The University of Northern Iowa repudiates the student government’s contentious decision of restraining students on the Students for Life of America (an Anti-Abortion group). The student ban is a violation of the First Amendment if it will be prosecuted, says the University President Mark Nook.
The President said that neither UNI nor the Student Government supported student organizations’ outlook by accepting them as an organization. He added that denying the organization’s recognition to participate in lawful activities denies the right to free speech and assembly of the organization guaranteed by the First Amendment.
Last week, the Students for Life of America (SFLA) sent an appeal to President Nook when the student Supreme Court turned down the organization’s request to establish a local chapter of SFLA. The student government leaders claimed that the organization’s advocacy would initiate a hostile environment, describing them as a detrimental influence.
After denying the SFLA’s request, the student government endorsed the student ban. However, UNI’s administration released a statement concerning the First Amendment Rights violation of the student government. The administration stated that the University is devoted to ensuring the student’s right (First Amendment rights) and that the SG’s decision wasn’t content-neutral.
Student for Life of America is a national non-profit organization that opposes abortion on account of youth activism. They have over 1,2500 chapters within the 50 states, and most of them are on college grounds. It was also associated with a national argument whether colleges are perceptive against conservative outlooks.
The University of Northern Iowa is amid long lists of controversies about conservative perspectives. Just like the issue of Iowa State Professor’s threatening discipline against students who oppose abortion and Black Lives Matter.
Professor named Chloe Clark issued a syllabus that restraining students from taking part in projects against Black Lives Matter and abortion. Classified as “GIANT WARNING,” a part of her syllabus prohibits sexism, homophobia, ableism, and more. And the University sees it as an inconsistency to the commitment to the First Amendment.
This Monday, the University of Northern Iowa reiterated that they stay committed to free speech. Also, Nook stated that universities’ purpose is to offer opportunities to contend with diverse perspectives and opinions.
President of Students for Life of America, Kristan Hawkins, says that the discrimination in viewpoints is unconstitutional and oppressive. She added that the discussion about abortion (human rights issue) challenges those concerned about how society devalues life.
➡ Looking to get featured on Future Sharks?
