Author: Charlotte Strauss Swanson
Two women’s rights organizations, Global Rights of Women (GROW) and Voices for Planned Parenthood (VOX), have been established this year on Oxy’s campus for the first time.GROW is a global organization and is in affiliation with the Feminist Majority Foundation. VOX groups on college campuses across the country advocate for women’s rights, specifically women’s reproductive rights.
The groups come to campus at a time when Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin has been quoted saying, “It’s no secret that I’m pro-life. I don’t hide that, nor am I ashamed of that.” Republican Presidential nominee John McCain has also spoken against the critical abortion rights case Roe v. Wade.
This semester both GROW and VOX will be campaigning for the promotion of women’s rights. Specifically, they will target California’s state bills Propositions 4 and 8. The bills aim to limit rights for gay couples and women seeking abortions.”While there have been phone banks for abortion-related issues on campus in the past, there has never been an organized and consistent effort like this to work year-round for a woman’s right to control her own body,” Vice President of VOX Lindsay Kral (senior) said.
Proposition 4 has been drafted to assure parental notification 48 hours before a performed abortion on a minor. If another adult besides the parents are notified, then the minor will be required to report their parents to Child Services. Supporters of the proposition believe parental notification will force minors to seek adult guidance during pregnancy. Those opposed claim that parental notification will restrict the abortion process and that a woman’s right to choose will be under further surveillance.
Proposition 8 reads, “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California.” This bill seeks to revoke the Gay Marriage amendment passed in California in May of this year.
Gay rights activists claim that, if passed, Proposition 8 will threaten the progressive steps taken for marriage equality. Proponents argue that gay marriage is unconstitutional and never should have been permitted in the state of California.
VOX and GROW are encouraging voters to reject both propositions on election day, Nov. 4. Both groups are collaborating in campaigning efforts on- and off-campus. Members have been actively advocating against Proposition 4 and 8 on campus, and have been encouraging other students to join the campaigning efforts.
“We are planning several phone banks to take place on-campus, as well as tabling in the quad and volunteer recruitment to encourage students to attend our phone banks and the ones at Planned Parenthood’s downtown offices,” Kral said. “We are also trying to hold an informational fund-raiser house party to get people together to talk about these issues.”GROW is also planning activities on campus for students to get involved.
“We’re going to try to get a lot of speakers to come to campus, and probably screen a few movies, but most of our fall semester is going to be focusing on the campaigns,” President of GROW Ginger Grimes (sophomore) said.
As VOX and GROW are new organizations on campus, they welcome additional members. Volunteers are also needed for campaigning before and on Election Day.
To find out more about VOX contact Emily Phillips at ephillips@oxy.edu or Linni Kral at lkral@oxy.edu To learn more about GROW contact Ginger Grimes at ggrimes@oxy.edu.
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