The vandalism of the Students for Life’s display over the weekend is something that should appal all individuals at this University. This assault cuts to the core of our liberties as American citizens. These actions cannot be tolerated by any university which considers itself to be a harbor for free thought and expression.
With all that said, we must also remember that this example of vandalism was simply that: vandalism. It was not a hate crime, because it involves a political demonstration and not a purely religious one. It appears at this point to be the actions of a few misguided students who expressed their distaste with the display by destroying part of it. If the six students charged with this offense are guilty they should be forced to pay restitution for the damage they have done.
Interestingly enough, the damage that these few have perpetrated on the property of others is nothing compared to the possible ill effects to the pro-choice cause, as well as potentially extremely damaging to the reputation of the University. It is fairly likely that the pro-choicers will have to deal with a stigma of destructiveness for at least the short term. This, of course, is a legacy not of their efforts to preserve abortion rights, but simply the foolish acts of a few.
There is a danger at the University level that we will lose respect around the nation. The news of these events has begun to spread among those on the Right, including columnist and author Michelle Malkin, who is billing this incident as a hate crime. Though it is nothing of the sort, such bad publicity does not exactly bode well for a University trying to claw its way into national prominence.
What these actions are truly symbolic of is the deep divisions that exist right now in American society. Highlighted nationally by the left-right battle over the Bush administration, the fissure of abortion has brought these very real differences home to the LSU community.
What we believe is that the general climate in this country and this University has become poisoned by partisan bitterness and an inability to see the big picture. In order to alleviate this we must all work toward liberating ourselves from conventional labels and trying to see those on both sides as not merely political opponents, but fellow human beings struggling for the truth. It is imperative that we respect another’s views, just as we would hope they respect ours.
Therefore, we ask those who strive to make themselves heard to continue with their protests, be they with pickets or silent crosses.
For those who object, we believe they would be best off reclaiming Free Speech Alley and launching into real debates with their peers, instead of committing destructive acts in the night.
Our time at the University offers us much, including a time to fight for our beliefs without work or other ties to hold us back. Let us all do our best to bring the most honor we can to ourselves and our causes, without violating our fellow students’ rights to express themselves in the matters in any manner they choose.
    The Daily Reveille Editorial Board is: Scott L. Sternberg, Editor-in-Chief; Mark F. Bonner, Managing Editor; Ryan Merryman, Opinion Editor; Dorothy E. Paul, Online Editor; Jason Doré, Columnist
The Editorial Board produces weekly editorials written by the Opinion Editor which express the views of the Editorial Board. However, the opinions of the board do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of The Daily Reveille’s staff.