Marches mark divide over abortion, other issues

March 02--LAS CRUCES -- A group of about 20 students and faculty members marched Wednesday on the campus of New Mexico State University in protest of several policies of the Trump administration. The march, organized by the Student Alliance for Reproductive Justice, drew protesters committed to a variety of causes.

The march began at the Corbett Center Student Union, and the crowd marched to the Horseshoe in front of Hadley Hall. It was organized by Cherokee Sullinger, president of the Student Alliance for Reproductive Rights. Sullinger is a junior studying English. She said the march was part of a nationwide movement, which originated at Grinnell College in Iowa. NMSU was one of at least four universities participating in the day of protests nationwide, Sullinger said.

"This was put together with pretty short notice," Sullinger said. "I was contacted by Grinnell on Friday, and sent out some emails to other student organizations on Monday."

Sullinger said the theme of the march was "Resistance."

"Some people are protesting DAPL (the Dakota Access Pipeline), border issues, racism, Black Lives Matter, water and land rights, transgender rights and other LGBTQ issues," she said.

Sullinger said she hopes the march sparks similar protests at NMSU and across the nation.

"I think this should serve as an example to students all over the state and all over the country," Sullinger said. "Their voices matter."

David Boje, a professor in NMSU's College of Business, also participated in the march.

"Basically, we are trying to send the message that every person matters," Boje said. "Muslims, veterans, Black Lives Matter, Latino lives matter, environmental issues matter. This was a pretty spontaneous event. I feel like Trump is dividing the country, and this march is about unity -- about uniting people."

Boje, a Vietnam veteran, said he is also concerned about the possibility of future wars, particularly with Syria.

"It could be Vietnam all over again," he said. "Iraq and Afghanistan all over again."

Meanwhile, in Santa Teresa, protesters spent the day in "peaceful, prayerful protest" -- part of the 40 Days of Life movement. Anti-abortion protesters gathered at a kickoff rally Tuesday evening outside of Hill Top Women's Reproductive Clinic, the only remaining abortion provider in Doña Ana County.

The 40 Days for Life campaign, organized by the Coalition for Life of Las Cruces, is part of an international campaign, according to Mark Cavaliere, the organization's executive director.

"It is a 40-day prayer vigil," Cavaliere told the Sun-News. "It involves lots of different churches of different denominations. Volunteers sign up for one-hour prayer slots to participate in peaceful, prayerful protest. Volunteers pray for the mothers, babies -- and for the clinic workers, too. So far, we know of 13,000 babies saved through the campaign, which is internationally coordinated in 30 countries."

The 40 Days for Live campaign occurs twice per year -- once in the spring and once in the fall. The spring campaign coincides with Lent each year, Cavaliere said. It will continue through Easter.

Damien Willis may be reached at 575-541-5468, [email protected] or @damienwillis on Twitter.

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