Students armed with posters displaying pro-choice messages and warnings of triggering images will hold a counter-protest against the anti-abortion group that they deem “harmful” and whose methods they feel are “unacceptably graphic” today through Friday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. in the Brickyard.
The Genocide Awareness Project is a demonstration that targets college campuses describing itself as a “lawful, non-disruptive educational presentation” that informs students about “the development of the unborn child and the nature of the abortion procedure.” The demonstration consists of a movable exhibit and graphic images of “aborted embryos and fetuses” alongside images of historical genocides. The group was invited back to NC State by the Students for Life organization on campus.
Aubrey Griffin, a senior majoring in art studies and the vice president of Students for Life, said she believes the GAP’s message holds the potential to inspire pregnant college students to reconsider abortion and that her goal in inviting the group to campus is to “save babies from abortions.”
Counter-protesters, however, are quick to disagree with Griffin, saying the GAP’s campaigning methods are misleading, triggering and inappropriate for college campuses.
“Think about the mental state of people who have had an abortion or miscarriage—these images the GAP displays could be severely detrimental to the mental state of these individuals,” said Juliette Hallen, a junior studying business administration. “These images could also be severely detrimental to the mental health of people who are suffering from PTSD and cannot afford to view the graphic images of genocide that these displays show along with images of fetuses.”
The counter-protest is being organized by a number of student groups on campus including Students Advocating for Gender Equality, The Movement and InterAct.
The three main goals of the counter-protest, as described on the group’s Facebook page, are to (1) make it known they do not condone the presence of the Genocide Awareness Project nor do they welcome their message, (2) provide students with resources regarding family planning and mental health and (3) support women in their decisions, their rights and their experiences.
Members of the counter-protest have also started a petition to ban groups from campus that display unavoidable and graphic images.
“[The GAP] is known to harass women, fear-monger and lie,” said Leah Block, a freshman in exploratory studies and a co-chairperson for SAGE. “The Brickyard is intended to be a place where student organizations and companies affiliated with NC State can come and offer students helpful resources and ways to get involved. This organization is completely unaffiliated with NC State and has no tangible resources or opportunities to offer students.”
Members of the GAP applied for and obtained the required legal permits for their demonstration on campus, and since NC State is a public university the organization’s speech is protected under the First Amendment.
“As individuals that make up our community, we might not always agree with what we see and hear, even finding some speech offensive or hurtful, but the ability for everyone to peacefully express their views is central to our country, our campus and a free and open society,” Chancellor Randy Woodson said in a letter addressing the GAP campaign and the Freedom of Speech.
“They are lawfully allowed to be here and we will respect their right to be here,” Hallen said. “We also have a right to protest their display and we plan to use that right.”
