‘Absolutely diabolical’: Liverpool students on new SU approved Pro-Life society

Students at the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University have voiced concerns around the new Pro-Life Society, which operates between both Liverpool universities.

Statements from both the University of Liverpool and LJMU outlined how the society was unable to be dissolved after a petition to “ban” it reached over 14,000 signatures.

Liverpool students have since spoken out about the society, branding it as “absolutely diabolical” and “inappropriate”.

Last month, the new Pro-Life Society was established across the student body at both the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores university, and was met with calls for it to be dissolved.

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In a joint statement, the University of Liverpool and Liverpool Guild of Students acknowledged students’ responses calling for the society to be dissolved, detailing that all societies across the university body are required to follow the same code of conduct, no matter the aims or interests of their student group. LJMU and JMSU released a similar statement on the same day.

Both students’ unions explained they were “unable to turn down the society”.

Students have since branded the new society as “absolutely diabolical” and “bewildering”, with some publicly declaring their frustrations, stating that “no woman should be made to feel unsafe at uni”.

One student, Freya, told The Liverpool Tab how “the pro-life society completely defies the objective of a university society”.

The University of Liverpool student added how she believed the society was “segregating” and questioned the committee being made up of two male identifying students: “The pro-life society seems to be segregating individuals. It just feels entirely inappropriate… [with] further salt in the wound being that the societies committee includes two men-who will never be affected by women’s reproductive rights”.

Another student, Margot*, had a similar opinion on the committee. She said: “The fact there is a society with men in its committee and as part of the society as a whole is a very terrifying concept, because it might just be abortion currently, but who knows what other abhorrent beliefs and ideals they have about women.

“It seems like they are not pro-life but only pro-birth”, she added.

The Pro-Life Society previously shared a “meet the committee” post on Instagram, but it’s most recent post acknowledged some of this backlash. Posting a photo of the group eating a meal, faces of members of the society are covered with emojis.

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A post shared by Liverpool Pro-Life Society (@liverpoolprolife)

Using the Westlife song Nothing’s Going To Change My Love For You on the post, the caption thanked attendees for coming and read: “Enjoy the song, dedicated to our haters”. Comments on the society’s Instagram page are currently turned off.

Liverpool students have voiced how they believe further responsibility needs to be taken by the executive bodies across both universities involved in the creation of the Pro-Life Society. Speaking about the wider movement, another Liverpool student, Joe*, expressed an opinion that “the pro-life movement and belief is one that fosters hate for women at its core.

“If there is a place for such a society [on campus] then I feel that the boundary of what is acceptable has become blurred. What pother hateful groups will the university tolerate?”

Joe added that he expected action to be taken by both universities and students’ unions: “I do not accept the universities stance on this issue, and I would like further action to be taken”.

Asha*, another student at UoL, echoed similar opinions, concluding: “I think that the university not putting an end to the Pro-Life Society, despite tens of thousands of their own students pleas, is very ignorant.

“The fact that it is manned by two males, who literally have no right to this opinion, is bewildering”.

Created by third year LJMU student, Lilly Crisp, the online petition labelled “Ban ‘Pro-Life’ Society at Liverpool John Moores University and University of Liverpool” has now received over 14,000 signatures.

An Instagram account was also set up to promote the petition, with an aim to encourage both universities to “condemn” and dissolve the student society with immediate effect.

Comments left under the online petition argued the importance of “my body, my choice”, with one student writing “It should always be the woman’s choice with what she wants to do with her own body.”

The comment continued: “I find it very strange, controlling and sexist that anyone thinks that they can have any say in what a woman wants to do with her body.”

The decision from both universities and their students’ unions was on the basis that all societies across the university body are required to follow the same code of conduct, no matter the aims or interests of their student group. It is only if this society “breaks the law” that action can be taken.

Liverpool Guild of Students said: “We are committed to ensuring that the Guild remains a safe space for all students and that our members are supported.

“Following the registration of the Pro-Life Society, students have shared their views, and we appreciate you reaching out directly to us to share your opinions on how it impacts you and the wider student community.

“We recognise that the majority of people support the right to choose an abortion in the UK, something that was reflected in the result of our 2019 referendum, where students voted in favour for the Guild being pro-choice, so we understand some members are angry at the existence of the society.

“As a Students’ Union we are bound by law in ensuring fair access to resources, participation in activities and the formation of groups for all members, regardless of their lawful views. All Students’ Unions have a requirement to protect free speech that means that even if our members democratically decide that they do not wish to approve a particular society we would be unable to act on that direction.

“All our societies must follow the Code of Conduct to ensure that they create an environment where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect and act within the law. We have clear processes and procedures if this isn’t upheld, and our staff team work closely with the societies to ensure this.

“Since our initial statement, and the registration of the society, our members have submitted an application to start a Pro-Choice Society which has now been approved. We have met with the society who are working closely with teams in the Guild to get started on activities, events and campaigns. You can find out more about the society here.

“We want the Guild to continue to be a safe space for all students and the Guild Advice service offer any students who needs support non-judgemental, confidential advice that empowers them to make the right decision for themselves. Any incidents of hate crime should be reported and as a hate crime reporting centre, we offer students support in the process.

If you are a student at the University of Liverpool and feel you have been affected by any of the issues discussed, you can find support here.

Liverpool John Moores University student support is available here, and Liverpool Hope University students can find support here.

Liverpool Pro-Life Society organisation declined to comment. 

The University of Liverpool, LJMU and JMSU were contacted for comment  

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Featured image via Google Maps and Instagram @liverpoolprolife

*Names have been changed at request to protect students’ anonymity