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Coach Hosts War Vigil
By Emily Clifton '08
STAFF WRITER

Political activism is something with which Sweet Briar is not often faced, unlike large campuses in big urban areas where protests, vigils and lobbying are quite common. In fact, many students may be surprised that such events occur at Sweet Briar at all with regard to politics.

The legality of such efforts is called into question when they involves institutions of learning. Sweet Briar is considered a non-profit organization, and therefore must refrain from endorsing partisan behavior. But that does not mean protests and vigils cannot occur.

Dean Green believes that political and social activism is a natural component of college life. “This is the time when students have the best opportunity to become engaged in a meaningful discourse that likely includes views that challenge their previous experience and inclinations.”

He also pointed out that most college students also matriculate at the same time they become eligible to vote, saying that students’ “newfound suffrage combined with an informed forum addressing political and social issues is an ideal starting point for active participation in the broader community.” A few weeks ago Jennifer Crispen, head field hockey coach and associate professor of athletics, organized a vigil to commemorate the soldiers who have died in the ongoing war effort, and to pray for those soldiers who are still working hard overseas. It did not seek to lay any blame for the war.

The vigil was also part of a larger vigil occurring simultaneously across the nation. Sponsored by moveon.org, Sweet Briar’s event was registered and publicly posted for the community to attend.

The moveon.org vigils were first instated when 1000 troops lost their lives in the war. When the mark reached 2000, another was held. This past March marked the 4th anniversary of the war, and the toll has now reached 3,246 deaths.

Unlike a lot of events, the vigil was not advertised through campus mail or webmail. This was part of an attempt to ensure that the event be non-partisan. But despite the lack of advertising, there was a large group in attendence at the vigil. Chaplain White, many professors, staff, students, and local community members were present to honor those lost.

Prayers for peace from many different faiths were read, alternating with memorial quotes from family members of troops who have died in Iraq or in the aftermath of the trauma they suffered in the war. Chaplain Adam White commented that “the vigil was a time to mourn with all who have suffered; the suffering experienced by those who support the war, those who do not support the war, the soldier, the widowed, the orphan, the innocent, the refuge, and everyone touched by implications of violence everywhere. Readings and prayers from the world's religions reflect a shared belief that the Creator intends peace for the world, and as such, peace should be our highest ideal."

The chaplain was especially impressed by the fact that "rather than being an act of 'political activism,' it was an act of 'human activism.' The community of people who gathered that Monday evening was united in the belief that all loss of life is tragic, and the unnecessary loss of life is even more tragic. There was no mention of political affiliation or past or present administrations.”

The vigil received much support from the attending students, many of whom have been very involved in the past. Michelle Badger ’06, who now works in admissions, attended a larger vigil on the preceding Saturday that took place in Washington, D.C.

There is much controversy about the place of activism in the community, and it is often difficult to speak out for what is believed without hurting the parties that are involved.

“To be against war, but not diminish sacrifices the military makes—there is much controversy. Often loved ones of military members equate being against the war as not supporting soldiers,” explained Jennifer Crispen. “Contention of liberalism is the historic role of institutions such as Sweet Briar,” added Crispen, inviting the Sweet Briar community to take a stand.

The recent vigil was a “sensitive demonstration of will to bring an end to the current war with no references to neither political ideology nor leadership,” said Dean Green.

It was the third vigil of this particular movement, and will surely continue in the future. Students are invited to attend the next one in March of 2008.