What was intended to be just another meeting of the College Republicans at Sacramento State yesterday was nearly terminated due to a mob of students and faculty alike, chanting in the halls while pounding on the walls and doors of the meeting room.

The protest was in anticipation of this week's guest speaker, Mr. Ward Connerly, president and co-founder of the American Civil Rights Institute and former UC Regent. Mr. Connerly was also the major proponent of Prop. 209, a California initiative introduced in 1996 to end affirmative action.

As Mr. Connerly began to speak, he was repeatedly shouted down by the swarm of protesters calling him a "racist," and chanting their intent to "Terminate the meeting!"

"I recognize your right to free speech," Mr. Connerly said to one student, "but what about mine?"

"It is disheartening that such a distinguished speaker, who was so accommodating to everyone, had to be treated with such disrespect on our campus," said Tyler Rico, President of the College Republicans at Sac State. "I had hoped any opposition would have shown a bit more dignity in their protest."

Following the meeting, the College Republicans made Mr. Ward Connerly, a Sacramento State alumnus, an honorary lifetime member. He left the campus encouraging the club to "keep doing God's work."

Special Thanks to Kara Greene for the photo.