Peace activists set up home base in Houston

Since the U.S. officially declared war against Iraq at 8 p.m. last Wednesday, the Class of 1966 Reading Room in Houston Hall has become a 24-hour anti-war zone.

The room's doors are plastered with images of international protest scenes, once bare walls are now covered in banners and signs bearing peace slogans, and informational pamphlets are posted on everything, including the backs of chairs.

"People are talking and debating the war itself," College senior Arshad Hasan said. "The world is engaging the U.S. on this. We have made the whole world get up and say, 'This has got to stop.'"

"We want people to learn about issues surrounding the war," said Penn Students Against War in Iraq member Prem Tumkosit, a College sophomore. "We have an informational and educational role."

The setup, sponsored by PSAWI, a campus organization formed in mid-January, includes a wide range of stations and exhibits -- an area for crafting peace armbands, displays of photographs taken by students who have been to Iraq that are available for students to take, a table of food and drinks donated by the White Dog Cafe and, of course, an American flag.

The current activities are the most recent in a series of events, including protests and teach-ins, that the group has sponsored.

"We are not just anti-war," said Hasan, a PSAWI member. Referring to one pamphlet being distributed, he noted, "People come in and say, 'Oh, what is this? 'Ten ways war affects women?' Oh, I didn't know.'"

Members of the organization reported that they have faced few questions about and statements in opposition to their position from those who have passed through the Houston Hall site.

"Some have challenged me on small aspects of the war," Tumkosit said.

Still, one assumption PSAWI members feel is untrue is their stance concerning supporting U.S. soldiers.

"People think that if you are anti-government that you have to be anti-U.S. troops," Hasan said. "This is not the case."

"A lot of people who are pro-war have assumptions that we don't know what we are talking about, yet we hold educational events all the time," he added.

In fact, the majority of those who inquire at the Houston Hall zone are simply looking to learn, according to Hasan.

"Most people who stop by feel ignorant or ask about conflicting things they have heard on the news, like when Bush says one thing, Powell says another thing and CNN says yet another," Hasan said.

The overall sentiment among those coordinating the event is positive.

"This has been super successful," said PSAWI member Jennifer Stutsman, a College freshman.

"That we are running out of information is fantastic," Hasan added. "If we can generate discussion and debate, we have been successful."

The organization's original term of occupation of the room as stipulated by the University ends Friday. The group, however, is trying to maintain the space into next week.

Students observing the display echoed the PSAWI representatives' goal of creating an information and education center.

"I think that it is a great way for students to express themselves," said Wharton senior Ann Chiang. "Patriotic sentiment sometimes stops us from considering the other side of the issue. It is educational for people. For those who may not understand, it is a way to seek information."

"It is a good use of University space," College sophomore Bryson Keenan said. "There is good information around for people who take the time to stop and look. I think it is more of an information spot than a protest."

Other students are not so sold on the quality of information available.

"I think that it is great that they are exercising their right to free speech," said College Republicans Secretary Daniel Siegman, a College sophomore. "However, we feel they are misguided."

According to Siegman, the Republicans feel "there is no need to respond to a point of view most feel is incoherent."

The group, however, is planning events to support U.S. soldiers.

Staff reporter Garrett Young contributed to this report.

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