Is Europe Turning into a Fortress?

Daily news reports tell of the hardships facing hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants making their way to Europe. Children die when boats capsize in the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece. Adults struggle to stay warm as winter approaches. The International Organization for Migration said this month almost 3,500 migrants have died along this route into Europe in 2015.   Earlier this year, the European Union agreed to distribute 160,000 refugees and migrants among its member states. But the European states are struggling to handle anything close to that number. To understand how many people are entering Europe, think of this: More than 200,000 migrants made their way to Europe in October. That’s more than the number of people who made the trek into Europe from distressed countries in all of 2014. The United Nations and other agencies that track the welfare of migrants and refugees say there are almost 750,000 new arrivals in Europe this year.   The United Nations refugee agency – UNHCR – says the migrants are overwhelming resources in Greece, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia. Those countries are increasing controls to their borders. For example, Slovenia built a barbed-wire fence along its border with Croatia on Wednesday. At the sea crossings, the death toll seems to increase every day. Flimsy boats make their way into water that is rougher and colder each day. The Greek and Turkish coast guards are not able to save every boat that gets into trouble. Just Wednesday, the Turkish state-run news agency reported 14 migrants drowned in the Aegean Sea. And nobody knows what to do with people waiting at borders to be processed or relocated to places like Luxembourg. In October, European leaders announced that shelter for up to 100,000 people will be offered at reception centers in Greece and other points along the migration route. “This is one of the greatest litmus tests Europe has ever faced,” said German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Other countries are starting to push back against decisions made by Merkel and European leaders. For years, Sweden had one of the most liberal immigration policies. But the country plans to introduce temporary border controls. There are fewer than 10-million people in Sweden. Up to 200,000 refugees and migrants are expected to arrive this year. That is by far the largest proportion of refugees in Europe. The border controls seem like a necessary step. The Swedish interior minister says the controls will last until November 21. In the 1990s, the European Union promised freedom of movement between citizens of member states. And that freedom is threatened by fences and strict new entry controls. The moves by Sweden and Slovenia to control their borders came at the same time EU leaders met at a two-day conference in Malta. It focused on slowing the number of migrants coming from Africa. The meetings are important but they are having little impact on the ground. Tension is high in countries along the migration route. The Associated Press news service reports that people upset with migration policies in Sweden are setting fire to refugee shelters. Wednesday, a fire broke out at a shelter in Norway. Authorities are investigating the fire to see if it was intentionally set. The refugees and migrants will make a massive impact wherever they settle. For example, countries like Sweden have been accepting of immigrants for years. And they have strong assimilation policies. New arrivals in Sweden are offered skills assessments so they can be placed in suitable jobs. They are also offered free language classes. But what happens if these migrants fail to find work or adapt to life in Sweden? Experts are concerned about immigrant communities and governance. Acceptable practices in some countries are not accepted in others. For example, the European Institute for Gender Equality says lawmakers should be mindful of practices like female genital mutilation. This practice is a crime in the European Union. It is punishable by jail time in most countries. Some host countries are dealing with Muslim legal traditions within their borders. As the humanitarian crisis continues, European countries will face challenges with new residents in their societies. I'm Caty Weaver. And I’m Mario Ritter. This story appeared on VOANews.com. Dan Friedell adapted it for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. What do you think the long-term effects will be of migrants arriving in Europe? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   assimilation – n. becoming part of a different society or country barbed – adj. having a sharp point that sticks out and backward from a larger point : having a barb capsize – v. to turn over : to turn so that the bottom is on top female genital mutilation– n. the act of cutting off the clitoris or outer sexual organs of (a woman or girl) flimsy – adj. easily broken, torn, etc. : not strong or solid litmus test – n. something (such as an opinion about a political or moral issue) that is used to make a judgment about whether someone or something is acceptable massive – adj. large in amount or degree overwhelming – adj. used to describe something that is so confusing, difficult, etc., that you feel unable to do it proportion – n. an amount that is part of a whole reception – n. the act or process of receiving, welcoming, or accepting something or someone toll – n. the number of people who are killed or injured in an accident, disaster, war, etc. — usually singular trek – v. to walk usually for a long distance

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English in a Minute: Jack of All Trades

Does this expression have anything to do with a man named Jack? This idiom is not what it seems. Learn more by watching this episode of English in a Minute!

