DeSales Raises Awareness of Human Trafficking with Red Sand Project
Students, faculty, and staff are using red sand to shine a spotlight on the scourge of human trafficking.
They took part in the Red Sand Project as part of Lehigh Valley Anti-Trafficking Awareness Week. The idea is to make human trafficking more visible by pouring sand into the cracks of sidewalks.
“Seeing this brings human trafficking to life,” says Emily Breiner ’22, a business administration major. “Nobody really ever talks about it, so seeing this just gives it a whole new story.”
The Center for Service and Social Justice and Campus Ministry teamed up with local organizations for five days of events—including a documentary screening, prayer service, and dinner and discussion—in recognition of anti-trafficking awareness week. Students also put stickers on bars of soap bound for hotel rooms, providing information about services for those being trafficked.
“Human trafficking is modern-day slavery; it’s a crime against humanity. It takes away an individual’s freedom and it disrupts the dignity and respect that is given to every human being.”
Lehigh Valley Anti-Trafficking Awareness Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness of human trafficking, and encourage government, local authorities, companies, charities, and individuals to do what they can to address the problem.