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"Stump The Pro-Lifers"


So this flier greeted me as I walked into NCMC this morning. After calming down a bit, and then calming down some more, I sent the following message to the President of the College, as well as other members of the Administration.

Hi there. I'm writing to voice my robust displeasure with the upcoming "Stump The Pro-Lifers" presentation on 17 March in the NCMC Library. I don't believe that the promotion of a religious perspective that is largely bereft of scientific validity and reliability is the path the College should follow by allowing this presentation to happen on the grounds of the College. 

 While the people at Gaslight Media -- an apt name were there ever one -- are portraying this presentation to be a spirited "Q&A" where all beliefs are welcome, both presenters have such clear belief systems that any evidence-based discussion will quickly grind to a halt. Here's an example of one of the speakers expressing her belief system in action at an Alpena parish, where such a presentation would be more relevant:

 https://is0.gaslightmedia.com/dioceseofgaylord/original/fs70-1547759883-09983.pdf

 Furthermore, while the pamphlet states that the NCMC presentation will be a place to voice opinion, it is a dangerous precedent to set at an institute of higher learning when faith-based opinions are equated with evidence-based scientific data. It also portrays the two presenters as experts on the topics presented, when there are no academic credentials to justify expert status for either presenter. 

With respect to expert status, I have taught Human Sexuality for over two decades, and have consulted with Planned Parenthood and the Guttmacher Institute to provide our students with evidence-based products and policies related to abortion for the purposes of thinking critically about a sensitive subject. As such, it's personally offensive to me that a glib opinion-driven presentation, presented in College facilities and therefore tacitly endorsed by the College, will be given any sunlight at all to incubate and inculcate a faith-based agenda. 

 My recommendation as an academic professional, hired and promoted by this College, is to cancel this event as soon as possible. If we do not cancel this event, I would recommend that we strongly reconsider allowing events of this nature to happen in the future. Thanks for your time.

Now, will this go anywhere but in the digital toilet? Of course not. But I felt like I had to say something. I hope you feel that way too.

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