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Scenes From Paris Terror Attacks

French President Francois Hollande said more than 120 people died Friday night in shootings at Paris cafes, suicide bombings near France's national stadium and a hostage-taking slaughter inside a concert hall.

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Many Dead in Attacks in Paris

French police officials say at least 35 people have been killed in the shootings and explosions around Paris.  Reports say the attackers also took hostages at the city’s Bataclan theater. French officials say gunmen opened fire and exploded bombs in several places in the city Friday night.  Witnesses say at least one man opened fire with an automatic gun at a restaurant in the 10th district. A police official said 11 people were killed at the restaurant. An explosion was reported in a bar near the national stadium, the Stade de France, north of Paris.  This is where France was holding a soccer match with Germany. French President Francois Hollande was watching the soccer match and was safely removed. Officials say the president is holding an emergency meeting to address the crisis. The attack comes as France increased security measures ahead of a world climate conference that will begin there in two weeks. Last January, Islamic extremists attacked the newspaper Charlie Hebdo and a kosher grocery store.  20 people died in that attack. The restaurant where people died Friday is in the same area as the Charlie Hebdo offices.

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"A Princess of Mars," by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Part Two

  Editor's Note: Last week we brought you the first of four programs called “A Princess of Mars.”  Our story is from a series of books by American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs. They are science fiction stories, a mix of imagination and science. Last week, we met John Carter who begins the story. He enters a cave deep in the desert in the state of Arizona. There something happens. He does not know how, but he has been transported to the Red Planet, Mars. He quickly learns that gravity on Mars is much less than on Earth. The lack of gravity makes him very strong. He can even jump very high without trying. He finds a low wall that surrounds a group of eggs. The eggs are opening. Out come small, fierce-looking green creatures. When we left John Carter, a green adult creature carrying a long sharp spear was coming toward him. And now, the second program in our series, “A Princess of Mars.” JOHN CARTER: The creature with the spear was huge. There were many other similar creatures. They had ridden behind me on the backs of large animals. Each of them carried a collection of strange-looking weapons. The one with the large spear got down from the back of his animal and began walking toward me.  He was almost five meters tall and a dark green color. Huge teeth stuck out of his face, and his expression showed much hate and violence. I immediately knew I was facing a terrible warrior. He began moving quickly toward me with the spear. I was completely unarmed. I could not fight. My only chance was to escape. I used all my strength to jump away from him. I was able to jump almost thirty meters. The green Martian stopped and watched my effort. I would learn later that the look on his face showed complete surprise. The creatures gathered and talked among themselves. While they talked, I thought about running away. However, I noticed several of them carried devices that looked very much like rifles. I could not run. Soon, all but one of the creatures moved away. The one who had threatened me stayed. He slowly took off a metal band from his arm and held it out to me. He spoke in a strange language. JOHN CARTER: Slowly, he laid down his weapons. I thought this would have been a sign of peace anywhere on Earth…why not on Mars, too? I walked toward him and in a normal voice announced my name and said I had come in peace. I knew he did not understand, but like me, he took it to mean that I meant no harm. Slowly, we came together. He gave me the large metal band that had been around his arm. He turned and made signs with his hands that I should follow him. Soon we arrived at the large animal he had been riding. He again made a sign with his hands that I should ride on the same animal behind him. The group turned and began riding across the land. We moved quickly toward mountains in the distance. JOHN CARTER: The large animals we rode moved quickly across the land. I could tell from the surrounding mountains that we were on the bottom of a long dead sea. In time we came to a huge city. At first I thought the city was empty. The buildings all were empty and in poor repair. But soon I saw hundreds of the green warriors. I also saw green women and children. I soon learned about many cities like this. The cities were built hundreds of years ago by a people that no longer existed. The green Martians used the cities. They moved from one empty city to another, never stopping for more than a day or two. We got down from our animals and walked into a large building. We entered a room that was filled with fierce green warriors. It was not difficult to tell that these were the leaders of the green