Social relations and policy sophomore Connor Meston uses a bullhorn during a protest demonstration against the vote on war in Syria, Sept. 9, 2013, in front of the parking structure, behind Bessey Hall. The students stood in the rain to protest the impending vote by congress on whether or not to pursue war in Syria. Danyelle Morrow/The State News
A massive banner hung from the parking ramp next to Bessey Hall yesterday that read, “No War with Syria” and loomed over a small group of students protesting on the lawn.
Duncan Tarr, a jazz studies and history sophomore, said the group of students was protesting because of the potential vote by Congress to send military action into Syria.
The latest update from Agence France-Presse on the issue said that the U.S. is welcoming a move by Syria to give up chemical weapons, as suggested by Russia.
“We think a violent intervention in Syria is wrong,” Tarr said. “The United States hasn’t pursued diplomatic means, and jumping into a military solution is an awful risk.”
Still, some hope their protests were not needed.
“If Syria agrees to give up chemical weapons, then there will be no need to strike because there will be nothing needed to deter Assad’s regime from using chemical weapons,” international relations senior Anas Attal said.
Andrew Gibson, a political theory and constitutional democracy sophomore and one of the leaders in the protest, said the group’s main focus is much larger than informing people just about Syria.
“We are worried about the wider ramifications involving not only Syria, but Russia and China as well,” Gibson said.
Students from all different grades and majors joined in the protest, which was organized a few days prior to the event, history education senior Noah Saperstein said.
“We are protesting mainly to raise awareness. If we do nothing, we are complacent in society,” Saperstein said. “We want to get more media coverage than just MSU because it has more of a message if there are many groups across the nation that are involved. If Congress votes to take military action, this protest would turn into a campaign.”
The conflict continues to receive widespread international coverage.
Along with the large banner that was ordered to be taken down by MSU police, the students also had many hand-made signs reading “Spartans stand together against unjust wars,” “Ignorance is strength” and “Draw red lines at home.”
Early in the protest, chants could be heard from a megaphone such as “What do we want? Peace!” “When do we want it? Now!” and “Stay out of Syria!” However, the megaphone quickly was placed on the ground when local officials informed the group they did not have a proper permit to use such materials.
MSU police Sgt. Florence McGlothian-Taylor said that the group was extremely cooperative once they were informed of the university rules. She said the main priority was to avoid distracting other students from their studies.
“Classes are going on, so we have to make sure that the other students on campus are not disturbed,” McGlothian-Taylor said.
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