From the SFLA Blog

WATCH: VCU Abortion Supporters Threw Hawkins An ‘Unwelcome Party’ Complete with Antifa, Arrests & The Satanic Temple  

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Caroline Wharton - 01 May 2023

Students for Life of America (SFLA) President Kristan Hawkins was back at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) recently after her last speaking tour stop was disrupted by violent protestors — and while the emergency medical services weren’t called this time, she certainly had an ‘unwelcome party’ ready for her. Members of the domestic terrorist group Antifa and pro-abortion students crowded into the room, passed around chant sheets (written specifically for Hawkins), screamed their hatred loudly, and several were ultimately arrested. Read more on what happened and watch videos of the disruption below:   

(In case you missed it, read another SFLA blog about Hawkins’ first visit to VCU entitled “Arrests Made & EMTs Called In Night of Antifa and Transgender Violence at VCU.”)  

After being invited back by the VCU Students for Life who really wanted to hear Hawkins speak but were denied that the first-time around by the abortion lobby’s hostility and a lack of proper police involvement, Hawkins’ take-two event at VCU was well-attended. Around 100 people showed up for her speech — and about 40 of those turned out to be pro-abortion protestors and local Antifa members.  

While Hawkins was put inside a “safety box” (a square of tape was laid around her podium and students were warned not to enter it), that didn’t stop other forms of disruption from happening. The first tell-tale sign that protestors were planning on disrupting the event occurred when a large group began to stack their row of chairs in order to create a standing space — because sitting down is much too civil. After doing so, they began talking about the speakers they had brought in with them and passing out ear plugs, as well as chant sheets.  

Yes, chant sheets — a page filled with typed chants for them to yell, several of which even called Hawkins by name. Here are three notable ones:  

  • Kristan Hawkins, why so shy? Why do you need armed guards to hide behind?” Gee, let’s think… maybe because the last time she was at VCU, multiple pro-lifers were assaulted and emergency medical services had to be called. That might have something to do with it.  
  • Kristan Hawkins is a bigot, watch her tears flow like a spigot.” Let’s give a hand to this unrecognized poetic genius and encourage them to spend more time on their art instead of intimidation. 
  • Snowflake Hawkins, what a loser. She can’t stand when we all boo her.” What’s really more “snowflake” though? Taking on a controversial issue that people like to brush under the rug and engaging in open discussions on it or essentially putting your fingers in your ears and singing la-la-la so you can’t hear something you disagree with?  
The chant sheet

Beyond chanting, protestors locked arms, blasted music on personal speakers and held signs — one of which featured a drawing of Baphomet and one of the tenets of The Satanic Temple: “Our body is inviolable, subject to one’s will alone.”  

While they were given a chance to sit down and be quiet, they refused and eventually the protestors were led out. When students began to refuse to leave, they were threatened with trespassing charges, and several were arrested despite being duly warned. One Twitter account reporting on the event stated that at least three Antifa members were arrested; in the video showing the arrest, however, one of the protestors claims four students were arrested for misconduct.  

SFLA Executive Vice President Tina Whittington who was present at the event said, “It shows just how weak of an abortion stance these protestors hold when they are unable to listen to opposing views.”  

While thankfully no one was injured at this event (unlike last time), it is still a sad judgement upon our culture today that pro-abortion students actively seek to censor free speech to the point of putting speakers in “safety boxes.”  If only we could keep preborn children safe that way.   

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