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The Kent State Anti-War Committee (KSAWC) has been planning an anti-war rally tentatively scheduled for this Sunday, May 4 at 3:00 PM following the annual May 4 commemoration which begins at noon. However, the Kent State University (KSU) administration has felt it necessary to revoke the permit it had originally granted to KSAWC allowing the rally to take place on Manchester Field. The university cites extremely vague concerns of disturbance they believe will occur on May 4.
KSAWC will hold a press conference on the steps of the Memorial Athletic Convention Center (MACC) Friday, May 2 at 11 AM to discuss the recent events regarding the May 4 anti-war rally.
May 4 is a National Day of Action called by Not in Our Name, (http://www.notinourname.net) an anti-war group dedicated to resisting the so-called "U.S. War on Terror." Kent State is the Midwest Regional Convergence Point, but is not alone in encountering difficulties securing permission to rally. New York City anti-war activists have similarly been denied a permit to peacefully assemble by city officials.
KSAWC finds inspiration in the determination of the anti-war movement of the 1970's following the tragic shootings in Kent and Jackson State. In a statement the group said, "We stand in solidarity with those that have protested immoral and unjust wars throughout history and around the world and we vow to not let our dissent be silenced!"
A anti-war conference that was being planned for May 3 on the KSU campus has also run into trouble. In a meeting with students a KSU representative said they are revoking permission to use KSU rooms that were reserved. The "Throwing a Wrench in the Warmachine" conference, which was being iniated by the Federation of Radical Anarchist Collectives (FRAC), will include workshops, discussions, debates, and movie showings.
The organizers have stated they intend to hold all events in spite of recent developments. The conference and rally will go on as scheduled.
A former KSU student has called for a boycott of KSU and strike in response to the university revoking permission for the scheduled events.
The events should not interfere with The 33rd Annual May 4, 1970 Commemoration which will also take place on the KSU campus this weekend. The commemoration honors the memory of the four students killed at Kent State when a unit of the Ohio National Guard opened fire on a demonstration against the US war in Vietnam and the invasion of Cambodia, killing the four and wounding 9 others. The annual event also recognizes those killed at Jackson State the same year.
More information about...
the rally go to www.ksawc.org
the conference "Throwing a Wrench in the Warmachine" go to www.burningriver.org
the annual commemoration go to dept.kent.edu/may4/33rd/33.htm
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