Two groups with very different intentions shared the space in front of the Allen Street Gates yesterday.

As students gathered to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP), a student action group, also rallied on the corner of Allen Street and College Avenue to proclaim its anti-abortion beliefs.

John Ritchie, TFP director, said scheduling the protest on Sept. 11 was a coincidence. "[Sept. 11] caused untold havoc on America," he said. "However, these issues are not disconnected -- 4,000 babies are killed each day."

The group, which works to promote tradition and moral values based on strict Catholic doctrine, wore red sashes draped over suits and ties, passed out fliers and chanted, "Remember eternity -- eternity is a long time."

Participants held signs proclaiming "abortion kills life, family, culture and civilization" and they compared the actions of Hitler and Castro to abortion.

Most students were unhappy about the date on which they chose to speak.

Elissa Wolf (junior-environmental resource management) stood by the gates shouting back her pro-choice opinions. "This is very disrespectful to do on a Sept. 11 anniversary," she said.

James Slobodnik, a member of TFP, had a clipboard knocked out of his hand by a passerby, and a student spit at a fellow volunteer.

Caroline Mansur (sophomore-art history), who is against abortion, said, "Even if it was a pro-choice rally, in the spirit of discussion, I'm all for it."