For Immediate Release: March 15, 2005

Chicago – This Tuesday, March 15, 2005, outside of Damen Hall, concerned students held a “die-in” to dramatize the effects of the Iraq War. This action was held by the Loyola Anti-War Network (LAWN) in order to draw attention to the continuing war in Iraq and to show solidarity with the people of that nation.

The action was held during the class break at 11:15am in order to have the students’ message be as visible as possible. Students from LAWN laid on the ground for roughly forty-five minutes holding signs that labeled them as representing “1,450 Dead US Soldiers,” “10,700 Wounded U.S. Soldiers,” and “100,000 Dead Iraqis.”

“This is an issue that has been concerning us for two years now and we cannot forget about it,” Matt Johnson, President of LAWN, said, “this war is an incredibly immoral act that we, as a Catholic Institution, should recognize as such. I hope that our action here today helps to keep this issue in the hearts of the Loyola Community.” The action was held on this day in order to advertise the fact that Saturday, March 19 is the second year anniversary of the invasion of Iraq by the United States. Other signs next to the bodies on the ground had phrases such as, “Iraqi Children Are Not ‘Collateral Damage!’” and, “2 Years and Still No WMD’s!” in dispute of the claim that Iraq had Weapons of Mass Destruction. The students hope to draw a large crowd of Loyola students to the large demonstration against the Iraq War downtown on Saturday. A contingent of Loyola students will be leaving at 10:30am from the St. Ignatius Statue near the Student Union.

Press Contact: antiwarluc (at) gmail.com