Some Daily Helmsman readers were shocked yesterday and offended by what they found in the newspaper box. Pro-life newsletters left by an unknown organization were placed throughout The University of Memphis campus.
"It's one thing to pass it out to individuals, but to just lay it around, that's offensive," said Marlon Young, a freshman criminal justice major. "To take advantage of the Helmsman, that's not right."
Human Life Alliance's Web site boasts over 30 million abortion and euthanasia publications distributed to date. They are also the creators of the "Think Outside the Box" and "Tired Yet" newsletters.
"We pay to have them inserted into school newspapers," said Jo Tolk, Agency Director. "We would not have stacks just sitting out like that. That takes away from the message," she said.
HLA has no idea what organization could have distributed the newsletters, but they will investigate the situation, Tolk said.
According to The University of Memphis Operating Procedures, any group, organization or individual desiring to distribute or sell literature must submit a written application at least 14 days in advance to the director of administrative and business services.
As of 4 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, there was no knowledge of a permit for the newsletters.
"I don't think material like that should be distributed on campus anyway," said Amy Gregory, a U of M graduate. "Especially under the guise of The Helmsman."
