UPDATE: This article has been updated to more clearly depict the nature and location of the events scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 12.
In light of recent unrest surrounding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Southeastern Democratic-Republicans and the Social Issues Forum will host a “Melt The ICE” demonstration on Thursday, Feb. 12, inviting the SLU student body to participate.
Lyndsie Davis, the president of the Southeastern Democratic-Republicans, said the organizations want to create space for civic commentary on what they view as ICE’s violations of constitutional amendments during the agency’s immigration enforcement raids across the country. The ICE-involved killings of Minnesotans Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti have been met with nationwide backlash.
“When you stand on American soil, citizen or not, you have the right to enjoy all of the benefits of the Bill of Rights,” Davis said. “They are infringing upon those rights. They are violating our amendments. They are desecrating our Constitution.”
While the demonstration aims to stand against ICE’s actions, Davis said it also seeks to make this campus a safe space for international students.
“International students feel so unsafe in our country, and we have created this fear. We are trying to make this a safe space for them, too. This is their home as well,” she said.
The demonstration will begin at 11 a.m. outside the Student Union. Guest speakers will host students and officers from both organizations, including Davis, Sundi Griffin, and Danica Humphreys. Jonathan Varnado, an instructor of criminal justice, is also scheduled to speak in the on-campus program.
Students interested in delivering a speech may submit one to Davis. Submissions will be accepted until 5 p.m. today.
The on-campus demonstration will conclude promptly at 4 p.m., following which demonstrators will relocate off-campus with a University Police Department escort. Participants will gather in the green area located across from the Computer Science and Technology Building.
Speakers at the off-campus portion of the program will include Lauren Jewett, a candidate for Louisiana’s 1st congressional district, and additional representatives from the League of Women Voters, 10,000 Women Louisiana, NAACP, Indivisible and the Tangi Democrats & Progressives. Davis will also offer concluding remarks.
Before the demonstration, the organizations will host a “Melt The ICE” sign-making event today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Union Breezeway. Supplies will be provided, however participants are encouraged to bring their own as well.
In addition to the sign-making event, the Social Issues Forum will host an open discussion on ICE tonight from 5-6 p.m. in Fayard Hall room 236.
For more information, visit the SLU Democratic-Republicans’ Instagram and the Social Issues Forum’s Instagram.
