More vandalism was discovered at the University of Buffalo Students for Life group’s Cemetery of the Innocents display yesterday, when after two previous acts of vandalism and two arrests, a group of eight individuals were caught destroying the property.
Students from UB Students for Life who were keeping a watchful eye on the display after the initial attacks witnessed a small group of angry women forming at the display. Two began to rip up the crosses, and someone described as “older, at least 40 years old, and possibly a faculty member” reportedly yelled “Hey ladies, let’s start a riot.” This incited six more people to begin tearing up the crosses, which continued until campus police arrived.
The individuals caught were referred to the student judiciary for punishment, rather than being charged with an actual crime, unlike one of the students arrested yesterday. Jake DiVeronica is facing criminal charges and took to Facebook today to admit to a UB atheist group his involvement in the vandalism:
“Several students have been arrested for interfering with it. (Myself included). I merely kicked one of the crosses over when I thought nobody was around and was cuffed for 5 hours and charged.”
University of Buffalo Students for Life members have real concern regarding the future treatment of their organization by the Student Association. It is believed that the SA met late last night to discuss the numerous vandalisms, and at least two students expressed fear that the school will use the attacks as an excuse to limit the ability of the group to operate on campus – essentially further victimizing the victims. This is reminiscent of previous attempts by the SA to prevent students from organizing an SFL group on campus and if true, may segue into a larger judiciary suit.
The only bit of good news to come from these terrible events are captured pictures of some of the vandals, which were taken from a surveillance tape of the attacks.
Students for Life at UB urge any students who think they may recognize these vandals to contact campus police, and Students for life of America urges all students and pro-life supporters to call the University of Buffalo and tell them know that you support UB Students for Life and their right to be on campus. Let them know that these acts of vandalism are wrong, and they need to do something to protect the free speech of pro-lifers on campus! Call the UB Department of Student Activities at (716)-645-2055 or UB Student Activities Head, Kerry Spicer, at (716) 645-2055.
