News
Briefly
Calendar of Events
Commentary
Opinions
Sports
Diversions
One time, one night
Special Section
World News
Classifieds
Login
Letter Submission
Search
Archive
Publishing Policy
Mail Subscriptions
St. Cloud State University
College Publisher
Home
>
News
Peace events draw attention
By Carol Seavey
Published:
Thursday, November 7, 2002
Media Credit: Adam Masloski
Senior Heidi Anderson joined a room full of students Wednesday to make signs advocating peace. Anderson and many others will use these signs in today’s peace rally and march that will start on the Atwood Mall and finish in Barden Park.
Peace Week events have drawn attention from various people and organizations across campus.
Over 17 student organizations sponsored Peace Week. It was organized to inform students and faculty of the need for peaceful solutions regarding Iraq and to give them an opportunity to express their views of the issues.
“For one, we are in the learning process of what is happening to these children and families that live in Iraq,” said senior Krista Jensen. “It is our duty and obligation to the public to educate them about what the sanctions and potential war will do to the Iraqi people.”
The week’s events included numerous speakers focusing on different aspects of the possible war with Iraq as well as open forums for discussion. Some of the speakers attracted 70-100 people.
“There’s been an overwhelming response,” said Mell Currey, a senior art major who was a key organizer.
A booth in Atwood Memorial Center this week is providing information and offers a wall of posters with facts and opinions and invitations to sign protests.
“It’s been a tremendous challenge to get the word out about why we oppose war,” said Holly Santiago, a senior. “But, so far, the response that we’ve gotten has been positive and encouraging. More people have to know what we’ve learned.”
People oppose war with Iraq for various reasons, including the effect it will have on aid for Iraqi people, or the possibility of biological warfare.
“All this war would do would incite more hatred towards the American government and American people and spread more evil throughout the world,” said Chris Henkemeyer, senior.
SCSU is joining students at universities across the nation who are speaking out against the war.
“We felt the need to work in solidarity with those who are acting to promote peace and justice,” said Kaylo Brooks, who helped organize the event.
“I feel that it is extremely patriotic and democratic to speak out when we see our government acting in reckless manner,” said Brooks. “In fact, with this situation, it is our civil and moral duty to speak out; lives are dependent on our combined dissent.”
Now that the the Republican party has control of the House and Senate, there is more concern that decisions will be made in favor of war.
“It’s going to have some devastating impact,” said Currey.
“Regardless of what your opinion is politically, I think that either way you need to think of the consequences this means for everyone.” said Lisa Pung, senior. “There are peaceful resolutions.”
Students and community members young and old packed a room in the Education Building last night as they designed posters in protest of war. The posters were to be used at a rally and protest this afternoon.
