Campus Reform: University at Buffalo

Sara Buttitta has been President of Students for Life at the University of Buffalo since she founded the club more than a year ago.  Since its inception, the club has overcome challenges from the administration as well as other student groups. 

This semester has been no different.

Earlier this month, this group of more than 100 student members, held a pro-life day which began as a life chain across Buffalo. After the chain they held a cemetery of the innocents on campus to remind all passersby how many babies are aborted each day.  The event was a success with hundreds participating coming together from across the Buffalo pro-life community. 

That is, until vandals tore apart the cemetery of the innocents display. Not one, but twice. 

According to campus security footage, vandals kicked over the crosses and stuffed them into trash bags.  One of the vandals posted about his crime on his campus group's, UB Free Thinker's (an atheist club), Facebook wall.  This post was immediately noticed and authorities had their man within hours.

But this didn't stop the acts of violence and lack of civility amongst the pro abortion vandals.  The next day a group of women, one thought to be a faculty member at the university, attacked the memorial of the unborn.  Students for Life club members who were watching over the display for security reasons witnessed one of the women starting to pull out the crosses and say "Hey ladies, let's start a riot!" That led to six more people to attack the display.  They proceeded until campus police arrived on the scene.

These recent events increased UB's SFL resolve. However, the group is concerned about the rise of vandalism and violence towards the group and their campus authorized events.  Sara said this in an email after the event took place:

"We are grateful for the swift and professional manner in which the campus police have acted, and are thankful for the support UB has given us this semester.  Our university should be a place where ideas can be shared and debated without the threat of violent acts, but it appears some people are just too blinded by hate to let that happen.

Our actions are peaceful and our cause is just; no amount of harassment, violent intimidation, or hate will stop us from promoting the cause of life!"

Sara has repeatedly called for a public debate with UB Free Thinkers. They have repeatedly declined.  

Students for Life at Buffalo is currently planning a pro-life week to take place November 7-11th.

If you are interesting in starting a pro-life group on your campus, contact your Regional Field Coordinator today!