Martians. One of them took hold of my arm. He shook me and lifted me off the ground. He laughed when he did so. I was to learn that green Martians only laugh at the pain or suffering of others. This huge warrior threw me to the ground and then took hold of my arm again to pick me up. I did the only thing I could do. I hit him with my closed fist as hard as I could. The green warrior fell to the floor and did not move. The others in the room grew silent. I had knocked down one of their warriors with only my hand. I moved away from him and prepared to defend myself as best I could. But they did not move. The green Martian that had captured me walked toward me. He said in a clear voice: TARS TARKAS: "TARS TARKAS -- TARS TARKAS.” JOHN CARTER: As he spoke, he pointed to his own chest. He was telling me his name! I pointed to my chest and said my name, “John Carter.” He turned and said the word, “Sola.” Immediately, a green Martian woman came close. He spoke to her. She led me to another building and into a large room. The room was filled with equipment carried by the green Martians. She prepared something for me to eat. I was very hungry.   I pointed to her and said the word “Sola.” She pointed at me and said my name. It was a beginning. Sola was my guard.   She also became my teacher. In time she would become a close and valued friend. As I ate my meal, my lessons in the language of the green Martians continued. JOHN CARTER: Two days later, Tars Tarkas came to my room. He carried the weapons and the metal armbands the green warriors wear. He put them on the ground near my feet. Sola told him I now understood some of their language. He turned to me and spoke slowly. TARS TARKAS: The warrior you hit is dead. His weapons and the metal of his rank are yours, John Carter. He was a leader of one small group among our people. Because you have killed him, you now are a leader. You are still a captive and not free to leave. However you will be treated with the respect you have earned. You are now a warrior among our people. JOHN CARTER: Tars Tarkas turned and spoke softly. From beyond the door a strange creature entered the room. It was bigger than a large dog and very ugly. It had rows of long teeth and ten very short legs.  Tars Tarkas spoke to the creature and pointed at me. He left. The creature looked at me, watching closely. Then Sola spoke about the creature. SOLA: His name is Woola. The men of our tribe use them in hunting and war. He has been told to guard and protect you. He has also been told to prevent your escape. There is no faster creature in our world.  And in a fight they can kill very quickly. Do not try to escape, John Carter. Woola will tear you to small pieces. JOHN CARTER: I continued to watch the creature named Woola. I had already seen how the green Martians treated other animals. They were very cruel. I thought, perhaps this beast can be taught to be my friend…much like a dog on Earth. I walked close to the creature and began speaking in much the same way I would speak to a dog or other animal on Earth. I sat down next to him while I talked softly. At first he seemed confused. I believe the creature Woola had never heard a kind word. For the next several days I gained the trust and friendship of Woola. In a few short days Woola was my friend and fierce protector. He would remain my loyal friend as long as I was on Mars. JOHN CARTER: Several days later, Sola came to me with a look of great concern. SOLA: John Carter…come with me. A great battle is about to take place. An enemy is coming near this city. We must prepare to fight and we must be ready to flee. JOHN CARTER: Sola, what enemy is this? SOLA: A race of red men who travel our world in flying machines. A great number of their machines have come over the far mountain. Take your weapons with you and hurry. JOHN CARTER: I collected my sword and a spear. I hurried out of the building and joined a group of warriors moving toward the end of the city. Far in the distance I could see the air ships. They were firing large guns at the green warriors. I heard huge explosions. The green warriors were firing back with their deadly rifles. The air was filled with the sound of violent battle. Suddenly a huge air ship exploded.  It came down, crashing near me. Red Martians were falling from the side of the huge ship. And then it exploded! This has been the second part of the story “A Princess of Mars” by Edgar Rice Burrows.  Paul Thompson adapted this story was adapted for VOA Learning English. Paul Thompson and Mario Ritter produced it. Shep O’Neal was the voice of John Carter. Steve Ember was Tars Tarkas. And Barbara Klein was Sola. Join us again next week at this time as we continue “A Princess of Mars” in VOA Special English. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   spear - n.  a weapon that has a long straight handle and a sharp point warrior - n. a person who fights in battles and is known for having courage and skill device - n. an object, machine, or piece of equipment that has been made for some special purpose equipment - n. supplies or tools needed for a special purpose armband - n. a band worn around the arm, esp. to show who you are

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New EU Labeling Rule for Israeli Settlement Products

The European Union is requiring Israel to identify products that are made in disputed territory and sold in Europe. The EU says the rule will clarify existing regulations. It drew immediate criticism from the Israeli government and U.S. senators. Less than 1 percent of Israeli products sold in European countries come from disputed territory, according to the European Union. Israel said the EU action will help those organizing a boycott of Israeli products. “Europe should be ashamed of itself,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “It took an immoral decision. Of the hundreds of territorial conflicts around the world, it chose to single out Israel and Israel alone.” But Netanyahu said the Israeli economy is strong enough “to weather this” EU action. The Palestine Liberation Organization praised the EU decision. “We welcome this decision and consider it a significant move toward a total boycott of Israeli settlements, which are built illegally on occupied Palestinian lands,” said PLO Secretary General Saeb Erekat.  The EU decision would require products produced in the occupied West Bank, the Golan Heights and East Jerusalem to be labeled as from a “settlement.” In the U.S. Congress, 36 U.S senators protested the EU rule. “We urge you not to implement this labeling policy, which appears intended to discourage Europeans from purchasing these products and promote a de facto boycott of Israel,” the senators wrote. Erekat of the Palestine Liberation Organization said Palestinians have lived under Israeli occupation for decades. “The meaningful step taken by the EU today is one of many necessary steps to put a stop to these illegal settlements and violent settlers wreaking havoc on the Palestinian population,” Erekat said. The dispute between Israel and the EU comes in the same week that President Barack Obama met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House. The two leaders do not always agree, especially over a nuclear deal the United States helped broker with Iran. But Monday’s meeting was said to be more cordial. It is expected to result in an increase in U.S. military aid to Israel. Israel is reportedly looking to increase its annual military aid from the United States to $5 billion. That would give it more than triple the amount any other country receives from the United States. I'm Mario Ritter.   Zlatica Hoke and Chris Hannas reported on this story for VOANews.com. Bruce Alpert adapted this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   clarify – v. to make (something) clear or clearer ashamed – adj. feeling shame or guilt immoral – adj.  not morally good or right, morally evil or wrong implement – v.  to make (something) active or effective de facto – adj.  used to describe something that exists but that is not officially accepted or recognized havoc – n.  a situation in which there is much destruction or confusion We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or tell us what you think on our Facebook page.

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Alibaba Sets Sales Record on Singles' Day

E-commerce giant Alibaba broke records with sales of $14.3 billion on China’s Singles’ Day. It is the largest online shopping day in the world. Online sales from last year increased 60 percent, according to Alibaba. Most people shopped on mobile devices, said the firm. The numbers are preliminary and unaudited, the company said. China Singles’ Day takes place November 11, or 11.11 each year. Alibaba promoted it as a shopping day in 2009. There are steep discounts and other promotions designed to attract online customers. Singles’ Day quickly became a retail sensation. China Singles’ Day “has now become larger than both Cyber Monday and Black Friday combined,” the two biggest shopping days in the U.S., reported NBC News. Kitty Fok is China manager for market research from IDC. She told the BBC that online shopping had become a comfortable channel for most consumers. “China is a big market with close to one billion smart, connected device users. It is good news for both Alibaba and their competitors,” she said. Jack Ma is Alibaba’s founder and executive chairman. He told journalists in Beijing that the event’s annual growth in the future should be more than 50 percent. The company is focusing on international e-commerce for future Singles’ Days, reported Reuters. “Within the next five years, we expect China will become the world’s largest e-commerce market for imported products,” President Michael Evans told reporters on Wednesday.  Alibaba Chief Executive Daniel Zhang said in a statement that Singles’ Day would mean that “the whole world will witness the power of Chinese consumption.”   Over 130 million users visited Alibaba’s marketplace app, Taobao, reported the BBC.  I’m Mary Gotschall.   Mary Gotschall adapted this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   transactions – n.  a business deal : an occurrence in which goods, services, or money are passed from one person, account, etc., to another preliminary – adj. coming before the main part of something unaudited – v. not conducting a complete and careful examination of the financial records of a business or person steep – adj.  very high discounts – n. an amount taken off a regular price : a price reduction promotions – n. the act of promoting someone or something sensation – n. someone or something that causes a lot of excitement and interest channel – n. a system used for sending something (such as information or supplies) from one place or person to another consumption – n. the act of buying things   Do you have an opinion about this topic? Let us know what you think in the Comments section below, or on our Facebook page.  ​

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Italian Police Make Arrests in Terrorism Sweep

