Pro-Choice Protesters | Jamie Naylor | The Wright State Guardian
Speaking out against the recent Supreme Court decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson case that sent reproductive decision-making back to states, pro-choice protesters led by a Wright State University student peacefully express beliefs in Fairborn demonstration.
The Protest
The recent Supreme Court decision overturned two reproductive rights cases including Roe v. Wade, removing federal protections of reproductive care, and letting each state decide laws on the topic.
Ohio officials quickly moved to remove the injunction against the state’s Heartbeat Law that outlaws abortion procedures after six weeks. The injunction was overturned and the law was reinstated, causing a state-wide response.
Armed with only words and signs, the pro-choice protesters gathered in downtown Fairborn at the corner of North Central Avenue and East Main Street.
The event began with a short march down Main Street with the protesters returning to the street corner to wave signs with slogans such as, “women’s rights are human rights” and “keep your laws off my body” and shouted phrases like “my body, my choice” while oncoming traffic responded with horn beeping in agreement and dissent.
WSU Student Organizer
The protest was organized by Wright State African American Studies student, Anya (A) Tassy and the organization, Inclusive Fairborn.
Tassy organized the event to show community support and to provide a safe space for citizens to release their emotions regarding the recent Supreme Court decision.
“ It's [the protest] a good way to let people get their reactionary anger out,” Tassy said.
Students at the Protest
Among the crowd, several WSU students expressed their beliefs, including psychology students Brooke Severino and Lindsey Shaffer along with music education major Richard Meyers.
These students attended the event to express their displeasure at the Court decision and beliefs on abortion laws and legal battles.
Severino explained that she was sad and even cried when the Dobbs v. Jackson's decision was released. Despite his gender, Meyers added, he was also displeased at the decision.
“I know I’m not a female but I still don’t think it’s right [the decision],” Meyers said.
These young activists hope that expressing their beliefs will inspire change.
“Going forward I hope that they listen. I hope someone listens, I hope Ohio listens,” Severino said.
University Reaction to Supreme Court
Dr. Matthew Chaney, vice president for inclusive excellence for WSU, sent a statement via a campus-wide email, acknowledging the Supreme Court decision and Ohio’s reaction to it.
“As we process this news together, we recognize and acknowledge that this change to policy can deeply impact the health and mental well-being of our faculty, staff, and students,” the email states.
The email went on to explain the various campus resources to assist students, faculty and staff including Counseling and Wellness.
You can read more on the Dobbs v. Jackson case and its effect on Ohio here.
