Wednesday's plans to host a debate between national abortion activists changed at the last minute because of disagreements between the speakers and their student group sponsors.
Instead, there were two separate speeches: one arguing an anti-abortion agenda and another an abortion rights agenda, both sponsored by the Carolina Women's Center.
Scott Klusendorf, director of bioethics for Christian advocacy group Stand to Reason, spoke in Murphey Hall while the Rev. Katherine Ragsdale, a national board member for NARAL Pro-Choice America, was moved to Carrington Hall.
"Originally, we wanted this to be an opportunity where both speakers could present their views in one venue, and people could decide for themselves on this issue," said Chimi Boyd, assistant director of the center.
But after disagreements arose, the women's center was forced to search for an extra venue so that Ragsdale would still be able to present her side, Boyd said.
Erica Robinson, co-chairwoman of Voices for Planned Parenthood, said Ragsdale felt uncomfortable participating in the scheduled debate because Klusendorf did not have a legitimate argument and was using doctored pictures.
The debate was scheduled in March, but Klusendorf's request to use the pictures was brought to Ragsdale's attention a couple of days ago. "She wouldn't debate because he was using false materials as part of the argument," Robinson said.
Lauren Richards, a member of Carolina Students For Life, said the photos are not doctored. No compromises were made between the speakers, and Klusendorf decided he would not debate Ragsdale if she did not allow the use of his pictures.
Murphey Hall was reserved by Carolina Students for Life when they booked Klusendorf to come speak - before any debate plans had been discussed - and Boyd said the center was fortunate to be able to reserve Carrington Hall at the last minute.
