Ten billion domesticated land animals are slaughtered for food in America each year- 27 million each day and 19,000 every minute, according to an animal rights Web site. Six to eight million dogs and cats enter shelters every year, and 3 to 4 million sheltered dogs and cats are killed. These are only a few facts, but do you know all of them? Does anyone?
Lewis student Summer Hallaj, founder of PEACE (People to End Animal Cruelty and Endangerment), initiated last fall, has put together a colloquium for the Lewis community to provide awareness of animal rights.
“I think that society has been brought up to think of any other life on Earth as inferior,” said Hallaj. “I think this is a huge misconception and the contributing reason to why animal life is abused and exploited for human gain.”
Students, faculty and animal rights advocates from Chicago organizations will assist with this Arts & Ideas event Feb. 3-4 in a number of lectures on various topics of interest.
Speakers are a combination of volunteers who have specific expertise on their topics; for example, the first animal law attorney in Illinois will be present to speak about issues in animal law. The student panel will include persons in favor of animal rights and animal welfare, and students completely opposed to animal rights.
“I wanted a mixture of opinions and view points for the student panel, and I think it will be an excellent opportunity to examine the different positions that a person can take on this subject,” Hallaj said.
Hallaj has studied animal rights for a year by taking two independent study courses on the subject and has done research for PEACE. She has also been a practicing vegan for a year.
Hallaj hopes to raise awareness about the suffering that people inflict upon animals every time they eat. She said, “I hope that this colloquium makes students think twice about the way that animals are used in their everyday lives and how this impacts their own life, as well as the environment.”
Students should expect to learn something new at these lectures that were made possible by the faculty and speakers who were willing to take time to help with the colloquium. Hallaj warns that some ideas and information may seem unfamiliar or uncomfortable, but to never forget to always challenge beliefs and experience different sides to topics.
“I hope that this will be a successful event,” said Hallaj. “If students are interested in animal rights, I highly encourage them to check out PEACE meetings or the PEACE events that will be held year round.”
For additional information about this colloquium, contact Dr. Michael Cunningham, director of Arts & Ideas at (815) 836-5385.
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