Students observe pro-life silence

In the name of saving lives, a small group of Colfax High School students Tuesday observed a day of silence for fetuses taken by abortion. As of Monday afternoon, four students had submitted permission slips from parents for the observance which called for them to remain silent except for brief periods during the day.

The students wore armbands made of red duct tape to signify the event.

All the Colfax school staff and student body were informed of the event Oct. 15 in a staff meeting and a school-wide announcement.

Students at schools around the U.S. were silent for the Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity, a world-wide event started by a U.S. pro-life Christian activist group out of Troy, Ohio, Stand True Ministries.

Stand True Ministries founder Bryan Kemper claimed 59 women last year did not have abortions after witnessing the day of solidarity.

Colfax high school counselor Krista Boyd said every school district she has worked in has had issues with teenage abortion and unwanted pregnancies.

“In every district I’ve ever worked at it has been an issue,” Boyd said. “As long as we have boys and girls….”

Kemper said some students who have already gotten an abortion or are considering an abortion might feel guilty, but that does not outweigh abortions the event has prevented.

“Unfortunately, yes, people might feel a little bit guilty. But the fact that 59 lives were saved, kids, outweighs the guilt someone might feel,” Kemper said.

Boyd said the students putting this on are thoughtful.

“They’re not out to hurt anyone or disrespect anyone,” she said. “So far, there have not been any problems. Of course, we’ll be on full alert as will our full staff.”

Colfax High Principal Gary Weitz pointed out the event is not sanctioned by the school.