Blue “People” on Campus Represent Victims of Human Trafficking

Recently, blue life-size cutouts of people have been positioned around campus, each representing someone who is a victim of human trafficking. The stories illustrated speak for people such as Blessing, who accepted an offer to work in a computer store but was forced into sex trafficking; Sadi, who was held hostage by an organ trafficking gang; and Grace, age 15, who was abducted from her school in Uganda, tortured and raped. Women, men, boys, and girls of all ages from around the world are represented by the blue standees. Some cutouts were in the lobby of University Hall this week and will move to other buildings around campus.

The art exhibit is Montclair State University’s recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Month. The effort was organized by Montclair Interest Group against Human Trafficking (MIGHT), an interdisciplinary committee of employees from all corners of campus. Each standee has a QR code, so visitors can scan to learn more about the real person’s story.

Please read and reflect upon the standees’ stories, take a blue card from the bin to learn more about the campaign, and share your thoughts on social media with #OutOfTheShadows. Additionally, a screening of “Very Young Girls” will take place on Wednesday, January 29th from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at Presentation Hall, School of Communications and Media. A talk-back follows the film with two advocates who are survivors and work at GEMS (Girls Educational & Mentoring services).

For more information, please visit the MIGHT website: montclair.edu/human-trafficking