Students Join for a Moment of Silence Against Political Violence

With tragedies this past week in Utah, Colorado and Nepal, students at the University of South Dakota gathered together to honor and remember the victims. 

A moment of silence was held on Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 16 at Patriots Plaza. The USD College Republicans and USD College Democrats organized the event.

In a shared statement on their Instagram pages, the USD’s College Republicans and College Democrats shared their stance on coming together to lower the political temperature on campus and condemned political violence of any form. 

The statement reads, “Violence has no place in our communities, our campuses, or in the political life we share each day. Our American Democracy functions best and strongest when people with different beliefs and values are given the space to debate, disagree, and advocate in a peaceful, open, and respectful manner, without fear of physical repercussion or fallout.”

Three minutes of silence were held for the events that took place at Utah Valley University and Evergreen High School in Colorado, as well as overseas in Nepal. Students had the opportunity to join in a prayer following the moment of silence. 

The USD College Democrats and College Republicans say they can understand disagreements on policies and candidates will occur in our society. However, the organizations are united in the belief that “every individual reserves the right to live their lives free from fear or intimidation based on their participation in activities.”