This past June 24th, the heartbreaking and short-sighted decision by the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade ended the longstanding federal constitutional right to an abortion. And yet again, three months after, a national abortion ban was introduced.
I firmly believe that this is, and has always been about controlling our bodies. It is important to note that it disproportionately impacts women of color, trans men, gender-nonconforming persons and those who are unable to economically access safe abortion.
While uncertainty about our agency abounds, I would like to take a moment to honor the fierce women that paved the road and those that continue to walk steadfast towards a world free of inequities, a world in which women have equal pay, control over our own bodies, and fundamental rights to autonomy and personal choice.
For more than 36 years, the Western Illinois University Women's Center has advocated for, and celebrated, women and the rights of women. While the Women's Center opened in Fall 1986, countless WIU students, faculty and staff were already providing organizations, resources and support for women. The center grew from a proposal submitted by Janice Welsch, English professor; Essie Rutledge, sociology professor; and other members of the Western Organization for Women to the Board of Governors by former Provost and Academic Vice President Sue Flemming.
It is because of these women that we are here today. They have provided the support and guidance so that the Women’s Center can continue to support the women at Western Illinois University. I thank English Professor Emerita (a-me-ri-tah) Maureen Magliocco for serving as the center's first part-time director.
In March 1988, Dr. Magliocco submitted an expanded program request for the Women's Center, demonstrating its need and benefits. Because of her dedication and persistence, the application resulted in the program being expanded to full-time status as the Office of Women's Resources and Programs in 1989. Linnea (Lee-neh-Ah) High was hired as the center's full-time director. Since that time, we have had the tremendous fortune of having strong female leaders serve as the director, along with phenomenal graduate assistants and ambassadors leading the center and its programs.
As I reflect on my five years of service at the Multicultural Center, home of the Women’s Center, I am grateful and honored that I had the opportunity to serve alongside fierce sheroes. Although my service has concluded, like these women, I will continue to work behind the scenes, ensuring that we support the rights of women and that we stand with, and for, choice and autonomy, including the choice for reproductive freedom and rights.
I urge everyone to continue to stay committed to sustaining a space for activism, solidarity, and access to knowledge.
While we process our thoughts, express our emotions, and stand up for our rights, let us channel and honor our fierce sheroes so that we may continue to dissent, especially standing in solidarity with the women of Iran.
In the words of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
Rocio Ayard-Ochoa is former director of the Multicultural Center at Western Illinois University.
The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the university or Tri States Public Radio.
Diverse viewpoints are welcomed and encouraged.