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“We had even applied earlier this year than the previous year. We applied six weeks prior to when we wanted to hold the event and they made us answer lots of questions and fill out paperwork. We did everything they asked, but a few days ago they said unless we can come up with this amount of money in this short time to pay for the event, then you can’t have it, which is as good as denying us approval because we’re students. We can’t afford that kind of fee.”

Nicol said the club shouldn’t be forced to pay for dealing with the potential misconduct of people who would violate the university’s code of student behaviour by obstructing, disrupting and shutting down their message.

“The university is scared of other people breaking the rules. For them, it’s just easier to make us go away so they don’t have to deal with those rule-breakers.”

Nicol acknowledged the display would have shown graphic images. “They’re disturbing because the reality of abortion is disturbing,” she said. “That’s what abortion looks like and shouldn’t we take that into account when we’re having a discussion about whether or not we should allow it in a civilized society.”

Wendy Rodgers, deputy provost at the U of A, said the anti-abortion club went through the same consideration process that any group planning an event goes through.

“If you want to hold your event, there’s always conditions placed on events, such as if they want buildings or tents or fires or whatever it is they might want, including security that can wrap up into a fee,” Rodgers said.

The club could take measures to reduce the risk and, in turn, the security fee, such as moving the event from the wide-open quad outdoor area to a more easily secured indoor venue, she said.

“We’re willing to work with them if they want to reduce the cost associated with their event, but we do have to ensure the safety of those students themselves as well as the rest of the students who happen to be on north campus at the time of the event.”

bmah@postmedia.com

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