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PROTEST >> UMW students confront demonstrators Anti-abortion rally sparks furor
Anti-abortion demonstration sparks furor at UMWDate published: 10/19/2007 BY KATY BURNELL Several dozen members of a anti-abortion group descended unannounced on the University of Mary Washington campus yesterday, spawning counterprotests by students that lasted into the afternoon. Fredericksburg was the third stop on a week-long tour of Virginia college campuses by Life and Liberty Ministries. The Powhatan-based evangelical group kicked off the week at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, and plans to end tomorrow in Fairfax. The group provoked outrage from pro-choice and anti-abortion students alike, by carrying blown-up depictions of mangled fetuses in a line stretching across campus. Melissa Falkenstern, a junior, said she was appalled. "I'm offended. I mean, this is our home," Falkenstern said. "You can't get to your classes, you can't get to your dorm, you can't get anywhere without having to walk through this." Falkenstern was one of roughly 100 students gathered in the heart of campus chanting, "My body, my choice," waving homemade signs and verbally sparring with the demonstrators. One student even stripped down to his underwear in protest. Group founder and self-described anti-abortion missionary Dennis Green said he was not surprised by the stunt. "We saw something like this last year," he said. "When you've got kids who can't intellectually debate they resort to things that get attention." Campus officials ordered Green and his followers to a "free-speech zone" designated by police barricades after the university and Fredericksburg Police Departments fielded several complaints. "We were inundated with calls from concerned students and parents," said University Police Chief James Snipes. Snipes said that only one student reported feeling unsafe on campus. "She said the images were disturbing. I told her that she was free to walk away," Snipes said. Students were urged to respect the protesters' rights in a campuswide e-mail sent by the Vice President for Student Affairs Bernard Chirico. "The right to free expression is one of our country's most important concepts," he said. Many students expressed more frustration with the protesters' methods than with their message. "I'm a Christian, I'm pro-life, and I'm disgusted," said senior Ashley Davis. "This is the worst tactic anyone could possibly use." English department Chairwoman Teresa Kennedy suspended her medieval literature class when students wanted to check out the demonstration. She said that she was disappointed by what she found. "This does not constitute a protest," she said. "This is a shouting match." Katy Burnell: 540/374-5000, ext. 5779Email: kburnell@freelancestar.com
Date published: 10/19/2007
savedbygrace
(posted by
bosmom
, Oct. 20, 2007 7:41 am)
In reference to you calling us "tolerant" people kool-aid drinkers, it seems to me that the demonstrators are the ones who fit that description. They are the ones who are "cult-like". The fact that I am an open-minded person who can think for myself seems to me to be the opposite of "kool-aid drinker". And so that you don't have to look up my previous post, I am a woman who could NEVER have an abortion, but believe that it should be a choice for others. What's right for me may not be right for others.
What the hell is a "free speech zone"
(posted by
freedomfirst
, Oct. 19, 2007 9:38 pm)
So our beloved local university has declared free speech applies only in their "free speech zone".
Would someone please make a coherent argument to explain that to me and others like me who believe what the US Constitution says and not the local bully
Thanks
(posted by
bosmom
, Oct. 19, 2007 7:43 pm)
Thanks meanasasnake (great name :-) ). I thought that's what she meant.
Response to Justice
(posted by
dicerotops
, Oct. 19, 2007 6:46 pm)
-You dont believe in God so dont try to be God and decide to kill a baby just because you dont want it. You have absolutely ZERO personal responsibility in your own life, and NO morals.- Considering how I'm 27 and choosing abstinence (virgin here!), I would beg to differ. I am also a considerate person; so considerate that I am not going to impose my beliefs on others. That is not what this country is about. The world can only sustain so many people. Don't force unwanted kids. Its the woman's choice.
This "church" group is a joke!
(posted by
FredVeteran
, Oct. 19, 2007 4:29 pm)
I took a look at their website and have to laugh. These people are as extreme as they come. If you aren't exactly like them then you are wrong. hahaha That is the most narrow minded thinking you could have. To clearify something they also had signs off of campus at around 4:30/5:00. This is where families had to see them. You cannot "walk" away when you are stuck in traffic on Rt 1.
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