2008 Woodie Awards
Pro-life volunteers need to back off
Staff editorial
Issue date: 9/28/07 Section: Staff Reflections
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It's impossible to walk across West Campus at the University of Northern Colorado without being bothered right now.
And we're not just talking about the giant posters of aborted fetuses.
Just about every student who has walked by the anti-abortion display knows what we're talking about. They've heard the question, "So what do you think about it?"
And that is just how the pro-life volunteers start the conversation. From there it's on to more awkward questions, which in some instances evolve into questions harassing students - especially for those who are pro-choice.
Because we are supporters of free speech, we cannot say they do not have the right to be on the UNC campus, we just wish they weren't so antagonistic.
At this stage of life, most college students have made up their minds about abortion, and a few graphic pictures and some pushy volunteers aren't going to change anyone's mind.
The volunteers say they are trying to create discussion - which they certainly do - but not without making UNC students feel uncomfortable to the point that they oblige them in conversation just to get out of the awkward situation.
What good is a conversation where someone is pressured into talking about a controversial and often uncomfortable subject?
The volunteers think they are helping their cause, but all they are doing at UNC is harassing some students and making others feel awkward while they are just trying to get to class.
So, the next time the volunteers stop you and ask "So what do you think?" If you're uncomfortable, just lie and say that you have got to get to the library.
Mirror Reflections are the opinion of The Mirror's editorial board: Emily Freed, Christina Romero, Nate Taylor, Donnae Wahl, Lindsey Walker and Mitchell Woll. Let us know what you think! E-mail us at editor@uncmirror.com.
And we're not just talking about the giant posters of aborted fetuses.
Just about every student who has walked by the anti-abortion display knows what we're talking about. They've heard the question, "So what do you think about it?"
And that is just how the pro-life volunteers start the conversation. From there it's on to more awkward questions, which in some instances evolve into questions harassing students - especially for those who are pro-choice.
Because we are supporters of free speech, we cannot say they do not have the right to be on the UNC campus, we just wish they weren't so antagonistic.
At this stage of life, most college students have made up their minds about abortion, and a few graphic pictures and some pushy volunteers aren't going to change anyone's mind.
The volunteers say they are trying to create discussion - which they certainly do - but not without making UNC students feel uncomfortable to the point that they oblige them in conversation just to get out of the awkward situation.
What good is a conversation where someone is pressured into talking about a controversial and often uncomfortable subject?
The volunteers think they are helping their cause, but all they are doing at UNC is harassing some students and making others feel awkward while they are just trying to get to class.
So, the next time the volunteers stop you and ask "So what do you think?" If you're uncomfortable, just lie and say that you have got to get to the library.
Mirror Reflections are the opinion of The Mirror's editorial board: Emily Freed, Christina Romero, Nate Taylor, Donnae Wahl, Lindsey Walker and Mitchell Woll. Let us know what you think! E-mail us at editor@uncmirror.com.
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