In the past week you have probably noticed death penalty themed signs strewn about campus. These are meant to draw attention to Amnesty International’s Death Penalty Awareness Week, which is co-hosted by Students for a Better Society and SMU’s Human Rights Department.

Thursday evening Amnesty International held a question and answer session and art exhibit in Dallas Hall’s McCord Auditorium. The group spent two months preparing according to AI Chapter President Brooks Oliver.

The art show was comprised of photographs by private investigator and photographer John Holbrook and art collected by Delia Meyer, a death penalty abolitionist. The art was displayed around the auditorium and in the adjacent rotunda. The photographs depicted death row inmates, while the inmates in the photographs created the drawings.

After viewing the artwork, the program turned to discussion.

The discussion consisted of three panelists: Delia Meyer, John Holbrook, and director of the Human Rights Department at SMU, Rick Halperin. The three discussed their experiences with the death penalty and explained its flaws.

After presenting their materials and speaking on the issue, questions were taken. Questions regarded various aspects of the specific cases mentioned, as well as general ideas about capital punishment.

Oliver declared both the evening and week a success. He also said that students wishing to become involved with the issue should look into joining organizations such as Amnesty International and SBS.