Tonight Phyllis Schlafly, a prominent anti-feminist, will discuss what it means to be "a positive woman."

Schlafly, an author, radio commentator and opponent of the Equal Rights Amendment, will give a speech at 8 p.m. in 119 Osmond Laboratory, sponsored by the Penn State Young Americans for Freedom (YAF).

YAF President Shauna Moser said the group did not intentionally plan Schlafly's visit the same night as the Take Back the Night rally and march against sexual violence, organized by Womyn's Concerns. However, she called the schedule overlap a "happy coincidence."

Moser added that Schlafly will now also speak about why Take Back the Night is ineffective, discussing what she believes are better ways for women to protect themselves, such as carrying concealed weapons and taking self-defense classes.

"Our main thing is it's not very proactive," Moser said of Take Back the Night.

"There are a lot better ways we can think to tackle sexual assault. ... No amount of marching is going to stop rape," she added.

Moser said Schlafly is expected to address "why she feels it's better to be positive than a feminist."

Lorraine Dowler, women's studies director, said she disagrees with Schlafly's opinions about violence against women.

"Phyllis Schlafly's approach marginalizes it to the individual act of one woman," she said. "If a woman is jumped or pulled into a building, Schlafly's reaction is, 'She shouldn't have been out at night.' That thinking takes agency away from women."

Schlafly last spoke at Penn State in October 1999 where she was met with protestors holding signs saying, "Take Me Back to the Kitchen" and "Gay is Good."

Moser said she is not sure whether to expect protestors tonight.

"We feel a lot of people who would normally protest will be at Take Back the Night," she said. "But I'm sure some people who don't agree with her will be there."

Womyn's Concerns President Addie Dunn said she does not know of anyone going to protest Phyllis Schlafly's speech since Take Back the Night is the same night and it is important to many people.

However, Dunn said members of Womyn's Concerns probably would have attended Schlafly's speech had it been scheduled on another day.

On Nov. 21, YAF will host a counter event to Take Back the Night called Take Back Your Rights, where members of the National Rifle Association and other pro-weapon organizations will speak about the best ways for women to protect themselves, Moser said.