideas we believe in, including free speech. I personally resent the fact that someone like Battaglia can be associated with the cause we hold so dear.

It is unfortunate that the Penn State College Republicans could not have found someone better than him to be their leader, and if he refuses to do the right thing and resign, they should remove him.

The mere fact that Battaglia has a right to do something doesn't make it any less reprehensible. And if saying that makes me part of the "leftist plot" he claims exists, then sign me up. There is not room in our movement for people like him, and it's my free speech to say so.