The name Shakira Croce is familiar to us at peta2 headquarters because she's been a dedicated animal rights activist for years. Shakira is continuing her great work with the student group at her school, Sarah Lawrence College, located just outside New York City. We've been dying to tell you about her work, so check out our interview with Shakira below. When you're done reading it, you'll be motivated to get even more active on your own campus—so drop us a line and we'll help you get started.
How long have you been active for animal rights?
I have been active for animal rights since becoming a vegetarian at age 12 (seven years).
When was your high school group started?
I started Students Promoting Awareness of Animal Rights (SPAAR) my freshman year of high school in Gainesville, Georgia (the poultry capital of the world).
What advice can your group offer other student organizations looking to organize around animal rights at their schools?
There are many ways to reach your peers and many ways to make a difference. A mass movement may begin with one central person who stimulates others to initiate and perpetuate positive change. Being an activist for the animals has been one of the most rewarding activities in my life. Be confident with what you say or write and have plenty of evidence to back up your position. SPAAR is also here for you, if you need any help or ideas.
How are the dining options on campus for vegetarians and vegans?
One of the three dining facilities on campus, the Health Food Bar, only serves vegetarian and vegan dishes. In the other two dining halls, at least half the options are vegan/vegetarian. Like all college food, it can't compare to home meals, but the options are definitely there.
Your school is one of the few that offers a clear dissection alternatives policy. Can you tell us more about that?
I am very proud of Sarah Lawrence for being one of the first and only schools to have a written alternative to dissection policy. Sarah Lawrence prides itself in individualized study, emphasizing the importance of fostering an inherent desire to "approach learning with a sense of meaning and urgency." This fundamental philosophy of the college should be applied to all educational institutions, which must recognize that a student's right to choose whether or not to dissect is integral in the pursuit of knowledge.
What are your favorite resources from peta2?
peta2 has compiled an amazing amount of information, which is accessible online through a variety of multimedia resources (ranging from factsheets to videos to photos). Researching factory farming on peta2's Web site was one of the components that led to my decision to become a vegetarian. I have also experienced outstandingly efficient and compassionate individuals who work for peta2 and who help make peta2's resources accessible and effective.
Which do you like better: Facebook or MySpace?
I'm a member of Facebook, because as an out-of-state student, it's easy to keep in touch with my friends from back home who are also members, but I can't say I really feel strongly either way.
Do you have a favorite musician or celebrity who has worked with peta2?
I really love how peta2 encourages fresh and successful artists/celebrities to speak out for the animals! Some of my favorites are Pink, Paul McCartney, Death Cab for Cutie's Chris Walla, David Beckham, Sugarcult's Marko, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and of course Joaquin Phoenix.
If you were standing face-to-face with the president of KFC, what would you say to him?
The great philosopher Plato once said, "False words are not only evil in themselves, but they inflict the soul with evil." I would then like to confront the KFC president with the facts versus his public lies as outlined on PETA's Web site KentuckyFriedCruelty.com.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
For more info about SPAAR, visit our Web site at www.geocities.com/animalrightspaar/spaar.html, and I am always happy to offer advice or suggestions regarding any student-activism questions you may have: scroce@slc.edu.
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