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Show May 8, 1992 The Signpost Students can help free prisoners of conscience In your face BY KERI KING Staff writer of The Signpost Raising the conscience level of students on campus, that thousands of people around the world are being denied their basic human rights, is the main focus of Weber's Amnesty International. Amnesty International lets students know that they are not powerless and there is something they can do to release prisoners of conscience, said Steven Petrick-Underwood, former president of Weber's chapter. Amnesty International is celebrating its fifth year on campus with their emphasis week May 18-21. "Your letter may be one of thousands," Petrick-Underwood said. "But it maybe that one letter that makes the difference in getting a prisoner free." There have been prisoners released because of letters that were written to them. "The letters still kept arriving, and the president called the prison and told them to let me go." Prisoner of conscience from Dominican Republic. Petrick-Underwood quoted an Amnesty pamphlet that highlighted the release of a prisoner of conscience from the Dominican Republic. "When the first two hundred letters came, the guards gave me back my clothes. Then the next two hundred letters came, and the prison director came to see me. When the next pile of letters arrived, the director got in touch with his superior. -::: t MARK STEVENS.W SIGNPOST Although they fried to avoid it, Nicole Burdett (left) and Tina Bullock of OT sorority were nailed by a wafer balloon yesterday during a Greek Day balloon launch. They were both tied at the ankle, while three males with a waterballoon-filled slingshot attempted, and succeeded in drenching the women. "The letters kept coming and coming 3,000 of them. The President (of Dominican Republic) was informed. The letters still kept arriving, and the president called the prison and told them to let me go." There was a lot of growth in Amnesty last year under the leadership of Petrick-Underwood, said Amnesty member Laura Cline. "He would talk to everyone and try to get them involved," she said. The membership increased from about three students to 15 or 20 students per meet ing this year. Last year Amnesty instituted many changes. Now they hold weekly meetings and focus on writing letters at least once a month. Writing letters reminds the members about Ac toi'iuYe occmv.g ri tfc vjotVA, Petrick-Underwood said. Amnesty's symbol is a lit candle encircled by barbed wire, which comes from the ancient Chinese proverb "Better to light a candle than curse the darkness." In 1977 the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Amnesty International for its efforts to promote global awareness for basic human individual rights. Amnesty works to release individuals held in prison because of their beliefs, to promote fair and prompt trials for all political fyrVscritfi aTid to ETid toi-cnt -jrrti fAtCdi-tion in all cases. Amnesty has many events planned for their emphasis week. 'This will be the most radical timeeveratWeberState." said Petrick-Underwood, who is organizing Amnesty week. Did you know? Weber State spent: Nursing video tapes $ 2,063 Facility rent, winter quarter continuing ed $2,325 (Davis high school) Facility rent, winter quarter continuing ed $ 6.750 Clearfield high school 1,000 students attended Office supplies-general fund-WSU stores $17,256 Source: WSU Financial Report : (grounds for CfFcc "A Legal Drew" Whole Bean Coffee Kiss of Flavor Cocoa Kiss of Flavor Tea Speciality Drinks Sandwiches Deli Foods Pastries OPEN LATE M-TH 7AM-8PM FRI 7AM-11PM SAT 8AM-11PM SUN 8AM-8PM 3005 Harrison Blvd. 621-3014 Black Scholars United of Weber State University Present Annual Awards & Recognition Banquet Saturday May 30, 1992 Weber State Skyroom Weber State University Ogden, Utah 6:00 pm 10:00 pm Semi-formal Donation: $25 Couple $15 Single for ticket information: Call Chris or Kaycinc 626-7330 o ooooooooooooo |