Compassion for All Animals Ranked First in the Nation for Mainstreaming Animals Rights on Campus
For Immediate Release:
January 20, 2012
Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382
Lawrence, Kansas -- The University of Kansas (KU) student animal rights organization Compassion for All Animals (CAA) has narrowly edged out some very stiff competition to claim a Libby Award for Student Group of the Year from peta2, PETA's youth division. The sixth annual Libby Awards ("Libby" is for "liberation") honor animal-friendly people, organizations, businesses, and products.
"College is all about learning, and Compassion for All Animals is making sure that everyone on the KU campus gets an education in respect for animals," says peta2 Division Manager Marta Holmberg. "Young people are leading the charge when it comes to animal rights, and Compassion for All Animals has set an example for students across the country to follow."
One of CAA's biggest successes was its Free Food, Fashion, and Compassion! event, which was held in conjunction with campus human-rights and poverty-relief groups. The affair—which attracted more than 300 students—featured a delicious all-vegan menu and was catered by local chef Stephanie Petrozz. The crispy fried "chicken" and tangy barbecue "beef" tips were major hits. Following a discussion about everyday ways to help take a bite out of animal suffering, guests were treated to a cruelty-free fashion show (no fur, leather, exotic skins, or wool), along with music provided by a live DJ. CAA also teamed up with peta2 to campaign for more vegan options in KU dining halls. So far, a new vegan wrap has been added, and school officials have agreed to meet with CAA to discuss additional items. Also, vegan and vegetarian dishes are clearly labeled.
The other nominees in the category included University of South Carolina's Students for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, UCLA's Bruins for Animals, and the Penn State Vegetarian Club.
For more information about the winners, please visit peta2.com.
Winners were chosen by peta2 based on equal consideration of three factors: the number of votes received, the quality of the animal-friendly product or the nominees' enthusiasm for being animal-friendly, and feedback from the nominees' fans.