In response to the results of last week's presidential election, students and campus organizations will dress in black attire today for a day of reflection at Penn State.

Inspired by a discussion with his friends late Thursday night about their disappointment regarding the re-election of President George W. Bush, Chris Nelson sent an e-mail message to friends, which was forwarded to other campus organizations, that proposed students wear black attire or black armbands for a day of reflection.

"It's not a wake for [Sen. John] Kerry's defeat," Nelson (junior-integrative arts) said. "A lot of us are unhappy with the re-election of George W. Bush and the prospects of the future."

Nelson said the day is a way for people to express their own opinions and have a sense of community about the results of election. "There's no rally. There's no event. It's everyone going about their business with a silent recognition of what we've done and what remains to be done," Nelson said.

College Democrats President Megan Green said she thinks the day of reflection will motivate Kerry supporters on campus and may prevent people from becoming discouraged with the political system. "This was [many students'] first election," Green said. "To lose it by such a small percent is frustrating."

Green added that today will serve as a day to move forward and focus on issues that will affect young adults. "As long as we stay active and let our voices really be heard, we can win," she said.

College Republicans Chair Andy Banducci said the day is counterproductive for the message Kerry gave in his concession speech to unify America. "This isn't the spirit that the president or Sen. Kerry had in mind," he said.

Banducci said members of political parties around campus should come together in debates and bipartisanship and focus on similarities, including patriotism and support for the troops.

"We can disagree on policy and still have respect for each other," he said.

Banducci said members from the College Republicans plan to wear campaign paraphernalia and patriotic symbols in response to those participating in the day of mourning.

Amnesty International co-coordinator Angeliki Vgontzas said club members will wear black as a "response to the human rights violator being re-elected."

Vgontzas said Amnesty International will hold an open forum tomorrow night for individuals to express their views of Bush's re-election. Although a meeting place has not been confirmed, Vgontzas said those who participate in the forum can meet in front of the Willard Building at 6 p.m. "It's not going to be a Bush-bashing party," Vgontzas said.

She added that people should focus on re-energizing themselves and educating others about the human rights violations by the Bush administration.

"When people are so misinformed, there's a lot of educating that needs to be involved," Vgontzas said.

Geraldine Blattner (graduate-French and linguistics), a member of the European Club at Penn State, said that although she is not a U.S. citizen, she is not happy with the election results and plans to wear black today.

Christy Merchant, Allies president, said the day of reflection is a way for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied community and Kerry supporters to make themselves visible to the community and to "find closure and strength to move confidently with determination."