Towson University Holds Peace Rally In Support Of Ukraine

Press release from Towson University: Matt Palmer, Nick Sibol '23, Alex Wright '18 and Kyle Hobstetter

March 30, 2022

Hundreds of TU faculty, staff and students join together at Freedom Square to show
solidarity

On Wednesday, March 30, Towson University students, faculty and staff joined together
at Freedom Square for a peace rally in support of Ukraine.

The rally was organized by the shared governance organizations at Towson University,
including the Student Government Association (SGA), the Towson University Staff Senate and the Academic Senate.

“Together we gather in solidarity with the Ukrainian people to reflect, to pause,
and if it is your belief to pray,” said Towson University President Kim Schatzel during
her remarks at the rally. “We stand together in expressing our compassion for our
colleagues and classmates who are affected by what’s happening in the Ukraine.

“I’m very grateful for members of our community who are working to raise awareness
and educate others to the atrocities and the violence that we witnessed over the last
few weeks.”

The event was initially put together by the SGA, when they wanted to help support
a student who approached them about showing support for Ukraine. What started out
as a tabling event, grew to a rally that hosted over a hundred members of the TU community.

“It’s great to see the entire university and the shared governance stand with our
students,” said Jordan Colquitt, treasurer for the SGA.

While the event was no longer a tabling event, the SGA set up a table to speak with
students before and after event about how they can provide support for those affected
by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“Our students know what’s going in the Ukraine with how publicized it’s been,” added
Jayden Johnstone, the SGA’s director of civic engagement and sustainability. “But
students are a lot more concerned about what they can do to help, and that’s where
we step in and provide resources.”

The event began with an introduction from Desiree Rowe, associate professor in the College of Fine Arts and Communications (COFAC) and the chair of the Towson University Academic Senate.

In her opening statement, Rowe shared facts about how the humanitarian crisis has
continued to escalate in the Ukraine.

“These direct actions are important, but hopefully more will come from all of us,”
Rowe said. “Today we stand here, together in solidarity in Freedom Square, with our
TU faculty, TU staff and TU students impacted by the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by
Russia. Together in this moment we hold space to say we see you and we are here.”

Other speakers at the event included Johnstone, who represented SGA, David Bauer,
who represented the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and chemistry professor Ellen Hondrogiannis from the Academic Senate. There was also a prayer and candlelight peace rally led
jointly by Pastor Laura Sinche of The Table Lutheran and Episcopal Ministry, and Jake Campbell from Towson University Hillel.

One of the main messages that was present during the rally from all speakers was that
Towson University is here to support those affected by the war. They also wanted to
point out the many services offered on campus, including those at the Counseling and Health Centers.

“The shared governance of Towson University is united in many ways, including against
oppression of all types and this event is an example of that unity,” said Heather
Sorensen, director of events and operations for COFAC, and chair of the Towson University
Staff Senate.

“We recognize that there are numerous opinions campus-wide, and we are grateful TU
provides space and support for diversity of thought. In this time of international
crisis, while still navigating a global pandemic, please remember that staff are prepared
to support the TU community both on campus and abroad.”

The vigil rally was the latest effort on campus to respond to the war.

The Cook Library also has placed resources on its website to help support our community in processing and learning about what is happening
in Ukraine. TU’s Military and Veterans Center stays engaged with the veterans and
service members in the community. Academic and Student Affairs have reached out to
students who are from the impacted region.

TU experts have been providing perspectives into the ramifications of the conflict.

The College of Liberal Arts hosted a March 9 roundtable panel, moderated by Dean Chris Chulos, addressing the crisis from a variety of angles.
The panelists and professors offered observations on historical (Benjamin Zajicek), military (Robert Rook), diplomatic (Alison McCartney) and security contexts (Joseph Clark) as well as the human consequences (Jennifer Ballengee).

Several of those experts spoke with the media on the Ukraine crisis recently. Ballengee
addressed the Ukrainian refugee crisis during an interview with WBAL radio. Clark participated in interviews on WBAL-TV, FOX 45 and WMAR, explaining the strategic moves being made.

This press release was produced by Towson University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.