Accusations of racism, corruption and unfair advantages flew freely last night as two student political action groups debated school vouchers and affirmative action.

More than 50 people gathered to hear the hour-long debate between the Penn State College Republicans and the Penn State National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in the South Henderson Building.

Amanda Sponsler, Todd Taylor and Jared Lehr represented the College Republicans and argued for the implementation of school vouchers and the elimination of affirmative action programs. The NAACP panel, consisting of Jonathan Walker, Saalim Carter and Lloyd Colona, argued the contrary.

Eliot Schmidt, spokesman for the Penn State College Democrats, moderated the event.

During the school voucher segment the College Republicans said the vouchers offered students attending "sub-par schools a way out."

"They enable money given by the state or federal government to be tied to students rather than schools," the College Republicans said. "Better schools will attract more students and more money."

In their response, the NAACP said "competition breeds corruption," and public schools should not be treated as businesses or corporations.

The NAACP also said that school vouchers were just a quick solution for a complex problem and that increased federal funding and adjustments in curriculum were the right remedy.

"School vouchers are a band-aid for a disease that needs full medical treatment," a member of the panel said.

Moving on to affirmative action, the College Republicans said that many policies are not merit-based and aren't needed to increase diversity in higher education or the workplace.

The NAACP argued that affirmative action policies were a necessary remedy to "equalize the playing field."

During the debate, both groups often strayed from the designated topics, discussing the issue of racist and corrupt politicians that have taken office over the years.

Despite the contentious topics and heated arguments, members of the panels said they enjoyed the debate and looked forward to another one.

"It's important to open up dialogue on campus and hear from different student groups," College Republican Sponsler said. "I also think it's good for students to come out and learn about the issues.