Letter to the Editor: Censorship, at what Cost?

Recently, while reading one of the bulletin boards in Trinkle Hall, I was very disheartened by what I saw. Normally, I try to avoid confrontation regarding contentious political issues, but I felt obligated to right, what I perceive, as an injustice to the UMW community.

Hanging on the board were two fliers advertising events hosted by two prominent, pro-life religious organizations on campus.

However, I was concerned to see that these posters were deliberately obstructing the view of other fliers.

One was advertising confidential and free HIV/AIDS testing on campus, the other was regarding a training session for our campus Sexual Health Peer Educator program.

These are two programs that I feel are essential to student health and wellness.

It does a grave disservice to our student body for one organization to attempt to silence the work of another organization on campus, because they disagree with that activity.

In an academic environment, it is important to encourage lively and diverse discourse regarding a variety of issues. Deliberate censorship of an idea may have won a temporary victory for your cause or organization, but at what cost?

Kristin Magill is a Senior.