by Deanna Reyes
Staff Writer
Like most college campuses, the University of La Verne is one full of diversity.
Sometimes students find themselves in need of support or just need to talk about something that is bothering them. The Peace Club, a new organization on campus, may be the answer to a diverse student population.
The Peace Club was the brainchild of freshmen roommates Sokhon Pok and Chris Folden. They wanted a club where every type of person, whether that person be gay or straight, to come together and find support.
Folden said global activist Medea Benjamin, who spoke at ULV earlier this month, personally inspired him.
“We’ve tried to have a gay-straight alliance, but that didn’t really work out,” said Folden.
Both Pok and Folden have seen apathy among ULV students regarding a gay-straight club on campus. They hope through promoting a positive atmosphere and friendly attitude, they will attract more students.
The Peace Club held its first meeting last Thursday in the Associated Students Federation (ASF) Forum Office.
With a group of approximately 10 students, they discussed creating more awareness on issues affecting the community and the world.
Although their main goal is to be a support group to students, they also want to make changes on campus and involve themselves in human rights issues.
“I want people to know that this is not just for gay people,” said Pok. “It’s a support group. I feel it’s really important to reach out to other people.”
The first activity the members hope the club will participate in is the Multicultural Festival that will be held from April 25 to 27.
Members are currently working on selling coffee drinks made with Fair Trade Cofee, yet the process is still in the works.
The Peace Club will hold its meetings on Thursdays, at 3 p.m. in the Chapel.
Journalism operations manager at the University of La Verne. Production manager and business manager of the Campus Times.