Discussions about Rep. Todd Akin were the focus of the Feminist Student Union’s meeting Monday night in the MU Women’s Center.
FSU held a meeting to record a video message directed toward Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo., questioning his comments about rape that have been subject to public scrutiny during the last few weeks.
The meeting drew dozens of interested students, many attending for the first time.
Akin made comments on a St. Louis morning show in August about the female body’s ability to prevent pregnancy during a “legitimate rape.”
Though his controversial comments on rape and abortion drew a media hailstorm, members of FSU said the video message will question a variety of his viewpoints and policies.
“An important thing to realize is that it is not just about his stance on reproductive health but other issues as well,” FSU secretary Paul Reeves said.
The logistics of sending Akin the video are still being discussed, but FSU co-chairwoman Claire Landry, said a direct response from Akin is not the main objective.
“(The video) is a tool to promote discussion,” Landry said. “The goal is to educate the public on (Akin’s) stances and his beliefs.”
Before the meeting, group members discussed their takes on Akin’s comments and other topics ranging from conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh to Brad Pitt.
Some FSU members said they did take offense to Akin’s comments about rape.
“I was shocked and offended when I read them,” Reeves said. “It was just completely appalling to me that anyone could say something like that or believe something like that, and that’s the type of person creating policy.”
The Republican Party has pressured Akin to step down from the race, but Akin is still on the ballot for November.
FSU President Nicole Silvestri said she thought women of all political parties were offended by these statements.
“I think that him refusing to back away at this point is out of pride, and it’s not necessary for him to back down because I truly believe that Missouri voters will make the right choice and vote for Claire McCaskill,” Silvestri said.
FSU does not try to influence its members’ voting preferences.
“(McCaskill) has my vote but that’s because of other policies,” Landry said. “We will not tell people who to vote for but as individuals we have our own opinions.”
Students can expect to see the video on YouTube and the FSU Facebook and Twitter pages in the next few weeks.
Any student can participate in the making of this video from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday in the Women’s Center.