By Tara Conry

When the University’s College Republicans decided to host a barbecue last weekend, the group needed an appropriate reason to gorge themselves on hot dogs and hamburgers. There lies the creation of the Animal Rights Barbeque.

The flyers, which stated, “meat will be served” sparked confusion on campus.

Billy Florio, a political science major, planned the event with fellow College Republican Bradley Smallberg. He said the group was not trying to promote any political views.

“It was a barbecue just to have barbecue,” Florio said. “The name was just a joke.”

Florio said some College Republicans tried to add meaning to the ironic title of the barbecue, saying it reflected the group’s view that a person can support animal rights without converting to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. Florio said these statements were only interpretations of some of the members, but the students who planned the event did not have a political agenda.

After the flyers were distributed, Florio said he heard some students were planning to protest, but in the end the event was quiet. There were no demonstrations and the 40 students who attended savored each bite of their charcoal grilled meat.