Hundreds of crosses fill the quad, representing the victims.  Four signs stand in front, representing the atrocities.  Dozens of students marched Sunday night, representing a cry for help.

And on this campus we have one clear representation of hope: Students for Life.

This year, in the heart of Respect for Life Week, it’s only appropriate to recognize the work of one of Saint Louis University’s strongest and most well established student organizations – one with a direct impact on students’ lives.

Students for Life is a group dedicated to the social justice issues of our time, and equally dedicated to students.

When students called, the group listened.

And in looking at this week’s schedule of events, it’s clear to see the simple goal of education.

As students of this University, we can really appreciate this goal.  After organizations on campus hold event after event of self-promotion, fund raisers, or recruitment, Students for Life has dedicated an entire week educating SLU students on the issues that sometimes can get swept under the rug.

The Death Penalty.  Euthanasia.  Abortion.  As we inch closer to Election Day, we continue to talk about the poll numbers, the finger pointing,and the cups of tea.  But we often overlook these issues – the issues of life and death.

This week, SLU students are called to remember the life and death issues.  Tuesday’s speaker on suicide and euthanasia addressed many of the headlines we’ve seen in the news recently.

Wednesday’s session on the death penalty brought to life the staggering evidence that capital punishment does not help our society.

Thursday’s presentation on abortion gets across its message in its title alone: “Social Justice Begins in the Womb.”

This weekend, the group has organized a service day at Our Lady’s Inn Pregnancy Center – an activity that doesn’t require any preregistration.  From the religious aspect of the opening prayer service, to the educational aspect of the nightly events, to the service aspect of the closing project, Respect for Life Week is possibly the most well-rounded and well-organized student-led event on campus.

And it perfectly promotes SLU’s Jesuit mission.

So for us, as students, it’s time to heed the message.  As politics heat up, and as we enter adulthood and workforce leadership, let these issues come to mind.

In a world where we struggle with the death penalty, abortion and euthanasia – just as we struggle with gang violence, sexual discrimination, hate crimes, unjust war and torture – we have to be mindful of the human right to dignity.

And to understand the universal human right to dignity, we must first understand that dignity on our own campus, and in our own hearts.  Dignity begins here.

Chris Ackels is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences.