"It's not been an especially hospitable climate for expressing an opposing view," Kovacevich said. "I think I understand now why there hasn't been opposition in the past."

But student leaders on the pro-boycott side said even members of their organizations needed rousing.

"For RAZA, it was a real kick in the ass to people who had just been sitting around," Martinez said. "I think, though, that it provided a lot of momentum for RAZA in terms of involving members."

Kovacevich and Seton stressed the importance of supporting the anti-boycott cause in the face of vociferous campaigning by the opposition.

"We can't let the other side dominate social action," Seton said.

"I started the Grape Coalition because in the past a vocal minority has tended to steamroll these issues without being challenged," Kovacevich said. "I wanted this to be more than a one-sided debate."

Whether conservatives will progress from the grape issue to other campus causes remains to be seen.

In spite of the visibility the Grape Coalition has achieved in the last month, one board member predicted a less than outspoken future.

"I think there will be a return to normal," said Frank E. Pacheco '98 of the Grape Coalition. "Conservatives will all go back into their closets.