University News

Message from MCC & Women's Center

June 28, 2022

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Dear Friends and Allies,

As we shared on May 11 (bit.ly/WIUMCCWomensRightsMay2022) when the leak emerged about the Supreme Court discussion to overturn Roe v. Wade, we re-shared this message on June 24 following the heartbreaking and short-sighted decision by the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade. For more than 36 years, the Western Illinois University Women's Center has advocated for, and celebrated, women and the rights of women, and we will continue.

The WIU Women's Center, the WIU Multicultural Center, and others will not accept this decision quietly. We are beginning to plan events that coincide with Women's Equality Day (Aug. 26) and more for the 2022-2023 school year. We support the rights of women at WIU, and across the state, the nation and the world. We stand with, and for, choice and autonomy, including the choice for reproductive freedom and rights.

We will continue to fight for women's equality, autonomy, access, and choice. We will continue to stay committed to sustaining a space for activism, solidarity, and access to knowledge, while also ensuring we are here for the most vulnerable: women of color and gender nonconforming people. In Illinois, we are lucky (at the present) that women continue to have access to choice and have reproductive freedom. Our sisters in other states are not so fortunate. We must stand together. Write your local state and federal representatives and senators and tell them to keep a woman's right to reproductive freedom and choice available, and to ensure equitable access to reproductive, women's and maternal healthcare. Volunteer and/or donate to Planned Parenthood and similar organizations. Amplify your voices at rallies and events, and work with like-minded individuals and organizations to be the change we want to see in this world.

While we process our thoughts, channel our emotions, and stand up for our rights, if you need a quiet place to reflect, or if you need to go somewhere to talk about how you can help, please stop by the Multicultural Center. Someone is there, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., most weekdays during the summer months. We have stickers, literature, and more to share, along with great books and resources that can provide more information.

We understand people are entitled to their personal beliefs and values; however, those beliefs and values should not rob others from their rights. If you believe in a person's right to make decisions about their own body including reproductive rights and would like help with planning our upcoming events, please complete this form (https://form.jotform.com/221783924838064).

Thank you for your support and advocacy. We look forward to working with the WIU community and beyond to ensure equity for women at our University, in our communities and beyond.

Yours in Solidarity,

Rocio Ayard Ochoa, Director & Carl Ervin, Associate Director, WIU Multicultural Center

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing