Several students gathered in front of the Allen Street Gates to create awareness about the death penalty yesterday afternoon.

Members of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Amnesty International and Pax Christi stood with signs in front of the main gates as part of their monthly protest against the death penalty.

"A lot of people aren't educated about the death penalty," said John Ovelman (senior-architectural engineering), a Pax Christi member. "If most people were educated, they would be against it."

Courtney Kirschner (senior-pre-law), vice-president of the ACLU, helped coordinate students' participation in the rally and said the monthly protests have been happening for many years by local citizens. Local advocates contacted her earlier in the semester looking for "younger blood" to help them out, she said.

Although less than ten people were in attendance, Kirschner said the protests are worth the effort.

"Any presence whatsoever is worthwhile," she said. "If we make a person driving or walking by think about the issue for one second, we made a difference."

Last month, students gathered to gain support of a moratorium, which would investigate how the capital punishment process is enforced. While that measure was denied, the protesters decided to continue with efforts.

"I don't think its appropriate for states to punish people by committing the same act," said Jared Cram (junior-finance). "We don't burn the homes of arsonists or rape rapists. As a civilized society this is wrong, and we need to work to end capital punishment in this country."

A few of the protestors are planning to attend a rally in Harrisburg sponsored by the Pennsylvania Abolitionists United Against the Death Penalty next Tuesday. Kirschner was unsure how many students would participate because of their class schedules.