Human trafficking is an issue that most Americans do not face on a daily basis, and so often, because of that, it gets brushed under the carpet when politicians come up with their lists of issues to address to appease the general public. So, have you ever wondered who the people are who speak up for the voiceless victims of human trafficking? You can find them on our very own campus.
The Furman Chapter of IJM, as discussed in my next post, along with the South Carolina Chapter of Not for Sale hosted Furman students, Laura Armstrong, Sarah Crane, and Caroline McTeer in lobbying for anti-human trafficking legislation in Washington, D.C. in the beginning of March.
The group visited state representatives, encouraging them to sign off on the language used in the Customs Reauthorizations Bill (S 1631). The bill works towards cutting off American financial support of products that are produced by the hands of modern day slaves. Essentially, in the current verbiage of the bill, goods that have been produced in other countries by trafficked slaves will no longer be accepted as import goods into the United States. The bill eliminates the demand for these goods at the source of funding.
Senior Laura Armstrong says that after speaking with representatives in D.C. she realizes how accessible the government is when confronted by the public. “They seemed especially excited to hear from students.” In some cases, when the topic of human trafficking arises, certain representatives, including some from South Carolina, are clear that they will not spend time or money on the issue, however, because the group was solely requesting signatures to support the current language of the bill and no funds would be needed, there is little reason for representatives to be anything but receptive.
Hear more from Laura Armstrong: Interview
View pictures from the D.C. trip
Special thanks to Sarah Crane for photos and Laura Armstrong for the interview