beFree Group Brings Human Trafficking Awareness to SHU

What do you know about human trafficking?  The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 defines human trafficking, often referred to as “modern day slavery,” as “the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person” by “force, fraud, or coercion” for the purposes of sex acts or labor services.

HT is happening in all 50 states, but Michigan is the highest ranked among the states. There is now a group created on campus called beFree led by senior Amber Lipke. The group’s purpose is to bring awareness and change for HT.

“Last semester, I was enrolled in LAS 441 Justice and Peace with Dr. Callie Clare,”Lipke said. “Our main project encouraged us to move outside of our comfort zone and get involved in some sort of activity that involved justice and/or peacemaking of some kind. Dr. Clare had mentioned that starting a group on campus or getting involved in another group would be a great way to complete our projects. From there, my inspiration came from the in-depth research that I did about human trafficking following the discussion. The more I looked, the more I became driven to get involved in some way.

“Upon learning the vulnerability of HT victims, I felt compelled to do something about it. I have children of my own and many nieces and nephews. I am discouraged by the fact that our children are growing up in a world where heinous circumstances still take place, even today. I have also learned that the best way to combat HT is to talk about it, let others know, and network with others who are of like mind,” Lipke added.

She said the group started as an idea for a class, but quickly grew.

“It was always my hope that beFree would take off and grab the attention of other students, and it has!” she said. “I am just one person in an amazing group. If it wasn’t for their interest and kind hearts, we would not be growing and inspiring others to make a difference. I believe it is very important for everyone to know that silence is often seen as agreement when it comes to detrimental social issues such as human trafficking. Keep talking about it, asking questions, and exploring the facts; no matter what your interest to make a difference. In the end, we are all human and we all have the right to beFree.”

She said anyone is permitted to join beFree.

“More minds equal more creative ways for our group to spread awareness throughout campus and our community as a whole,” Lipke said. The group meets occasionally on Fridays on the second floor of the University Center.