Miami Students Sue University Over Campus Abortion Display

BY KELLY WAGNER

Miami University journalism student

A group of Miami University students are suing the University over their pro-life display on the Hamilton campus that administrators supposedly shut down unless the group posted warning signs.

That groups of students are members of Students for Life of America, a non-profit organization whose mission is to end abortion. Just like previous years, the group set up displays of crosses to symbolize the number of abortions in Ohio.

Administrators informed the group that the display needed to have warning signs for the general public about the event or it could not show their display.

Attorneys from Alliance Defending Freedom filed a lawsuit on behalf of the group of students, who say that the University is violating the students first amendments rights.

The suit was filed in U.S. District Court for Southern Ohio in November.

According to the Journal-News, "School officials allegedly cited “emotional trauma” student viewers might suffer, according to ADF officials, if they viewed the miniature cross display.

The student group declined Patch's requests for comment citing the pending litigation.

Claire Wagner, Director of News and Communications, found out that the University was being sued after Alliance Defending Freedom put out a press release to the public in late November.

Wagner said she believes in the freedom of speech and encourages it.

“Freedom of speech on this campus and others is protected and promoted. They don't need the warnings, just having the display is allowed,” she said.

Wagner also said:

“This lawsuit appears to be the result of an unfortunate misunderstanding at Miami University’s Hamilton campus. All Miami University students and student organizations have First Amendment rights to free speech. As a result, the University does not approve or disapprove of any student organization’s display based on content or subject matter. Miami University does not require trigger warnings.
Our values dictate that we protect the rights of our students and student organizations to hold and express disparate beliefs and we encourage the discussion and learning that comes from sharing our differences. If mistakes were made, they will be addressed.”

Wagner said there is currently communication between the groups, but is unsure what will happen next regarding the lawsuit.

The lawsuit seeks a change in university policy and unspecified monetary damages.

Cover Photo: A building at the Hamilton branch of Miami University where a group of students are suing the University because of an anti-abortion protest. -- Photo contributed by Miami University.com