Last night, Allies held a press conference in response to a letter published in the opinion section of yesterday's Daily Collegian.

The letter, written by Chris Kovalchick (senior-agricultural systems management), was in reaction to a picture of the Flaunt your Sexuality Kiss-Out, sponsored by Allies, which was printed on the front page of Tuesday's Collegian.

The picture featured both a gay and lesbian couple kissing on the steps of Old Main.

The letter expressed Kovalchick's controversial views about the gay community. "There's nothing I look forward to more than seeing a bunch of queers kissing in public," Kovalchick wrote. "How about publishing pictures and stories about real people that actually matter for a change?"

The letter incorrectly stated that Kovalchick was a member of the Undergraduate Student Government (USG).

Collegian Editor in Chief James S. Young said Kovalchick said he was affiliated with USG when asked by the Collegian, but said that Kovalchick did not specify that he resigned in November.

Young said the Collegian's decision to print the letter was not a mistake.

"We have an obligation to print letters from people who are unhappy with our decisions," he said. "People who are upset that we ran the letter are really just shooting the messenger," he added.

Young said the Collegian received more than 150 letters in response to Kovalchick's letter.

In response to Kovalchick's actions, Allies Vice President Ben Holsinger, who was in the photo, made an emotional address at last night's press conference. "Acts of hatred can not and will not be tolerated here at Penn State," he said.

Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied (LGBTA) community, the press, Penn State administrators, staff and students attended the conference.

"We are here trying to support students and reaffirm our position as student affairs," said Joe Puzycki, interim assistant vice president for student affairs.

At the press conference, Allies President Christy Merchant, who was also in the photo, proposed partnerships with the university and the community.

"We look at this opportunity as one of education and acceptance," she said.

Merchant called for a public apology from Kovalchick to the entire Penn State community, including members of Allies, USG and the College of Agricultural Sciences.

USG President Galen Foulke said he was "appalled at the disgusting display of bigotry" in Kovalchick's letter.

Foulke said Kovalchick does not represent the opinions or values of USG.

"The Undergraduate Student Government condemns the actions and opinion of Chris Kovalchick, and finds them to be contrary to the values and principles of the Penn State student community," he said.

In a statement prepared by USG Academic Assembly President Mark Levin, he said Kovalchick does not represent the assembly.

"The USG and USG Academic Assembly remain dedicated to promoting tolerance, diversity, and equity throughout the university," he said.

Allies adviser Beth Bradley said the group has taken "tragic" circumstances and turned them into an opportunity to educate and inform the student body.

"This is not something to take lightly," she said. "They did a wonderful job -- this is not something that is easy for anyone to handle."

Despite the negative reactions, Merchant said this situation is a way to display the cohesiveness of the community.

"Knowing that there are so many supportive individuals at Penn State is truly inspiring," she said. "It makes me proud to be a member of the Penn State family."

Holsinger said there is still hope for the Allies community.

"While members of the queer community are deeply saddened and outraged at the words of hate that have been spread across campus today, we all look for the day that we no longer need to worry about these things," he said.

In an e-mail message after the press conference, Kovalchick's only comment was that he was not affiliated with USG. Kovalchick was unavailable for additional comments last night.