BYU administrators Wednesday, (March 28, 2007) approved an on-campus protest of Vice President Dick Cheney's policies.

BYU College Democrats organized the protest, which will take place Wednesday, (April 4, 2007) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the JFSB quad.

Jacob Melzer, a senior from Thousand Oaks, Calif., helped with the protest. He said by inviting such a controversial figure, BYU is giving tacit support to his politics.

"We don't agree with his policies or political stances," Melzer said. "But if he comes, we should treat him with respect."

A group of students who disagree with BYU's decision to invite Cheney to speak at commencement met to organize the protest. Melzer, who is not affiliated with any political party, said there were between 75 and 100 people there.

"As long as we're respectful, and acting within university-approved channels, I say we do it," Melzer said.

In response to criticism from many protesters that BYU is violating its political neutrality stance, BYU spokeswoman Carri Jenkins said she recognizes that on any given subject there will be a difference of opinion.

"I would ask individuals to look at the wide range of speakers we have had on campus," Jenkins said.

In 2001, Rep. Tom Lantof, a Democrat from California, spoke at commencement. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., spoke in 2004 at commencement exercises for the J. Reuben Clark Law School and is scheduled to speak again in a forum Nov. 27.

According to Diane Bailey, the president of the BYU College Democrats, the protest will be a silent sit-in. Protesters were told to wear white and bring signs attacking Cheney's policies.

Bailey asked protesters not to make personal attacks against Cheney, chant or yell, or attack BYU administration, the church or the First Presidency.

A second protest is planned for the day of commencement, but a place for it has not yet been determined.

Copyright Brigham Young University 29 Mar 2007