Dear Editor:
On Sept. 30, SIUC received a letter from the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform informing the university of its desire to make a presentation on our campus. The letter cited federal and state laws that permitted its members to exercise their freedom of speech on campus. I shared this letter with our legal counsel and was informed that the group's request could not be denied according to law.
I regret that this group has caused many people to be upset. However, under the First Amendment, any organization has the right to express its views about abortion and may do so on our campus.
In the course of civil discussion and debate, reasonable people can weigh the pros and cons of the position taken by this or any organization and form their own opinions and conclusions.
Many have questioned the disturbing imagery used by the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform in an attempt to advance its message. I support this view and believe the real question is: Did the presentation further this organization's cause?
I believe the answer is found within each of us as we examine the positions taken and the tactics followed.
Samuel Goldman
interim chancellor
