Students for a Peaceful Response (SPR) has made plans for a walk-out in the event of direct military action in Afghanistan. The Five-College coalition, formed in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 World Trade Center attacks, advocates "Five Points of Unity." These include seeking and promoting peaceful alternatives to war, as well as fostering discussion about U.S. foreign policy.

SPR members believe the U.S. does not yet have enough information to blame any nation's government for the attacks. In fliers that distributed to campus boxes, SPR wrote that "the criminal actions of a group of private citizens is not an act of war. However, military action that we carry out on another nation's soil does constitute a declaration of war against that nation."

Walk-outs are planned for each of the five area colleges and will take place only if the aggression is confirmed. If the military action occurs between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., the walk-out will occur immediately. If the action is taken at another time, the walk-out will be held at 9:00 a.m. the following morning. SPR will meet in front of the campus center, where students, faculty and Amherst community members can voice their concerns.

SPR member Michelle Oliveros-Larsen hopes that the walk-out "would be a sign that people are really thinking about how wide violence spreads, especially when used as a tool by the powerful and angry." She acknowledges, however, that some people "will have a problem with standing up for this measure because they feel it's time to take violent action against 'the terrorists' and that includes invading and attacking other nations."

Others opposed to a walk-out are not necessarily in favor of violence but doubt the effectiveness of a walk-out. "I don't see how a walk-out would accomplish anything because the people who are engaging in the action are not at this college," said Karen Zawisza '05, "You're not hurting them any by wasting your education."

"I think there's so much we're not being told," said Dean Susan Snively. "To react in one moment seems a little too hopeful. I deplore [military action], but I'm also a realist."

"It's not really a rash action, it's not immediate retaliation," said Jamie O'Brien '02. "I'm not for [military action], but I'd feel a little more comfortable with it than I would three weeks ago."

Professor of English Andrew Parker said that he was supportive of the walk-out. "This would be a very serious moment for our nation and our community both," Parker said. "I would like to see more rather than less attention devoted to those issues … It will be up to each individual teacher. I'm sure some teachers will want to join the walk-out."