Students Respond To Anti-Abortion Protestors

Yuba College students had a variety of opinions and reactions to a pro-life display on the school campus April 5th and 6th. Protesters from the Sanctity Of Human Life Network, or SOHLNET, displayed large posters with pictures of aborted fetuses that some students felt were inappropriate. There have also been reports of protesters harassing students with their information and ideas. “I thought that was a little too much because it’s scare tactics, and that’s not compassionate at all. They’re not compassionate about life if they’re gonna show those pictures to everyone,” commented Yuba College student Daniel Brooks. Shawn Takhar, also a student, felt that “it was just kind of disturbing.” “I think it’s one hell of a way to grab someone’s attention. There were some pretty gruesome pictures over there. I’m sure everyone knows what a dead fetus looks like. I don’t think they need to blast it over big billboards like that. And I don’t know if it really helped them at all,” added another Yuba student who introduced himself as Sanjay. Despite the controversy over images the protesters displayed, many students were not opposed to having the demonstration on campus. “I think that it’s good to just get that knowledge out there,” said Sonya Glover. “I wish I would have had that when I was in high school. I don’t really have any negative things to say about it.” Another student, Mitchell Foster, agreed: “The only thing I can really say about it is that I respect people who come out here and try to protest and stuff. I’m not gonna hate on them or whatever.” In response to accusations of the SOHLNET protesters being pushy, student Steven Ohnsat said, “I don’t see a problem with them being out here. I didn’t see them really assault anybody with their information. I’m cool with them being here and making their point heard. It is a point and it’s public property. Their tax dollars pay for it, too.” Despite some students being welcoming and receptive to the protesters’ message, many were still opposed to their methods. “I think personally they have a right to say stuff, but they were a little forward with passing out their papers. I think everybody has a right to say what they want to say and speak their piece, but they should do it in a manner that is non-invasive to other people’s rights as well,” said a student who wished only to be known as Bill. No matter what the individual’s opinions, the protest fueled conversation across campus and served to remind students of the diversity of opinions and ideas within the community.