Belles Unite Borders, a student club at Saint Mary’s College, has begun advertising a peaceful protest for Tuesday, March 3 from 5 to 6 p.m., calling on Saint Mary’s students to march in fellowship with immigrant groups. The protest, titled “March for Unity,” was approved by the Office of Student Involvement on Tuesday morning.
“Join this peaceful assembly to stand in solidarity with immigrants and raise awareness of the struggles these groups face by marching for unity, peace, and hope,” the flyer read.
Large demonstrations have taken place across the country in recent weeks following a major immigration operation in Minneapolis. In Indiana, hundreds of high school students walked out of classrooms earlier this month in support of immigrants, including students at local Mishawaka High School, Southport High School and John Adams High School.
Natalie Ortiz, President of Belles Unite Borders, said she felt it was an important moment to demonstrate solidarity with all those currently residing in the United States, citizens and non-citizens alike.
“I am grateful to be given the opportunity to carry out an event like this,” Ortiz wrote in a statement to The Observer. “I know many other Saint Mary’s students have been eager to raise awareness for immigrants in any way they can, so this is a great opportunity for them to do so.”
Belles Unite Borders seeks to “support local and national refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers,” according to its Instagram account.
According to a map provided on the flyer, the march will gather and begin at the back entrance of Spes Unica Hall, closest to the Science Lot. Students, faculty and other participants will be led up Brother Andre Drive, passing The Inn at Saint Mary’s. It will then cross onto the public trail parallel to SR 933 toward The Avenue. The march will conclude its final stretch by walking along The Avenue and end in front of Le Mans Hall in Le Mans Green.
According to Ortiz, remarks from herself, as well as Belles Unite Borders faculty advisors Leonard Sanchez and Kathryn Lynds, will be given at the end of the march.
