I was walking from the shuttle to he department along library walk and there were these anti-abortion protestors on library walk with these huge posters (like 30 ft. high) with pictures of aborted fetuses and other anti-choice propaganda. These people show up periodically on campus, although they aren't a student group. I don't agree with their views or their tactics, or appreciate that they spread lies about the health effects of abortion, but I support free speech, even if I don't agree with the message.
At any rate, also on library walk was a small counter-protest by the UCSD pro-choice/Planned Parenthood organization. They were passing out free condoms and had some posters promoting safe sex, with slogans like "safe sex is hot sex" over 4x6 pictures of some people having sex, as well as a few solo shots of a woman with a dildo and a guy holding up his erect cock. I know one of the girls who is really active in the group (she used to work at the coffee cart at the department, and is really cool), so I stopped by to say hello and give some moral support. As I'm standing there chatting with her, some UCSD administration type comes up with some paperwork telling them to "cease and decist" their display. I watch wih detached amusement and growing disgust as he powers that be proceed to cover their own asses. Once the lady, Yolanda Cazares Leyva,Director, Student Organizations and Leadership Opportunities (SOLO), had collected all the members names she left. It looked like the group could be arrested if they didn't stop. At this point, another adminstration looking person comes up shaking his head saying, "sorry, you gotta take it down. It's pornographic and you're in a place where people have to look at it involuntarily." One of the girls cites a Supreme Court ruling (I forget which one) that says that pictures used for political reasons are not obscenity and thus protected speech. To which he replys, "well, that's for a court to decide." So, as he wonders off, I say, "excuse me, sir, where can I complain about there being 30-ft high pictures of aborted fetuses on library walk?" He says I can go to the SOLO offices, the police station, or the office of policy. I ask where these places are, and he says I can fill out a form at the SOLO offices on the 3rd floor of the Price Center.
So, I walk over there and ask to file a complaint. And a lady says, "we're doing something about it right now." To which Ms. Leyva says, "no, he's talking about the other people." She then explains to me that they don't have a a form I could fill out, but that I could write her a letter. I could go on, but the details just reveal the moving target of their justification/rationalization of their actions. Needlessly to say, I plan on writing that letter and sending copies to the Vice-Chancellor and the Chancellor, and the student paper as well.
I was in a pissy mood this morning, I guess I was lucky enough to find a worthy target.
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