Junior co-leader of Student Organization Against Racism Callia Blake said she felt good seeing people help out and stand up for what they believe in when she visited the 4th Precinct Nov. 21. 

“I felt that it was good that we were helping, but also happy to see that a lot of people had brought stuff, and that (the protesters) had plenty of stuff,” Blake said.

Senior Peri Stephens, an active and passionate supporter of the 4th Precinct protest, said she attended the protest in order to fight for equal rights. Stephens said she believes the protests aren’t unlawful and should be allowed to continue.

“I feel like what they’re doing is totally okay, as far as it’s not breaking the law, and it’s very peaceful and it’s getting the message across,” Stephens said.

Sophomore Chloe Schaerer said she supports Student Organization Against Racism (SOAR)  delivering supplies to protesters because the campaign has an important objective.

“The protests are a very important part of what’s going on right now, especially with all the racism and issues with our country and around the world,” Schaerer said.

SOAR adviser Daniel Perez said he thinks club members delivering supplies displays bravery and solidarity.

“That was a real initiative on the group, and I thought that was brave as well,” Perez said. “I think it takes a lot of courage to show up to a place that can bring out so many feelings and emotions for so many different people.”

Stephens said supplying the campaign with important goods will assist in making protests more successful.

“The first step to change at all is just to have support. Even if nothing is changing because of that, just knowing that there’s a huge community out there that supports the change is the first step,” Stephens said.

Stephens said she hopes to raise awareness about racial issues in the classroom.

“I think the first small step is going to be for teachers to be talking about these events in the classroom, because it is relevant to everybody,” Stephens said.

Stephens said she thinks many people support the Black Lives Matter campaign, but don’t take action.

“It’s sad that there are still people who are racist in this day and age,” Stephens said. “I think a lot of people would agree with that and so they can join us, instead of just standing there and not doing anything.”

Blake said she believes SOAR provides great resources for students.

“I think SOAR is a really great place because a lot of our members are involved with the protest in one way or another and most of us have been down there (to the protest),” Blake said.

Perez said he believes SOAR members can raise awareness about the protest by advertising the club and continuing to hold meetings.

“I do think to continue doing what they’re doing, which is having meetings, making sure that the word is getting out about this association, who’s part of it, what it’s for,” Perez said.

Stephens said she wants students to know that SOAR opens its arms to anyone who wants to become knowledgeable on issues involving race.

“I want people to know that also if they just want to know more about what’s going on, or if they just want to talk about it, that they can always just stop in to SOAR,” Stephens said. “It’s no commitment or anything, and they’re welcome to just come in and find out what’s going on and have support.”

The next SOAR meeting takes place at 8:10 a.m. Dec. 10 in the Learning Lab.