On Sept. 18, Students for Life of America (SFLA) set up a booth in the Quad at ULM. SFLA is a pro-life non-profit organization that seeks to end abortion and infanticide by educating students across various campuses.
Cailey Difulco, the Southern Campus Formation Coordinator for the organization, is responsible for traveling to different campuses. She set up the display of over 1,000 pink crosses formally named the “Planned Parenthood Cemetery of the Innocence.”
“The goal of Student for Life is to abolish abortion in our lifetime,” Difulco said. “We put out the display as a conversation starter… [and] to interact with students who may be interested in starting a pro-life organization as a club on their campus.”
Senior psychology major Maddalyn Doughtie interacted with the booth and described it in greater detail.
“[Difulco] had a collection of different papers and statistics on a white board…[and] a box that had silicone babies that were supposedly there to show the stages in utero development,” Doughtie said. “She also, on the whiteboard, had a poll that said, ‘Do you believe that life begins at conception?’”
The booth’s message sparked a multitude of reactions, ranging from supportive, neutral and critical.
Junior communication major Jael Jones stated she never interacted with the booth but had seen photos sent in the Turning Point USA group chat and praised the display.
“I really loved how they portrayed everything,” Jones said. “I loved how the little crosses were everywhere… I am really for what they did.”
Senior biology major Chloe Eagan did interact with the display and critiqued Difulco for her use of the term “pre-born babies.”
“I really don’t like that phrasing,” Eagan said. “It’s unscientific and it’s just inflammatory.”
Biology major Brandon Florez is among those neutral to the booth, believing it is not an issue so long as those running it act cordially.
“I’m not against them being on campus to debate as long as it’s done in a respectful manner,” Florez said.
According to ULM’s Freedom of Expression Policy (policy #SA002.1), the university “…is fully committed to free speech among students, faculty, staff and visitors… but does not allow any conduct that disrupts University operations or endangers the safety of others.” Displays are permitted in public or outdoor areas on campus.
The organization properly followed the university’s freedom of speech guidelines. As a result, even those opposed to the topic tolerated the booth’s presence.
For more information about Students for Life of America, visit studentsforlife.org. To learn more about ULM’s Freedom of Expression Policies, visit ulm.edu.
