College Community Rallies Support for Victims of Genocide in Darfur

5/1/2006

Students, faculty and staff from the University of Mount Saint Vincent and Academy of Jewish Religion took part in the Save Darfur: Rally to Stop Genocide event held on the National Mall in Washington D.C. Sunday, April 30, 2006.

The College community has been engaged in the Million Voices for Darfur campaign. The campaign is a nationwide advocacy initiative designed to encourage U.S. Leaders to take steps to end the genocide.  In addition to raising awareness, the Million Voices campaign hopes to generate one million postcards to be sent to President Bush asking him to fulfill a pledge to support a stronger multinational force to protect the Darfuri people.  According to the United Nations, more than 400,000 people have died as a result of the genocide sponsored by the Sudanese government which has left millions more homeless and hungry.

“Our mission and heritage compel us to seek an end to injustice and violence.  As a community of learners and scholars, we have an obligation to prepare future leaders to create a safe and secure world,” said Sr. Cecilia Harriendorf, Director of Campus Ministry and organizer of the College’s Darfur response.   Mount Saint Vincent will provide transportation to Washington for any student, faculty or staff member who wishes to participate.