Controversial display incites peaceful protest

On one side of Pollock Road, a group of protesters waved signs, blew whistles and shouted chants. On the opposite side, groups sat in front of an anti-abortion display, silent in prayer.

In response to the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform's pro-life photo display, several student organizations arranged a protest yesterday. The Genocide Awareness Project shows images of Holocaust victims and the victims of racial violence along with images of aborted fetuses.

The protest was organized by students from the Penn State chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, Womyn's Concerns, Women's Advocates and HILLEL: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life. Students not affiliated with these organizations also attended the protest.

"Many men, women and faculty members I've spoken to were very upset and offended by these signs, so we decided to show the other side," said Jamie Klingler, a member of Women's Advocates.

Gregg Cunningham, director of the center, was pleased with the support the protest received, he said.

"This isn't about people shouting at one another, it's about people talking respectfully to one another and exchanging views. We're very encouraged to see the turnout among pro-choice students," Cunningham said.

Many women attended the protest to give merit to the pro-choice viewpoint, said Danielle Tarris (junior-women studies).

Members from Penn State Students for Life were present at the display yesterday. Anne Schray, secretary of the organization, said she supports the message of the display.

"I think it (the display) is a harsh reality," she said. "A lot of people are in denial about what abortion really is; once people are really presented with pictures they can see the reality (of abortion). It's harsh, but it gets people's attention."

Several officers from University Police Services were present at the rally to ensure a peaceful protest, said Thomas Harmon, director of University police.

"We want to offer everyone an opportunity to be heard and to express their opinions, but not in a way that is likely to result in conflict," Harmon said.

"To put abortion with social genocide, hate and bigotry is absurd," he said. "No one says we are going to abort this baby because of its race, religion or gender."

Brooke Huhta (senior-nursing), a member of Christian Student Fellowship at Penn State, said although the photos at the display are disturbing, it is necessary to inform students what happens during an abortion.

"The photos are sickening, but unfortunately (abortion is) happening," she said. "I believe certain things need to be exposed as they are."

Even if the images do not have an immediate effect, they will stay in students' minds for a long time, Cunningham said.

"It is appalling that they will go through that kind of effort to push their political agenda. Our message to them is 3to take (the display) away from campus -- respect our dead, do not use them for a political agenda," said Tuvia Abramson, executive director of HILLEL.

While he found the display offensive, Terrell Jones, associate vice provost for educational equity, was pleased to see students supporting their beliefs.

"We like to see people become passionate about something -- both these groups are very passionate," Jones said. "We want students to learn how to protest and stand up strongly for what they believe in."