University President Amy Gutmann denounced the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy regarding gays in the armed forces yesterday on College Green.
Gutmann was one of several speakers at the kickoff rally yesterday for QPenn, a week of events intended to promote awareness of gay culture at Penn.
About 50 people attended yesterday's rally, which featured balloons in a variety of colors coupled with free QPenn T-shirts and Girl Scout cookies.
The rally was the first major event of a week of activist and social events.
"This was the best rally we had in years," QPenn co-Chairwoman and College senior Kathy Totoki said. "We tried to increase our visibility, and it really paid off."
The rally was coordinated by Totoki and College senior Phil Cochetti.
Gutmann's speech stemmed from a recent Supreme Court decision to uphold a law that allows the government to cut off federal funding to schools that restrict military recruiters on their campuses.
She said that the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy -- which prevents openly gay individuals from serving in the military -- contradicts Penn's non-discrimination policy.
"We oppose the military's policy on sexual orientation," Gutmann said. "We are disturbed by recent developments" regarding the law.
Gutmann also welcomed the newly formed Lambda Alliance -- a coalition of eight gay-interest campus groups -- to Penn.
She stressed the need to unify behind the principle of equal opportunity, and students cheered when she asked if they would join her and stand up for the "Q" by supporting the gay community.
"President Gutmann really made her discontent with the military's policy obvious," College junior Joshua Matz said. "The rally was an exciting opportunity to express the University's stance."
The rally began with a speech from Bob Schoenberg, director of Penn's Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center, who equated the beginning of spring with the feelings of rejuvenation within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Following his speech, the a cappella group Penny Loafers performed.
The rally provided a powerful start to QPenn, Wharton junior and Queer Student Alliance Chairman Brett Thalmann said.
QPenn's theme this year is "Diversifying the Q" and is aimed at promoting diversity within Penn's LGBT community.
Other events for the week include a show by notorious comedian Margaret Cho, a so-called "Kinky Karnival" and the annual QBall at World Cafe Live Friday night.
