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FAQ
Who are you?
We're HALA: Hampshire Animal Liberation Advocacy, a student group at Hampshire College. Our membership is not restricted to students. We are a nonviolent organization that takes legal action to defend non-human animals against abuse and confinement. We are against the oppression of human and non-human animals.
What's this conference about?
We're hosting a weekend conference aiming to fortify and empower the animal liberation movement called Smash the State, Crush the Cage. The focus of the conference is on practical ways of ending animal testing on and outside college campuses. We believe that it's crucial for people who recognize the systemic injustices being committed against animals, human and non-human alike, to share skills and strategies in order to effectively combat this injustice.
The conference will take place at Hampshire College from the afternoon of November 9th, 2007 to the morning of November 11th, 2007.
"Empower and fortify?"
We received some questions about this one. First let us say that "empower and fortify" does NOT mean reinforcing a dogmatic allegiance to any particular tactic. Individuals and groups who work to defend nonhuman animals and the ecosystems upon which all life depends are facing intense repression at this time. We at HALA feel the need for a positive space wherein we can critically evaluate our strategies, deal with our fear and cynicism, and proceed in the most effective manner.
So are you an animal rights group?
We have a great deal of respect for any group that fights to defend an oppressed group against systemic violence. We chose to identify as "liberationists" rather than "animal rights activists" because "rights" are claims enforced by the government. As recently illustrated by a war on Iraq that has claimed over a million lives, the round up of non-violent environmental and animal rights activists, and the negligent and racist non-response to hurricane Katrina, we can see that the United States government has no interest in justice. At some point, we have to stop asking and start doing.
Are you terrorists?
Absolutely not. HALA is a non-violent organization that engages in legal action for social change on behalf of a violently oppressed group. While we do not take illegal actions, we do acknowledge that, all too often, justice is on the wrong side of the law. It's ironic that animal liberationists receive the label "terrorists" when we campaign to stop so-called "scientists" who make a living out of torturing monkeys. These are the literal terrorists who make a living out of fear and pain. What we do is work to stop people who profit from fear and pain.
Are you an arm of the North American Animal Liberation Press Office (NAALPO)?
We have no ties to NAALPO. We are our own independent organization.
Where is Hampshire College and how do I get there?
Hampshire College is located in Amherst, Massachusetts. Take exit 19 off I-91 South towards Northampton/Amherst. Turn right to go over the Calvin Coolidge memorial bridge. Bear right past the Getty gas station and turn right onto Middle Road at the stop sign. Follow Middle until you see the sign for Bay Road/47; take a left here. Follow Bay Road and go PAST the Hampshire College/Eric Carle museum entrance. You want to go in the main entrance to make parking easier. Where Bay road tees by the Atkins Market, turn left onto 116/West Street. Shortly after this, you will see the main entrance to Hampshire on your left.
Earth Crisis or Good Clean Fun?
New Order.