Cairn University students, faculty, and staff are standing for twenty-seven hours to raise awareness for the twenty-seven million people in slavery around the globe. The event began at 8:00 am Tuesday, March 5, and continued until 11:00 am Wednesday morning. Sponsored by Chi Beta Sigma, the Social Work student organization that is a campus chapter of International Justice Mission, the group is standing on the lawn of Fairview Manor, visible to all who are passing the University on the main road. Some students are standing for the full 27 hours, others have come and gone as their schedules allow.
The 27 Hour Stand for Freedom Campaign is sponsored by the International Justice Mission, a human rights agency dedicated to rescuing victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. Chi Beta Sigma is using this event to raise awareness of modern slavery in the local community and to raise funds for International Justice Mission ministries.
Kyle Dunham ’17 (Camping), said fighting against modern slavery has become something he is passionate about. “When I look at the history of the world and I see men like William Wilberforce and Abraham Lincoln, I see they were more passionate about ending slavery than we are as a society today. But today, there are more slaves than any other time in history, and no one is speaking up.”
Valerie Nogueras ’15 (Social Work and Bible), President of Chi Beta Sigma, said of the event: “It’s important that people learn this is an issue. Those of us who are standing for 27 hours and giving up those comforts think this is really important and want to be sure our community knows.”
