PRESS RELEASE – PLEASE DISTRIBUTE FAR AND WIDE!
Dear friends, allies, and coworkers in the Syracuse community,
On Friday, March 30th, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is organizing a series of candlelight vigils nationwide to honor the memories of disabled individuals who have been murdered by their caregivers and family members. On March 6, 2012, George Hodgins, a 22-year-old Autistic man, was killed by his mother, who subsequently took her own life.
Please join us at Syracuse University this Friday to remember the victims of these horrible crimes, and to protest the devaluation of disabled people's lives.
The program will consist of a moment of silence, followed by a reading of the names of victims who were killed throughout the years. The group assembled will then participate in the singing of "Lead On," written by the late disabled activist Justin Dart. Vigil participants will then be invited to discuss their feelings and perspectives.
Please review: http://autisticadvocacy.org/2012/03/take-action-help-us-mourn-murders-of-disabled-people/ for ASAN's press release on George Hodgins' murder.
What: Candlelight vigil to honor the memories of disabled people murdered by caregivers and family members
When: Friday, March 30th, 2012, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Orange Grove, on the Syracuse University Quad. (Rain location: Kittredge Auditorium, in the Huntington Beard Crouse building.)
Candles will be provided. Because of university and city regulations, please do not bring your own candles.
American Sign Language interpretation will be provided.
The Counseling Center (443-4715), Hendricks Chapel (443-2901) and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (443-1087) are available on campus to any Syracuse University community members needing additional support.
Sponsored by:
The Beyond Compliance Coordinating Committee
The Disability Law Society
The Disability Student Union
and the SU Disability Cultural Center
Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/358934340812375/
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TEXT-ONLY VERSION OF ATTACHED POSTER:
On March 6, 2012, 22-year-old Autistic man GEORGE HODGINS was MURDERED BY HIS OWN MOTHER, who then killed herself.
The media sympathizes with his mother and those who identify with her desperation, DOWNPLAYING the very existence of HER SON and the CRIME OF ENDING INNOCENT LIVES.
Deaths like this happen all the time without you ever knowing. But we know. And we won't forget.
On MARCH 30, JOIN US and the rest of the nation in a CANDLELIGHT VIGIL TO REMEMBER HIM and all disabled people who have been murdered.
Help us MAKE A STAND AGAINST VIOLENCE against Autistics and other people with disabilities!
TIME: Friday, March 30th
7:00 – 8:00 pm
PLACE: The Quad
Syracuse University Campus**
Sponsored by:
the Beyond Compliance Coordinating Committee (BCCC), the Disability Student Union (DSU), the Disability Law Society and the SU Disability Cultural Center.
ASL interpretation will be provided.
The Counseling Center (443-4715), Hendricks Chapel (443-2901) and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (443-1087) are available on campus to any Syracuse University community members needing additional support.
**Rain location: Kittredge Auditorium @ HBC
Planet of the Blind 
22-year-old man killed by his mother who also took her own life afterwards? There are good lifes and there are good deaths. Race, gender, abilities, economic status may have everything and nothing to do with achieving such goals in any particular situation. I’d have to know this woman before I condemn her.
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