DEARBORN — Students United For Peace & Justice at the University of Michigan Dearborn was organized to inform students of the injustice and inhumanity that many around the world are suffering. They seek to have a strong role in representing the abused, oppressed, and helpless victims who have had their rights and freedom stripped away from them.

According to a press release issued this week, the SUPJ will hold a week-long series of events next week to highlight the death and destruction of the Iraq war. “Five years ago, the United States of America began its war on Iraq without the permission of the United Nations in search for weapons of mass destruction. Since then, the lives of hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqi civilians and American soldiers have been lost. $500 billion later, the war is still an on-going issue which the current administration plans to put no stop to. The members of SUPJ have decided to bring this issue into the limelight by putting together a week-long agenda in which we plan to inform and enlighten the students, faculty and community about the devastating situation that has left thousands of wives and children in tears from both countries. The events will begin on Monday, March 17 and will conclude on the eve of the five-year anniversary, Thursday March 20. The weeklong events will include:

Monday, March 17: Painting the rock outside of the University Center

Tuesday, March 18:  Protest will be held on campus (1:00 pm).

Wednesday, March 19: Lecture by Dr. Hashim Al-Tawil (1:00 pm in CASL).

Thursday, March 20: Candlelight Vigil in honor of those who died in the war, followed by an “Open-Mic” program. Guest speakers will include Saja Ra’oof and Tim Burke of the Heidelberg Project. (7:45 pm).

“SUPJ will give more details on these events as the dates come closer. We may also hold a mock funeral in honor of the troops who have given their precious lives. War veterans and media outlets are also being contacted for this weeklong event. We are also looking for poets, musicians, and artists to express their feelings in regards to the war. If you would like to participate, please contact us by phone or email. ”

Those interested in participating should contact Wihad Al-Tawil at 248.464.4673 or 313.247.4599 or by email at supj_iraq@yahoo.com.