By By Jeanine Poggi

Faculty lined the atrium in the Student Center this afternoon, only hours before the arrival of former President Bill Clinton for his appearance at the 11th Presidential Conference. Armed with posters of soldiers killed in the war in Iraq the members of the Long Island Teachers for Human Rights stood stoic in the peaceful protest over the war in Iraq.

They read the names of the dead, including fallen heroes from the metro area in order to urged the 42nd president to take a stand in fighting in the Middle East.

Margaret Melkonian, alumnus and member of the LITHR said in remembrance of Veteran’s Day tomorrow the group is “calling on the Clintons to speak out against the war.”

According to a memo written by LITHR to Bill and Hillary Clinton, “America stands teetering upon a precipice perhaps as grave as any since 1865. We believe you understand this better than anyone, having been haunted for over a decade by the dark forces of radical right, who seek to destroy the country while hiding behind a mask of piety and patriotism.”

The protestors wrote a letter to Bill and Hillary Clinton, requesting them to address the situation in Iraq. (Elizabeth Pierdominici/The Chronicle)

Members of Long Island Teachers for Human Rights demonstrate against the war in Iraq and honor fallen soldiers on Thursday during former president Bill Clinton’s visit to the University. (Elizabeth Pierdominici/The Chronicle)