A McDaniel sophomore from Myanmar, formerly Burma, held a rally Oct. 1 to protest the ongoing harassing, beating and killing of peaceful protesters in his country. He took a picture of the more than 75 supporters on the steps of Hoover Library, but refused to step in the frame for fear the government would see it and harm members of his family who still live in Myanmar.

“Many of the Burmese people have a dream of peace and justice and freedom,” says the student, who didn’t want to be identified.

The country has been under military rule since 1962. In August, Buddhist monks rallied to contest a 500-percent increase in fuel prices. Since that time, anti-government protests have escalated despite reported deaths and hundreds of arrests.

“The only hope is the young generation,” Nina Conte ’09 told the crowd. “I want us to contribute to this discussion and raise our voices.”

She urged students to contact their representatives in Washington.

Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies Christianna Nichols Leahy, a delegate for Amnesty International’s largest decision-making body, agreed.

“Every one of us has a role to play and your actions and voice matter,” she said.

Dean of Student Academic Life Henry Reiff, who helped organize the impromptu rally, suggested foregoing a meal in solidarity with the monks in Myanmar who are on a hunger strike. He suggested donating money that would have paid for lunch to a supportive cause.

“We are one with the people of Burma, and we will raise our voices until our voices are heard,” says Reiff.