Campus Reform: University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The Students for Life at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC-C) were nine days into the 40 Days For Life Vigil when the left started to create difficulties for the group.   

The group did everything correctly:  Reserved the location of the event for the entire forty days, held eye-catching signs, and passed out information about their cause.   But, the left will go to any extent to silence opposing viewpoints.   

Kristen Giseler, president of the group, tells the events of the day in her own words (emphasis added):

“While I was handing out pregnancy resource packets this afternoon, a pro-abortion nursing faculty [member] was offered a packet… Instead of simply refusing, she shouted “I am PRO CHOICE.”  Being a peaceful group, we smiled and acknowledged her as pro-abortion.  From across the street she shouted, “GET A LIFE, Protect women's rights.”

We are certain this woman called the campus police. 

About 10 till 1, just before the vigil's close, campus police arrived to escort us away from the student union.  [Students for Life had] the space outside reserved and approved the entire 40 Days. 

I am very proud of my team for talking politely to the police, and verifying that we do have permission to be at the vigil.”

This kind of over-reaction and excessively vehement opposition to conservative student activism on campus is unfortunately not uncommon.  In fact, left-leaning student groups and faculty members often try to shut down events held by those they disagree with -- no matter how innocuous the event may be.

However, by joining Campus Reform, the staff can not only help your student group find the right event, but understand the proper procedures for holding the event on your campus.  

Not involved in a group on campus?  Contact the Campus Reform staff to learn exactly how you can start your own campus group like the Students for Life organization at UNC-C. 

If you're specifically interested in prolife activism, check out these activism ideas from Campus Reform:

• White Rose Sale -- Help support a local crisis pregnancy center or another conservative organization of your choice by selling white roses on your campus.  This event has several benefits, it does not require many volunteers, so it is easy for a beginning group to accomplish, it is non-confrontational, and it fosters good will on campus.

• Diaper Drive -- This simple event requires your group members to facilitate the collection of diapers and other baby supplies for a local crisis pregnancy center to support their operations.  Crisis pregnancy centers assist parents dealing with an unplanned pregnancy and provide accurate information about their options.

• Genocide Awareness Project/Justice for All Exhibit -- The Genocide Awareness Project (GAP) and Justice for All Exhibit are a traveling photo-mural exhibits which compare the contemporary genocide of abortion to historically recognized instances of genocide.

• Rock for Life -- Rock for Life is a fun and nonconfrontational way to spread the pro-life message at colleges and universities which has the potential to reach hostile students in a way an event with less widespread appeal could not.