Yesterday sixteen youth and student organizations, representing millions of young people across the country, launcheda campaign pledging to stand against the so-called “war on terrorism.” The National Youth and Student PeaceCoalition.

Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, in a groundbreaking move, the students, faculty, and staff of Hampshire College adopteda resolution last week condemning the so-called “War on Terrorism.” Saying “military action will never put an end tointernational terrorism,” the widely supported statement called for “the resumption of effective independenthumanitarian aid in Afghanistan, and the immediate halt to the U.S. military action that prevents it.”

The statement continued: “We call for a U.N.-led effort to establish in Afghanistan a democratic and multi-ethnicgovernment, respectful of the rights of women. Furthermore, we demand that the Hampshire administration join us inresisting any arbitrary and unfair law-enforcement invasion of our own community, especially efforts targetinginternational students and campus activists.”

And it concluded: “We must, in the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., 'rededicate ourselves to the long and bitter -but beautiful–struggle for a new world,' a world where hunger, war, and economic injustice are eliminated. This wayalone leads to safety, security, and lasting peace.”

The Hampshire College resolution—sponsored by Hampshire Students for a Peaceful Response —is believed to the firstsuch decision by a college community in the US. The vote was won by 693 to 121, but those who opposed it have beenencouraged by the college to speak out.

Guests:

• Arnab Chakrabarty, Senior, Hampshire College, Member of Student Government (Opposes vote).
• Justin Jackson, Fourth-Year, Hampshire College Students for a Peaceful Response.
• Kierra Johnson, The National Youth and Student Peace Coalition.
• Bill Lascher, Senior, Oberlin College.