Texas State’s Hoodie Day

By Max Anderson

Texas State University student

SAN MARCOS – Students, faculty and staff at Texas State gathered in front of the Stallions on Tuesday, March 27, to show solidarity with the family of Trayvon Martin and raise awareness about social injustice issues.

George Zimmerman, a volunteer neighborhood watchman, shot and killed an unarmed Martin as he was walking back to his father’s girlfriend’s house from a 7-Eleven. Zimmerman shot Martin after he called police to report him as a suspicious person because the 17-year-old was wearing a hooded jacket the night of the incident.

Texas State’s Hoodie Day attracted a large crowd of students, faculty and staff, including Associated Student Government President AJ Degarmo.

“This is a tragic case; it was a senseless crime,” said AJ Degarmo. “However, this is only one example of many things I see across our nation every single day.”

The 80-degree weather did not stop people from wearing hoodies to show their support for Martin. Several people gave speeches and a moment of silence was held in the memory of Trayvon Martin.

“For instance, the hoodie, to me isn’t just a hoodie that he was used to be a victim, it represents the identity that all of us carry,” said AJ Degarmo. “This hoodie is taking on so much more of that symbol, that it’s something we all can gravitate towards and speak our minds about.”

While the Trayvon Martin case has turned into a national issue it is only highlighting the larger issue of discrimination and violence.

“I think it’s important to let people know while the Trayvon Martin issue is saddening, while it’s alarming, while it’s an issue in itself, Trayvon Martin is not the first and he’s not going to be the last, sadly,” said Mike Yates. “I could be the next Trayvon Martin.”

Yates is a senator at Texas State, and believes that it is important for leaders to be outspoken about important issues.

“This is important to me because Trayvon could have been me. Trayvon could have been my little brother. Trayvon could have been my little cousin, and that would hit directly home for me,” said Jay Hawkins. “This is going to be pivotal in the movement between peace and justice for all people.”

The Underrepresented Student Advisory Council, Department of Sociology and Department of Anthropology sponsored the event.

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