It’s that time of year again, folks – the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming and the Tate Center Plaza is packed with giant photos of bloody fetuses. Spring has officially arrived.

Monday’s graphic display is becoming an annual event on the University campus. Since 2007, a national, anti-abortion group named Justice for All has set up similar displays in the Tate Center.

Though the group’s choice of venue is unfortunate for those who were enjoying breakfast in the Bulldog Café, the plaza is a designated “free expression area” for protests and demonstrations. Therefore, regardless of our own personal views on abortion, we recognize Justice for All has a right to demonstrate on campus. We also support the First Amendment, which allows Justice for All and other controversial groups to make their voices heard.

That said, we think Monday’s display was utterly tasteless. The gory photos repulsed students who have weak stomachs and may have traumatized women who made the difficult decision to have an abortion.

Also, the disclaimer sign that read “Warning: Graphic Photos Ahead!” was useless due to its comparative size. Most passersby probably saw the huge, macabre images long before they noticed the tiny warning in front of the display.

It is our most sincere hope Justice for All will realize the limited effect of shock value – students can view a revolting photo only so many times before they become desensitized to it.

Thus the group’s decision to assail students with a panorama of gore is both garish and potentially counterproductive.

- Marcus Crawford for the editorial board