In a repeat of a demonstration that occurred in November, Youth Protecting Youth, a pro-life club at the University of Victoria, planted thousands of flags on campus.
According to a release by the group, each flag represented 10 pre-born children who are aborted in Canada every year.
The demonstration was protested by numerous students, including several who took down the flags and some who reportedly walked around topless.
A few students are walking around topless, cheered on by the anti-demonstration protesters. #UVic
— Cormac O'Brien (@cormacfobrien) February 22, 2018
A couple of students who attempted to take the flags away were confronted by Saanich PD but ultimately allowed to leave with the materials.
Two students tried to take the flags away – Saanich PD followed, informing students taking the flags that they could be arrested for theft. #UVic
— Cormac O'Brien (@cormacfobrien) February 22, 2018
Saanich PD allowed the students to take the flags, will let the university and YPY follow up themselves. #UVic
— Cormac O'Brien (@cormacfobrien) February 22, 2018
In total, the flags were up for around 3-4 hours.
The University stated on Facebook that “a space booking request was submitted to UVic by Youth Protecting Youth (YPY) in accordance with the policy and processes for outdoor space use by student clubs. YPY is currently a club in good standing, and the designated space requested was available for use on the day.”
Youth Protecting Youth
In 2013, YPY made headlines for being banned from hosting outdoor demonstrations on campus after members allegedly harassed students at previous events.
Today’s demonstration also prompted some backlash from UVic students on social media, with students expressing their “disappointment” and “disgust” that YPY were allowed to repeat their demonstration.
UVic responded to concerns by saying that “The Office of Student Life has set up a drop in at the Welcome Centre in the University Centre. UVic staff are there to answer your questions and help direct you to support.”
