California State University, Stanislaus will host a candlelight vigil on Wednesday entitled “Standing with Ayotzinapa” as a sign of solidarity with the 43 Mexican college students who are missing and presumed dead after a tragic encounter with police more than two months ago.

In September, Mexican students who were attending a rural teachers college in Ayotzinapa were on a bus trip when they were confronted by Iguala city police. Six people were killed and the whereabouts of 43 students still remain unknown. 

CSU Stanislaus student and event organizer Janet Diaz felt a connection with the issue since she was in Mexico City doing research for a project when the incident happened. With this in mind, she decided to do something meaningful for the students involved.

“We know they were a very united group of students and very hard workers, very proud of their culture, identity, and origin,” said organizer Susie Valle. “They were fighting for a better future and showed us how lucky we are to live in a place that our voice is heard.”

According to Diaz and Valle, this vigil is their attempt to give those students who are missing a voice of their own. During the event, organizers will feature a video, art display, and banner with portraits of the 43 missing students.

The public event will take place at 5 p.m. Wednesday between the Art and Music Departments. Due to safety reasons, the vigil will exclusively use battery-powered flameless candles.

For more information, contact Susie Valle at svalle@csustan.edu or Janet Diaz at jdiaz@csustan.edu.