Southern Methodist University Security Issues Citations to Peaceful Demonstrators at George W. Bush Library


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 22, 2013


Contact: Alli McCracken, CODEPINK National Coordinator

(860) 575-5692, Alli@codepink.org

Jodie Evans, CODEPINK Co-founder

(310) 621-5635, heartofj@gmail.com

Retired Col. Ann Wright, (808) 741-1141


Southern Methodist University Security Issues Citations to Peaceful Demonstrators at George W. Bush Library


Dallas, Texas - At 10:30 am CT today, a dozen CODEPINK and Veterans for Peace activists walked onto the Southern Methodist University campus holding banners in front of the George W. Bush Library & Policy Center. They stood quietly on the sidewalk, and as they were leaving, authorities blocked their exit passage with vehicles. The SMU security informed the activists that they were receiving their first warning that they were not allowed to stand on the sidewalk on SMU property. The authorities also demanded their identification.


“I was astounded that that we were stopped and harassed by security as we were leaving the scene of the place where we had been standing quietly, causing no disturbance whatsoever,” said CODEPINK activist Josie Lenwell, who traveled from Taos, New Mexico, to participate in the demonstrations against the Bush Library & Policy Center. She went on to say, “There were lots of other people walking in the same area and security did not even approach them. I can't imagine why they are so afraid of peaceful demonstrators- it must be because they're afraid of our message: Where is the justice?”  


CODEPINK activists and allies will use the opportunity of the opening of the new George W. Bush Library & Policy Center in Dallas to bring attention to the injustices committed by former president George W. Bush and his administration, particularly the invasion and destruction of Iraq and the use of torture directed from his office.



CODEPINK is a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end U.S. funded wars and occupations, to challenge militarism globally, and to redirect our resources into health care, education, green jobs and other life-affirming activities. Visit our website at www.codepink.org.


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