On Tuesday, Sept. 24 the Winona State University Students for Reproductive Justice co-sponsored a screening of the film Preconceived (2024) which was held in the Science and Laboratory Center that evening. This event was sponsored in conjunction with many departments and groups such as: Gender Justice, the Women Gender & Sexuality Studies Program, the Undergraduate Nursing Department, and Film Studies.
Students from all over campus flooded the building and were described by bystanders as ‘flowing in like an ant trail.’ As students waited in line for complimentary pizza and soda they theorized about what could take place in the film and complimented the trifold and freebies given out at the table which advertised the club and its message.
One of the presidents of Students for Reproductive Justice, Karina Kpahn, was happy to see so many students in attendance. She had plenty of encouragement for those interested in joining.
“There are a lot of people here,” Kpahn said. “We are incredibly chill, our last meeting we played Jeopardy, and on the first we will be making signs for a rally [on] October sixth.”
First year students Luca Gfrerer and Quinn Larson, who are both enrolled in Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies classes, commented on the film.
“I think it sounded interesting, and we had a poster up in the quad saying to go to the movie tonight. I think it aligns with my personal views and I like to educate myself on my side and other people’s side.” Gfrerer said.
Besides Gfrerer, Quinn agrees on the film’s importance and many other students emphasized how effective the use of posters around campus are at building a crowd.
“It was something I was passionate about so I chose to come for my own reasons.” Quinn said.
One by one students put down their name for the prize drawing and entered the lecture hall. The film was about to start, but what exactly is this film about? As best put by LT Jordan, a professor in women and gender studies ‘This film depicts the deception of Crisis Pregnancy Centers’ they also heavily caution the student body–and anyone or that matter– to be vigilant for corrupt centers locally.
A hush fell over the crowd as the lights came down and the movie began. Throughout the film many loathsome statistics and stories from those who faced mistreatment and received improper medical care and misinformation were shared. The picture also featured testimonials from both CPC organizations and Planned Parenthood employees. Throughout the hall there was the hushed sound of discussion and audible expressions of disgust and disturbance. Despite the responses, these were only the sounds of people concerned for other people.
The lights came up and some sat in silence while others talked about the parts that stuck with them, and there was much to say. A discussion took place to let those in attendance know how they can carry on the fight against CPC centers, help those in compromising situations and raise awareness of the issue. Two representatives offered their perspectives and experience on the issue; The first being Lisa Gulya from Gender Justice and the latter being Emily Harrison from Catholics for Choice. When the main discussion concluded, many more carried out into the hallways.
“I’m really glad I did come, because I turned to Quinn at the end and was like, ‘Wow! This was actually a really good documentary and I definitely recommend it to people’.” Gfrerer said.
For information on upcoming meetings and activities, be on the lookout for posters advertising a cause a student might hold dear to their heart. To stay up to date with the WSU Students for Reproductive Justice by visiting their Facebook page or Instagram @wsu_reprojustice.
