UC Students Commemorate Human Rights Day

U.C. Berkeley
Berkeley CA
12/10/02
UC Berkeley Students hold candle light vigil tonight to commemorate Human Rights Day and to express opposition to war with Iraq. The demonstration organized by Berkeley Stop the War Coalition was held in Sproul Plaza and started at 5:00 PM.. Approximately 150 participants took time out from final exams to participate by lighting a candle and joining in discussion about Human Rights and the effort to prevent war with Iraq.
Lara Lebherz, a Peace and conflicts Study major said, “I’m happy that we can use beauty and peace to promote beauty and peace.” referring to the candle light ceremony. The Jr. from Los Aneles who works as a preschool teacher stated that she had a “gut feeling” that linked Human Rights with opposition to the war. “Even the 3 and 4 year olds I teach understand that peace is a basic right.” It’s sad the Administration (the Bush Administration) has lost sight of this basic human dignity”
Michael Smith, a Berkeley Stop the War Coalition member said he, “found it heartening that 150 students had turned out on a cold night during finals and show their solidarity with the people of Iraq.”
For or information on the Berkeley Stop the War Coalition go to <http://berkeleystopthewar.org/>