The walk out demonstration, organized by a group of grad/undergrad students, started at the Sun Dial at noon today. Speakers included professors with expertise on the Middle East, Iraq War veterans (IVAW members), and unreserved students (with reps from Lucha and Columbia Coalition Against the War).
At 2 PM, demonstrators surrounded the Alma Mater on Low Steps (hooded and holding electric wires, a painful reminder of the infamous Abu Ghraib photograph), linked arms, and stood silently for fifteen minutes in a nonviolent protest. Under urgent beckoning, administrators rushed by and watched the scene, ready for any sort of commotion that might arise. Meanwhile, a few organizers remained at the table and read out names of the dead in Iraq.
After the "human chain" broke, the crowd trickled back to the Sun Dial and listened to the name reading. Due to the heat from the burning sun, organizers dutifully passed around cups of water (and divestment petitions).
(Change your Facebook photos!)
In case you didn't already put the pieces together after listening to people read out names of the dead all week, read all about Columbia University's protest against the War in Iraq here, here, and here. PC members will be in attendace (our own Ryan Fukumori designed the flyers), so be on the lookout.
AAA's friends at Nodutdol are putting together a vigil in K-town over spring break. They've invited any of us to speak or give a statement; if you're interested, write to theblaaag@gmail.com.
March 19 Koreatown Vigil to Commemorate the 5th Anniversary of the U.S. Invasion of Iraq
Wednesday, March 19, 2008, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Plaza in front of Woori Bank, c/o 32nd St and 6th Ave, Manhattan
March 19, 2008 marks the beginning of the 6th year of war and occupation, senseless death and massive destruction.
Bush says
For more information - 718 335 0419
