Kansas University Creates "Free Speech Zone" Around Anti-Abortion Exhibit

Photo by Bill Ross (c) 2008 Associated Press


By Sarah Casey

In a graphic display of free speech Wednesday, Kansas University student Tammy Cook presented images of aborted fetuses at different stages of development in an attempt to show the public what abortion really looks like and to “more fully understand what abortion is”. Cook is the director of field operations for the anti-abortion group, Justice for All, based in Wichita, Kan.

According to LJWorld.com, the images of the fetuses were displayed on panels situated on the front lawn of Strong Hall at KU. In front of the panels stood a “free speech zone” created by several anti-abortion groups in order to foster the sharing of different opinions on the topic, LJWorld said. The free speech zone consisted of panels where both sides could express their views and standpoints on abortion.

Though civility was upheld between pro-choice and pro-life students during the presentation, Elise Higgins, president of the Commission on the Status of Women told LJWorld that her group “thought the way the discussion was framed was inappropriate.”