Ryan ChartrandThe graphic anti-abortion displays on campus Monday caused a lot of discussion, with firm debating going on between people on both sides of the issue. Despite the “Warning: Graphic Photos Ahead” signs placed on walkways surrounding Dexter Lawn, many students felt the in-your-face approach to creating discussion was the wrong one.
“That’s quite vulgar,” one student hollered as he rode by on his bike, not even stopping on his way to class.
The display was brought to campus by the national organization Justice For All and was requested by the Cal Poly student club of the same name, though there’s no affiliation between them. According to the club’s entry on the Associated Students Inc. online group directory, its goal is to “engage college students in dialogue over bioethical issues.”
Representatives from the national Justice For All organization said the traveling exhibit is meant to open discussion about abortion by putting a face on it.
“The word ‘abortion’ has lost its meaning to us,” Justice For All volunteer Maureen Barr said. “We want to make sure we’re all talking about the same choice.”
Though Barr said the reception had been respectful, most students had an issue with the graphic nature of the photos and the one-sidedness of the display.
“A debate in the University Union would be a better option,” materials engineering senior Ian Muir said as he looked at the display. “It’s good to ask questions, but this shoves it in peoples’ faces. They should make people think, not tell them the answer.”
The tall display boards attracted a lot of attention, and many students decided to vent their frustration with the exhibit by using the Free Speech Board on the lawn.
Students wrote things like “It’s simple: her body, her choice!” and “Don’t preach at our school.” There were also many messages stressing the importance of Planned Parenthood and safe-sex practices in addition to safe, legal access to abortion as an option.
“Last year I got sunburned from debating these people for, like, five hours. This year, I’m going to class; I didn’t change their minds at all,” Muir said. “I debated with a man last time . men take the high position when they’re minimally involved.”