Margaux Schexnider, Political science freshman
On Monday, April 23, the Wolf Pack for Life club had a very open and public demonstration against abortion. And while everyone is allowed their opinion and should be able to express it, at Loyola that right is only given to a select few. It is nonsensical to promote ourselves as a social justice school when we suppress the voice of those who don’t have the same opinions as the leaders of the school. This is frustrating to those who have tried to create a pro-choice club and those who want to see one created.
In addition, if not all organizations can talk about issues like abortion and birth control, that right should not only be bestowed to an organization such as the Wolf Pack for Life. It is toxic to give students access to only a specific kind of resource and information, without showing them how to seek out differing information themselves.
Not only that, but the demonstration also promotes the concept of a gender binary with the utilization of the blue and pink flags to “represent the boys and girls who have lost their lives because of abortion” which is also contradictory since Loyola claims to be progressive in its inclusion of non-binary people (like the gender-neutral restrooms). If Loyola wants to be progressive, they can’t do it only when it’s convenient.
When I put down my deposit to go here, I signed to come to an open-minded and accepting school, I did not put down a deposit to be silenced while others are being empowered.
Andy • Apr 28, 2018 at 7:43 pm
And 4. Why would ADULTS in an institution of higher ed need a trigger warning? Children, yes, but fully grown men and women? It boggles the mind.
Andy • Apr 27, 2018 at 8:53 pm
What a ridiculous opinion piece.
1. As a catholic university, respect for life is part of its vocation of proclaiming the gospel.
2. I know we live in a post-science world (global warming deniers, etc.), but male and female is a given. And not only science shows this, but the Catechism teaches that maleness and femaleness are complimentary gifts from God.
3. What ever happened to “I disagree with you, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.?” If this is no longer true, where di I find the list of opinions I cannot hold, and who comes up with the last?
Mark Regan Jr. • Apr 27, 2018 at 2:46 pm
Loyola is first and foremost a Catholic institution. While the Jesuit’s are considered to be far more “progressive” than many of the other orders, are we to expect them to fully relinquish their Catholic values?
Lily Lechler • Apr 27, 2018 at 2:24 pm
This is entirely correct. That protest was also using unauthorized posters and images, some of which were intensely triggering, but the university let them put a post it note at the bottom of the poster that said “trigger warning” and did not intervene.
Paul Rankin • May 3, 2018 at 4:23 pm
What were the image? Aborted children? They’re usually referred to as “clumps of cells” until these photos show up. Also, if you seriously need trigger warnings to get through your day, you’re going to have a very difficult life.