For Immediate Release:
5 March, 2003

For more information contact:
Ellen Gallagher: (641) 821-9059

Sprawling Pile of "Dead Bodies" Protests War on Iraq

Grinnell, IA: 150 Grinnell community members fell "dead" to protest the impending war with Iraq on Grinnell College campus today. They were participating in a national day of action against U.S. military action in Iraq. This event symbolized a fraction of the unjustified deaths that will result if the United States declares war on Iraq. The protesters believe that the civilian casualties that will be caused by the war are unacceptable and avoidable. This action demonstrated their horror at the United States' pre-emptive aggression and their commitment to prevent it.

Faculty, students and community members gathered together to form this powerful image to remind everyone of the realities of war. The protesters were mainly students. Those participating comprised over 10% of the entire student body.

"This event shows that we will not quietly stand by as Bush leads our country into an unjust war that will traumatize and kill hundreds of thousands of innocent people," said Ellen Gallagher, Grinnell College student.

This protest was part of greater actions across the state and the nation. At Grinnell, students are posting signs on a "Peace Post" with their thoughts and prayers for peace. During lunch, radical cheerleaders cheered against the war in the dining halls. This evening, Grinnell professors will present poetry in both English and Arabic, and Chuck Quilty of Voices in the Wilderness will present a short lecture. Students are also wearing armbands in solidarity against the war. Across Iowa, protests are occurring on college and high school campuses as part of a national student day of action. Across the nation, over 300 colleges and high schools participated in the "Books Not Bombs" themed day of action.

Pictures will be posted on our website throughout the day at: www.grinnell.edu/student/groups/antiwar/diein/

National "Books Not Bombs" website: www.nyspc.net/home.html