The U.C. Berkeley College Republicans are hosting a satirical “Increase Diversity Bake Sale” today in protest of California Gov. Jerry Brown’s bill. The bill closely resembles Affirmative Action policy, requiring college admissions to consider certain racial factors when making admission decisions.

“Just like the CA Senate Bills 185 and 387 the phone bank supports, we will be considering race, gender, ethnicity, national/geographic origin and other relevant factors to ensure the equitable distribution of baked goods to our diverse student body,” the group posted on Facebook.

White/Caucasian customers will pay $2 for a pastry, while Asian/Asian Americans will pay $1.50. African Americans must pay just 75 cents and women get an automatic 25 cents off.

Many are outraged with the sale, calling it racist and hateful. But even if you disagree with the point they’re making, you have to appreciate the creativity and effectiveness of the event. It’s completely apparent that this is meant to be ironic.

In fact, in a similar effort, Hillel and the History Club at Kent State posted signs around Risman Plaza in 2009 displaying “Whites only” and “Gay free zone.” The signs were meant to remind students of those groups the Nazis once targeted.

If Hillel and the History Club can make a statement like that without repercussion, the College Republicans should absolutely be able to as well.

We are bombarded with images and information every day. If a group is trying to make a statement, it helps to be dramatic. If the point is clearly stated and communicated through satire and sarcasm, then that’s exactly how it should be presented.

This bake sale began a community dialogue, which was precisely the point. It grabbed the attention of the audience, and in the U.C. Berkeley College Republicans’ case, the media too.

Instead of being offended by the College Republicans’ method of delivering its message, it’s important to look into and understand the issue at hand.

Form your own opinion, and make your own statement.

The above editorial is a consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater Editorial board whose members are listed above.