By Casey Russell
The BYU College Democrats have official authorization to hold a peace rally on BYU campus during commencement on April 26, in protest of Vice President Dick Cheney”s invitation to speak.
The rally is planned to encourage BYU students to go forth and establish peace and use their education to serve the world.
“The peace rally went through all the proper channels,” said Carri Jenkins, BYU spokeswoman. “It will last two hours and it will be a silent demonstration with no outside speakers.”
The demonstration is scheduled to take place April 26 at noon on the corner of Bulldog Boulevard and Canyon Road. The first location was requested in close proximity to the Marriott Center, but was denied due to security measures.
“Our current location was chosen because it is both a high traffic area where we can easily interact with the public, but it is also far enough from the Marriott Center that it will not detract from graduation day,” said Genavee Stokes, spokeswoman for BYU College Democrats.
Stokes wanted to make it clear that the club does not intend to be obtrusive to the planned ceremonies.
“Planning an event that does not detract from the special nature of graduation has been one of our top priorities,” Stokes said. “We are planning a quiet, unobtrusive event.”
However, BYU College Republicans worry that the demonstration will interfere and detract from the ceremony.
“At the very least they will distract, change the environment, change the feelings and take the focus from graduating seniors,” said David Lassen, Chair of the BYU College Republicans.
While there is talk of having an alternative commencement ceremony, BYU does not plan to sponsor such an event. If it is to be organized off campus, it will not be affiliated with BYU, Jenkins said.
“We want to make it very clear that BYU will hold one commencement ceremony on our campus for our graduates and we have not received a request nor will we be approving an alternative request for commencement on our campus,” Jenkins said. “They [BYU College Democrats] have requested to hold a demonstration at the Helaman Halls corner, but the College Democrats are not associated with those who are talking about an alternative commencement.”
The university does not anticipate any problems with the demonstrators, and does not have any plans for increased security to deal with protestors. Jenkins said the university has had no problems working with the BYU College Democrats and communication has been very open. Usually protestors are not a problem and they stay within the areas they are assigned, said Jenkins.
“BYU”s administration has been amazingly supportive of our various endeavors. We are extremely grateful for their willingness to work with us,” Stokes said.
Both the BYU College Democrats and the BYU College Republicans want to make sure the commencement ceremony still runs smoothly and the focus is on the graduating seniors.
“I hope that we can get away from politicizing the event and focus on the commencement,” Stokes said. “It can hopefully be a positive experience for all of us,” Lassen said.
