A human chain of about 40 students, faculty, staff and community members chanted, "Two, four, six, eight -- no more Rene, no more hate" as they marched to the Bryce Jordan Center yesterday to protest at the Lady Lions' final home game.

The march was organized by students who are angry at the university's latest legal argument in the discrimination lawsuit against Lady Lions coach Rene Portland.

The university's argument states that Penn State's nondiscrimination policy is not a binding contract. Former Lady Lions player Jen Harris filed charges against Portland and the university last December.

Harris' lawsuit alleges that she was discriminated against by Portland on the basis of gender, race and sexual orientation.

"Originally, the idea was to protest because we were hoping it might be Portland's last game, but now it's turned into so much more," Kat Sinclair, a march organizer, said. "It's become something that affects all people."

After rallying outside the Bryce Jordan Center, the protesters entered the arena, many sporting T-shirts with the message, "Personal foul, Rene Portland!" They waved signs that read, "Rene's still here, why isn't Jen?" and draped a rainbow flag over three rows of empty seats.

James Leahy (senior-journalism) said he is scared by Penn State's lack of action in the discrimination case.

"Since I identify as a [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender] student, I would like to think the school is on my

behalf and will defend me," Leahy said. "Standing outside a building for two hours protesting is the least I can do."

Penn State spokesman Tysen Kendig said that although the university does not agree with the protestors' sentiments, they were within their rights.

"It's unfortunate that some of those people who exercise that right don't recognize the equally important individual's right to due process," Kendig said.

Some students found the protest distracting, and several hundred retaliated with "We Believe in Rene" signs.

"I don't think the protest is appropriate because it's the last home game," Kelsey Dunn (sophomore-public relations) said. "It's not an appropriate arena."

Eric Patridge, a co-director for the Coalition of LGBTA Graduate Students, walked around at halftime with a sign that read, "I support LGBT athletes ... I used to be one."

Patridge, a former swimmer at Skidmore College, saw mixed reactions. Some gave him a thumbs-up or motioned for high-fives, while others behind the Penn State bench said, "Get out of our section," and waved their "We Believe in Rene" signs to discourage him.

Penn State also voiced its support for Portland in a video montage of the accolades she has accumulated over the past 25 years, thanking her for her contributions.

"I've given to the school and these kids, and I'll continue to give to this school and these kids," Portland said after the game.

While much of the crowd cheered during the airing of the video, the protesters booed, only to be drowned out by surrounding fans angered by their presence.

One fan waved a thunder-stick with a handwritten message in support of Portland, which she made after learning of the protesters' plans.

Following the game, Portland addressed the protest in a press conference.

"Can we just talk about basketball? You guys have tried for six goddamn months, excuse my language," Portland said.

On Friday, about 40 students, faculty, staff and community members talked about the situation at a public forum organized by members of the Rainbow Roundtable, a coalition of graduate and undergraduate students dedicated to discussing campus issues.

No university representatives were present at the forum, although invitations were extended to former university counsel Wendell Courtney and Penn State spokesman Steve MacCarthy.

"MacCarthy declined to attend because he cannot discuss active litigation, but we're not asking about litigation," Ed Rowe, Rainbow Roundtable member, said. "We are asking about the administration's policies -- of which he is a steward -- and exactly how accountable employers and employees are to these policies."

Forum attendees produced a list of goals for making Penn State a safer environment for LGBT students, which included independent investigations of alleged policy violations and increasing education about diversity.

Many of the attendees said they do not feel safe at Penn State because of their sexual orientation or race.

"I am deathly afraid to walk on this campus sometimes because I'm afraid people are targeting me," Darryl Watson, Rainbow Roundtable member, said. "I deserve to be respected. There shouldn't have to be a policy to protect me."

Collegian staff writer Chris Weeden contributed to this article.