Andrea Merill (The Beacon)
By Andrea Merrill, Guest Commentary
In case anyone on campus forgot that the University of Portland is a Catholic university, the white crosses planted in front of the chapel last Friday served as a reminder, with a steaming side of fresh guilt.
Now, to start this off, I understand and respect the fact that many people and institutions, especially those of the Christian faith, are pro-life. I understand that using my own free will, I have decided to attend this university.
However, even with this basic understanding, I still have so many issues regarding the white crosses that are put up every year at the beginning of November. I find the white crosses to be disrespectful towards the campus population and especially towards those who may have had abortions in the past. The display crosses the line of having a respectful message meant to educate and bluntly forcing an intense opinion about a very complicated issue.
Currently, I believe that the abortion debate is a misdirected and emotional debate that doesn't address the real problems that cause women to decide to have an abortion, other than for medical reasons. For me, the more pressing issue behind the abortion debate is to create a society that is less patriarchal and victim blaming and more educational and respectful. Yes, I am more than well aware that this is a big task to accomplish.
But, by addressing issues surrounding abortion rather than making it illegal, we might actually be able to reduce the number of abortions done in a year. For example, people should be taught how to have safe sex, rather than being taught abstinence only.
Or, as another example, victims of rape or sexual assault should not be shamed for something they wore or what they drank. Instead, the blame and the shame should be on those who committed the crime. Rather than shame victims, let's teach people how to respect others and that when someone says no, they actually mean no.
Last but not least, I have a word for those who put the display up. I respect the fact that you are pro-life. But that coupled with the fact that we are a faith based campus does not give you the right to make everyone on the campus feel guilty and horrible.
Next time, think about those around you. In particular, think about those who have had an abortion in the past. Think about that decision they've made and how it probably haunts their life to this day. Think about the factors that may have existed to aid that decision. Think about how those white crosses probably brought back unwanted and traumatic memories for those people.
In the end, rather than guilt trip the entire university campus, I wish those behind the display had been more respectful and professional with their message.
Andrea Merrill is a junior sociology major. She can be reached at merrill13@up.edu
