College Republicans attack The Vagina ...
- From: aozotorp@xxxxxxx
- Date: 28 Feb 2006 02:13:00 -0800
http://www.arbiteronline.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2006/02/27/4402863a34b5b
Groups protest for, against 'Vagina Monologues'
By Jessica Wigley/News Writer
February 27, 2006
Photo by sean prall/the arbiter
Brandon Stoker discusses his views with a BSU Women's Center member.
Attendees of the Boise State Women's Center's annual presentation of
the "Vagina Monologues" were met by police and protesters outside the
Boise State Special Events Center on Friday, opening night. The
pro-monologues group held signs and spoke to attendees as they walked
up the stairs to the SPEC. "I support the show because it shines
light on the oppression or women, men and children," said Jessi Winn, a
cast member from last year's program.
The anti-monologues group stood right outside the double doors also
displaying signs and passing out fliers. BSU College Republicans
President and Associated Students of Boise State Senator Brandon Stoker
said he thinks the play is immoral, saying, "We're out here trying to
educate people about real views."
In addition to the College Republicans, some of the groups who spoke
out against this year's production of "The Vagina Monologues" include
the Network of Enlightened Women, various religious groups and some
independent students and community members.
No specific clubs or organizations were named in the pro-Vagina
Monologues group; however, the supporters said they were surprised that
the event was being protested. "It frustrates me that someone would
protest a good thing," community member Laurie Appel said.
The Student Union requested extra security for the program in lieu of
the recent protests around campus.
Three police officers patrolled the building, and there were no
reported altercations between the two groups.
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http://tinyurl.com/jokyx
Photo by sean prall/the arbiter
Students protesting the Vagina Monologues at the SPEC speak with local
activist Brandi Swindell.
Earlier this week, an anonymous group of students sent out a mass
e-mail protesting "The Vagina Monologues." The e-mail advised people
not to attend due to the vulgarity of the play.
-----------------
Chalkings were also etched on sidewalks throughout campus last week.
Stoker said that although the College Republicans don't take full
responsibility, they did contribute to the chalkings.
"We had a part in the chalkings and sent out e-mail invitations to
our friends," Stoker said. College Republicans also sent invitations to
the Friday night protest.
Brandi Swindell, co-founder of Generation Life, was a community member
contacted by the College Republicans to participate in the protest.
Generation Life is a local pro-life advocacy group.
Swindell said that the play is vulgar and obscene. and she said she
does not agree with the funding of the Women's Center for the play.
"When public money is being used, it's important to be involved,"
said Swindell.
Swindell also referenced the vagina-shaped candies handed out last year
in promotion of the event. She said she believes the Women's Center
does not represent the views of all women on campus.
She said she doesn't see conservative views being represented.
"The Women's Center is very one-sided," Swindell said.
Student fees fund the Women's Center and taxpayer dollars fund Boise
State as a public institution; however, Women's Center director Wanda
Viento said student fees allow Boise State to have a center that serves
the needs of many people.
"This campus is fortunate to have a place that supports women and
helps in speaking out for them," she said.
According to Viento, money raised from "The Vagina Monologues" is
applied toward the sexual assault/violence prevention education fund,
one area being the rape hotline.
She said student fees that go to the Women's Center don't go directly
toward the annual presentation of the play, but that they are dispersed
in many other ways.
Viento said "The Vagina Monologues" sold out all three shows.
.
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