Trigger warning: talk of abortion and rape; graphic pictures.
As an Appalachian State student, we know that when the weather is nice, the crazy campus protesters come out. Usually, it is just a preacher or two telling us that we are all going to Hell. But March 30 brought a different kind of crazy. The display sparked much controversy and conversation on campus. Many students took various stances on various issues.
Issue 1:
Why do they get to have those pictures up?
The fact that the display is protected as free speech was highly debated amongst those on campus. And as disturbing as the images are, these people are free to share them.
Issue 2:
How can the school allow this to happen?
It came to light that to have such a massive exhibit requires getting a permit from the school to do such a thing. And yes, Appalachian State gave them the permit. The thing some people can't wrap their heads around is the fact that the administration can't refuse to give a permit to an organization for the simple fact that this is going to piss some people off.
Issue 3:
Why did the school not warn us?
We get at least three to four emails from App State Athletics every single day, but the school could not be bothered to send out an email with a small warning. I don't know if they are required to, but I think the moral implication is that they should have.
Issue 4:
What about people on this campus who have had abortions, been raped, have miscarried or are pregnant right now?
It shouldn't have to be said, but there are people who exist on this campus who carry some really heavy weights with them. There are individuals who have been through immense and unimaginable pain and it seems that these protesters did not really think about those people.
This is my own personal take on this whole ordeal: I don't think that they wanted to have an informed, adult conversation. They wanted to shame and guilt people. The pictures were for shock value, to get views and pictures. They do not care about the feelings of those of us on this campus. I think that the institution could do a really good thing and use this as a platform to talk about reproductive rights and issues, and their radio silence is disconcerting. I saw many friends and acquaintances visibly shaken by the fact that pictures of their ordeal (or the ordeal of their loved ones) used to elicit such a visceral response. I wish that there was a way to keep these people off my lovely campus, to keep them from hurting my friends, to get their gross pictures out of my head, but I can't.
It is important to recognize everyone's right to opinions and to advertise them. However, it is also paramount that we are sensitive to the battles those around us are fighting that we can not see at all. Have your opinion, shout it from the mountaintop, but be careful with people's hearts in the process.
