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Pro-life cross display at MU Hamilton creates controversy

By Rebecca Huff, Senior Staff Writer

The pro-life display on Miami University's Hamilton campus has led to confusion and controversy among students over the few weeks.

The pro-life organization, Students for Life, placed 400 white crosses outside of Scwarm Commons, a central location on the campus. Each cross represents 10 fetuses removed during abortions each day (approximately 4,000).

Representatives of Students for Life reached out to the Hamilton administration in early March, requesting permission for the display. Despite reservations, the dean and assistant dean of students justified it by emphasizing the importance of free expression.

"I knew that the display would be controversial," said Robert Rosbusin, associate dean of students, in an email to Hamilton students, "but I also knew that our campuses have a long history of permitting student organizations to express themselves and their opinions freely."

It didn't take long for someone to disturb the display. On March 30, the day it was set up, a group of students took down the crosses, blaming a religious student organization, Cru, for the project.

"I've been criticized with text messages for it because people assume that it is me," said Cru President, Ashley Mayanja.

The crosses, typically associated with Christianity, confused many students, who also assumed Cru was responsible for the display. President of Students for Life, Sara Bischel, explained crosses are also used to represent the protection of human rights, which ties into abortion.

Bischel, a staunch pro-life activist, believes there are no situations that warrant abortion.

"Although there may be many challenging circumstances, I believe that in no circumstances should abortion be legal," Bischel said. "All humans were created with equal rights, and regardless [of] the circumstance, they should all be treated with equal protection."

Following the first interference with the display, Rosbusin emailed the Hamilton students to explain what it meant and why it was there. His main suggestion to the student body, though, was to handle the display with maturity and respect for others' beliefs.

"I encourage you to engage in civil and respectful discourse about this display and other initiatives that have recently been proposed and will be approved expeditiously," Rosbusin said.

Today, one month since it was set up, is the last day for the pro-life cross display.