Following the violence on campus at New Mexico State University, Rising Youth New Mexico of NM Comunidades en Acción y de Fe (CAFe), offered words of solidarity with the student protestors:
“We condemn the actions of New Mexico State University for escalating tensions by calling city and state police, thereby suppressing the voices of these demonstrators. It is the fundamental right for all individuals to express their first amendment right to protest and express their grievances, particularly in solidarity with oppressed communities.
“We call on New Mexico State University and all institutions to respect the rights of these students and engage in constructive dialogue and negotiate with organizers on their demands, rather than implore heavy-handed tactics. It is through open communication and mutual understanding that we can work towards meaningful change and uphold the principles of justice and human rights for all. As Howard Thurman once said, ‘It seeks not to defeat or humiliate the opponent but to win his friendship and understanding in order to move toward a beloved community.’
“As a community based organization committed to advocating for the humanity of the marginalized, we stand in solidarity with the student protestors who courageously advocated for justice and equality.
“We advocate for the rights of marginalized communities here in the United States to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. We call for the same values and principles to be applied to the on-going humanitarian crisis in Palestine and to the students protesting on their behalf.
“Our commitment to justice extends beyond borders. We urge our government, institutions, elected officials, and community to join us in standing up for the students putting their bodies on the line, the livelihoods of the countless people who have lost their families, their lives, their homes, and their communities in Gaza.
We are compelled to unite in our unwavering pursuit of peace, recognizing that it is now, more than ever, an imperative for humanity. We must emphasize that NM CAFE does not support antisemitism, anti-Muslim sentiments, or xenophobia.”
“Every human being, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, of any people or religion, every human being is sacred, is precious in the eyes of God and has the right to live in peace. Let us not lose hope: let us pray and work tirelessly so that the sense of humanity may prevail over hardness of heart.” – Pope Francis
*NM Comunidades en Acción y de Fe (CAFe) is a community broad based organization in Southern New Mexico committed to building power with and for New Mexicans who have been directly impacted by systems of injustice. The non-partisan 501c3 organization is a part of Faith in Action, the largest faith-based community organization in the country.*
