Haiti's prominent position in the news over the past few months could bring the Dessalines Haitian Students Association exactly what it has been hoping for -- more awareness among students about Haitian life and affairs. The name Dessalines comes from the Haitian military general Jean Jacques Dessalines who was instrumental in helping Haiti gain independence in 1803. Starting its second semester at the University, the DHSA held its first semester meeting yesterday to discuss how to respond to the Haitian crisis and its plans for the coming months. The group is planning to invite a speaker to campus near the end of the month and hold a panel discussion with several experts on Haiti in November. College junior Colette Lamothe, president of the DHSA, says the group has not yet planned any immediate activities in light of the military junta's agreement yesterday to step down from power. "I don't want our response to be in the heat of the moment," Lamothe said. "Those types of responses don't educate people." While many members feel it is too early to feel relieved or disappointed at the recent turn of events, Lamothe says she hopes that because Haiti has received so much media attention that people will be more receptive to learning about Haiti. But the coverage about Haiti, some feel, gives a one sided view of the country. "The media has only shown the destruction which is only a part of Haiti," Engineering and Wharton sophomore Marjorie Janvier said. "There is a whole other side that people don't see, such as the beautiful beaches." DHSA members also feel it is important that students understand more than just what is happening in their homeland now. "The conflict in Haiti has been going on for a while," said College sophomore Tatiana Louis, secretary of the DHSA. "We hope to teach people about what happened in the beginning and what led up to to the conflict now to make it one of the most popular topics on TV."
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.