Ukraine symposium, peace rally held on SIU campus
CARBONDALE, Ill. (KFVS) - Dozens gathered on the Southern Illinois University campus in Carbondale for a peace rally and to learn more about the Russian invasion in Ukraine on Wednesday evening, March 16.
“I wanted to show my support for Ukraine, I’m half Ukrainian, my dad is fully Ukrainian of course, my grandma, they immigrated here from Ukraine,” said Barbara Smith
At the peace rally held at the Saluki Alumni Plaza on the SIU campus, Smith had the Ukrainian Flag in her hands the whole time.
“I’m just so proud of the support from the university, for all these speakers who have come out here, especially the student from Ukraine, she was very inspiring.” said Smith
She mentions how Ukrainians just want to find safety from the war.
“This war shows that it’s not about the soldiers being killed, but innocent women and children that just want to be safe.” said Smith
One graduate student, who is studying political science, said he is worried about his home country’s safety, which is south of Ukraine.
“Unless we’re going to increase our support for other countries that are vulnerable meaning countries that are also bordering Russia, for example I’m from Georgia and it is very concerning for me to what could possibly happen to Georgia,” said SIU political science student Dachimazanal Macanalivisihili.
He attended the rally to let people know about current developments In Ukraine.
Macanalivisihili believes the power of technology could play a significant role in fighting the war.
“I believe that this is not the war that is going to be resolved only by the governments. We have amazing technologies that will allow us to raise our voices and sort of impact the action and impact everyday lives of the Ukrainians,” said Macanalivisihili.
In addition to the rally, a free symposium about the war in Ukraine was held at SIU’s Morris Library.
This took place before the peace rally.
The director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute led the discussion.
Speakers talked about Ukraine’s history, Russia’s interest there and the world’s response to the invasion.
The symposium was also live streamed on SIU’s YouTube page, which can be viewed here.
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