We would like to call to your attention the discriminatory actions of some members of the NIU community towards the pro-life movement on campus. We are particularly troubled by the action of the Holmes Student Center Director Judd Baker toward Students United for Life.

At the Jan. 21 memorial service for the unborn, Mr. Baker refused to make any serious attempt to stop the profane outbursts from the handful of Feminist Front protestors present. This was despite repeated requests from members of Students United for Life and people attending the service.

Mr. Baker allowed them to contunue to disrupt the service with their obscenities and assorted obnoxious behaviors. Is freedom of speech at NIU something reserved only for some groups?

That same week, Mr. Baker took down a window display in the HSC prepared by Students United for Life. His initial excuse was that this particular window was for another group for that week. Because we had a signed contract, we asked that the display simply be put into another window. However, he refused on the grounds that our display was “too controversial” and that it did not promote any specific event.

Surely there are HSC window displays regularly addressing “controversial” topics and organizations without specific events being announced (e.g., homosexuality, rape).

Our window display memorialized the more than 20 million babies killed by abortion since the Roe vs. Wade decision 17 years ago. The only picture showed a living child at 19 weeks gestation.

Since the anniversary was a timely event being covered by the media nationwide, it is surprising that Mr. Baker found it “too controversial” for the NIU community, supposedly a haven for the free marketplace of ideas. With more than 4,400 abortions performed daily in America, it seems ludicrous to keep the facts from the public in the name of “controversy.”

Students United for Life is dedicated to preserving the life of the unborn and assisting women facing unplanned pregnancies. We are grateful that the NIU community has exhibited tolerance in permitting the free expression of speech for people with controversial views. We only hope that Students United for Life would receive the same liberties granted to Louis Farrakhan.

Alison J. Vorreyer

Julie Synovic

Lynne Yambor

Jeannie Scully

Mike Margraff

Students United for Life

Dr. Ken Ferraro, Faculty Adviser