By Gionna Bean, Opinion Editor
Saints for Life chalk message – Photo by Gionna Bean
Tables in front of the library, chalk writings in front of Wege — the Aquinas Pro-Life group, Saints for Life, have made their mark. Those who lean further left on the political spectrum on campus have made their voices heard too, and they feel uncomfortable with the feeling of exclusivity that the group gives off.
The campus does not currently have a pro-choice club to balance the political stance on campus, meaning that although the group aims to talk to those who disagree with them, there is not a concrete platform with which people with a pro-choice stance can make their voices heard.
This has led to many pro-choice students attempting to make their voices heard in a fairly disruptive manner.
On Thursday, Oct. 2, unidentified students wrote alongside and over the chalk messages made by Saints for Life. This appears to reflect a similar instance last year where an unidentified person wrote over the chalk messages made by Saints for Life outside Our Lady’s Seat of Wisdom Chapel.
These bold statements lead to the conclusion that many students on campus are uncomfortable, or at least not in total agreement, with a pro-life group on campus.
Chalk message response – Photo by Gionna Bean
However, many students, associated with the group and not, think Saints for Life is making good efforts towards starting a conversation about their views.
“I think our tables and outreach are making an impact because people who are pro-choice or do not have an opinion come up to us, and they walk away with a pro-life belief,” said junior Lauren Vanderwulp, Co-President of Saints for Life.
When asked if the current ways of reaching students is acceptable, another member of the group gave their full approval.
“Yes, because it’s taking a serious topic and putting it in front of people and talking about it on a human level,” said senior Corey Skinner, member of Saints for Life. “It’s one on one personal communication. It’s our job to plant the seed and let God do the rest.”
A non-member found the group to be, at the very least, inclusive.
“I attended one of their meetings out of curiosity, and I really don’t feel threatened by them at all,” said freshman Lauren Espy. “I think it’s cool that they’re reaching out and actually trying to talk to people about it.”
Saints for Life meetings are open to anyone who wants to attend. Junior Anna-Marie Comden, Saints for Life Co-President sends out the meeting times weekly. The group aims to encourage others to take their stance in the abortion issue and other related topics like pregnancy support and child welfare.
With such a well known and debated range of topics there is always bound to be disagreement, but when disagreement becomes aggressive, it can strain the sense of openness on campus. Even small moments of hostility from any group or person can make conversations feel harder than they need to be.
The campus community has a strong foundation, and with a bit more patience and willingness to listen, students can keep discussions constructive and ensure that even tough topics bring out understanding rather than division.
The Saint 