COM students, faculty, and staff’s commitment to the larger world around us was in full force on Saturday, June 30th at the Families Belong Together Rally at City Hall in Portland, ME. The rally took place the day after UNE COM welcomed its newest Class of 2022 to campus for Orientation. Students, who were involved in the Orientation program, made the trek to the Old Port to make their voices and presence heard.
The Families Belong Together Rally was organized by Mainers for Accountable Leadership, and protested the inhumane separation of families in the name of immigration reform that is happening across the U.S. As one speaker stated, it doesn't matter what side of the immigration issue you are on, this is not what we want America's legacy to be. Reverend Allen Ewing-Merrill was one of the speakers at the event; he is United Methodist Pastor and a member of Moral Movement Maine. His message was clear: there is no moral or religious justification for the separation of immigrant families in America, and cannot be condoned. Tae Chong, a member of the community and immigrant father also spoke to how protecting “community, decency, and democracy… is on us”—the people.
President Herbert issued a statement to the UNE Community to reaffirm that UNE is behind our students and will not tolerate any harassment or discriminatory behavior on our campuses. One COM student who attended the rally represented the Student Physicians for Social Responsibility. The SPSR is a strong proponent for social justice, and continues year after year to program not just for themselves, but to create a healthier, and accepting community around them.
Watch Reverend Allen Ewing-Merrill’s Speech
Watch Tae Chong’s Speech
FAMILIAS MERECEN ESTAR JUNTAS
Families Belong Together Rally in Portland, ME