Renee Amoore, deputy chair of the Pennsylvania Republican State Committee, answered questions on affirmative action, racism, gay rights, the No Child Left Behind Act and the recent controversy surrounding Penn State's College Republicans yesterday in the HUB-Robeson Center.

The 51-year-old black businesswoman said Penn State President Graham Spanier invited her to speak because of problems on campus, which "have given Penn State a bad name."

Curt Marshall, the College of Arts and Architecture's diversity director, expressed concern with what he called recent "racist attitudes" on campus.

In her response, Amoore cited a recent controversy involving a Penn State College Republicans Halloween party, which many felt contained offensive themes.

"It is a small group that spreads the 'cancer,' " Amoore said. "These people should not be in leadership. They need to understand the values of being a Republican. Our leaders in state government let this go too far. Students were speaking for themselves, not the party."

Amoore also called the white-only scholarship offered by the Roger Williams University College Republicans in opposition to affirmative action "a stunt."

"I was very concerned," she said. "The students were trying to make a statement and wanted to criticize affirmative action. It got out of hand."

She said she disagrees with other Republicans on gay issues and urged students and leaders to contact government officials with concerns.

D. Joshua Troxell, Undergraduate Student Government Academic Assembly president, said Amoore sent a very strong message. "She shared some unique perspectives. It's refreshing to hear someone who is a conservative to be open about diversity. This example, showing conservatism does not equal hate, needs to be promoted."

Terrell Jones, vice provost for educational equity, praised Amoore.

"This is one of the things we're doing to try and lessen animosity here," he said.

Amoore said the audience had "excellent" questions and concerns.

"It's clear we need to sit down and work on things," she said. "We had an excellent dialogue, and I'm open to help in any way."

She also spoke with Spanier, administrators, faculty and students in a Sociology 119 (Race and Ethnic Relations) class yesterday.

"We wanted to speak to a broad spectrum of people," she said. "It's important for faculty to see where students need help, so we should continue ongoing discussions."