Editor,
I believe in U.S. citizens' constitutional right to free speech. The right to speak freely is an important, integral part of any democracy. I do not oppose having people with different viewpoints publicly express their views - it is good to have a healthy discourse on a variety of topics with a variety of points of view. By knowing the pros and cons of an issue, people can make better decisions. I believe this to be a sign of a healthy democracy.
However, I also believe that UNM has an obligation to provide students with a safe learning environment. In fact, the University's sexual harassment policy states, "The University is committed to creating and maintaining a community in which students, faculty and administrative and academic staff can learn and work together in an atmosphere that enhances productivity and draws on the diversity of its members, an atmosphere free from all forms of disrespectful conduct, harassment, exploitation or intimidation."
I was not opposed to having anti-abortion activists demonstrate on campus. However, I feel that the University went too far in approving the billboard-sized pictures of aborted fetuses in the center of campus.
There are signs warning of graphic pictures, but since the pictures tower over the postings, there is absolutely no way to avoid seeing them. If one has to go to the buildings surrounding Smith Plaza, one is forced to see these images. How is this creating a healthy learning environment? I was visually assaulted by the group Justice For All, and that is wrong.
Justice For All's members are free to voice their opinions, but should they be allowed to force such graphic, horrific pictures onto others? I don't think so. If they want to show pictures, they should show them in such a way that students can easily avoid seeing the images. When a group forces people to see these emotionally disturbing images, is this not a form of assault? I think it is.
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I also feel that the University should be more responsible for making sure that a safe environment is created for all students. When activist groups come onto campus, there should be some sort of guidelines so that a safe environment is maintained.
I did not feel safe. I felt violated, and I hold the University accountable.
Tanya Critchfield
UNM student
