Only days have passed since Troy Davis was executed for murder in Georgia, but University students continue to raise awareness about what they consider a failure of the justice system.
Nine students gathered at Memorial Tower on Sunday night for a candlelight vigil in remembrance of Davis, who was convicted of killing a police officer in 1991 despite faulty evidence. Students present said the vigil was only the beginning of change they want to see on campus.
“The justice system failed, but humanity hasn’t,” said Matt Novak, coastal environmental science sophomore, after the group spent minutes in silence.
Davis, who was executed via lethal injection Wednesday, made news last week as the fourth scheduling of his execution neared. Davis and supporters claimed his innocence and requested a second trial, which was later rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Novak said he wants people to start caring about death penalty issues and those facing wrongful conviction.
Joan Broussard, biological sciences senior, said she’s read about more than 250 executed inmates who were later proven innocent by newer technologies and evidence that surfaced too late.
“One innocent human executed is too many,” Broussard said.
Broussard said she strongly opposes the death penalty and the “eye-for-an-eye” mentality it promotes. She said executions only “raise body counts” and do not deter crime or bring about justice.
Davis’ execution despite significant doubt shows “how far the Unites States has not come,” she said.
Many students promoted Davis’ plea by wearing black and writing “I am Troy Davis” on their faces prior to his death, including Novak and Alex Bobet, international studies senior.
Bobet said she had hoped for a retrial for Davis, but, like many, was shocked Wednesday night when the Supreme Court did not halt his execution.
Davis’ death was a violation of the Constitution and the sanctity of life, she said.
Bobet and Broussard said they have encountered students who disagree with them, but after their opposers learned more about Davis’ case, they changed their minds.
Broussard and others said they will continue to advocate their opposition to Davis’ death as similar cases surface across the nation.
“Getting people to think is the first step,” Broussard said.
Davis’ vigil ended as Broussard led a huddled group in a rendition of “Amazing