Police in Europe won a battle in the war on terrorism Thursday with the announcement of arrests in a joint operation against suspected militants. Italy’s anti-terrorism chief, Giuseppe Governale, called the arrests “the most important international police operation in Europe in 20 years.” Officials say the operation targeted members of a Norway-based, Iraqi Kurdish terrorist group. They said the group used the Internet to reach new members, and sent them to fight in Iraq and Syria with the Islamic State group. Police accused the group of plotting attacks against Norwegian and British diplomats in the Middle East. At least 13 people were arrested in Italy, Britain and Norway. In addition, police seized documents and other objects in searches of more than 20 premises. The searches were the work of officials from Italy, Germany, Finland, Norway, Switzerland and Britain. Italian officials identified Najmuddin Faraj Ahmad as the ideological leader of the group. They said he is in prison in Norway. He is also called Mullah Krekar. He was jailed earlier this year after being found guilty of urging others to kill a Kurdish immigrant in Norway. His Norwegian lawyer told reporters, “suspicions against Krekar have largely been based on false accusations. Norway and the United States have accused him of financing the group Ansar a-Islam. Separately, Turkey’s state-operated news agency says police detained 11 people Thursday in Istanbul. They were captured in a new security operation against suspected Islamic State militants. I’m Jonathan Evans.   Jim Dresbach wrote this story for Learning English. It was based on reports from VOANews.com, the Associated Press and MSNBC. George Grow was the editor. What do you think about these arrests? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section or visit our Facebook page.  ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   ideological – adj. having to do with the set of ideas and beliefs of a group or political party premises – n. a building and the area of land that it is on ​

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Iraqi Kurd Chief Says Sinjar Taken from Islamic State

Kurdish fighters supported by American airstrikes have recaptured the northern Iraqi town of Sinjar from Islamic State militants. Iraqi Kurdish President Massoud Barzani made the announcement Friday. The U.S.-backed coalition had not yet discussed the operation. But witnesses told the Associated Press that Kurdish forces, also known as Peshmerga fighters, were in control of the center of Sinjar. The battle to retake the town started on Thursday after more than one week of daily airstrikes by the U.S. The Islamic State group had captured the town of mostly ethnic Yazidis from Iraqi government forces last year. The group’s attack on the Yazidi minority led to the first of more than 5,000 U.S. airstrikes against the Islamic State. On Thursday, Kurdish officials said the Peshmerga fighters controlled villages on either side of Sinjar and the important Highway 47 between Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria. The Islamic State (IS) group uses the highway to transport weapons, supplies and illicit oil to fund its operations. Colonel Christopher Garver is a spokesman for the U.S. Combined Joint Task Force against the Islamic State. He said that the operation would disrupt “funding for [IS] operations, stem the flow of its fighters into Iraq and further isolate Mosul from Raqqa.” About 7,500 fighters took part in the battle to retake Sinjar. A military advisor to the Kurdish prime minister’s office said local residents have joined the fight. They want to establish a safe area to protect civilians. Progress in the fight against the Islamic State militant Jan Kubis is the top UN official in Iraq. Earlier on Wednesday, he told the UN Security Council that Iraqi forces and Shi’ite militias have made some progress in the fight against the militant group. He said, “The pro-government forces have proven their ability to conduct military operations in several areas simultaneously.” The UN envoy believed that “morale of the fighting forces is high, on the side of the government, and they are able now to register successes.” He added that more operations are planned in Anbar province. He warned, however, that the militant group, also known as ISIL or ISIS, is far from defeated. “ISIL continues to possess the funding and military capacities to prolong its reign of terror over large swaths of Iraq,” he said. James Denselow is with the London-based Foreign Policy Center. He said, “What we see is a slow, painful but incremental progress pushing back [Islamic State].” Some former military officials doubt the latest offensive will damage the Islamic State’s operations. Former U.S. Navy commander Christopher Harmer is a naval expert at the Institute of the Study of War. He warns that the Islamic state is “retrenching” after spreading its forces too thinly by expanding into Yazidi and Kurdish territory. Harmer said, “When they lose peripheral territory, like Sinjar, or Kobani, or even Hasakah, that is important but does not reduce the ability of ISIS to function as a significant destabilizing force in Syria or Iraq.” Life under Islamic State rule The Islamic State began its offensive in Iraq last year. The group seized at least one third of the country. More than three million civilians were displaced. Thousands of Iraqis and Syrians are seeking safety by making the dangerous trip to Europe over land or by sea. The latest UN report on Iraq expressed concern about the militants’ abuses of civilians. These include killings, kidnappings, rape, torture, forced recruitment of children and looting. The group is also believed to hold captive about 1,500 women and children from the minority Yazidi community. The UN says more than 8.6 million people need urgent humanitarian assistance. I’m Mario Ritter. This story is based on reports from Ken Bredemeier, Mike Richman, Chris Hannas, Margaret Besheer, and Ed Yeranian. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   Illicit –adj. something not allowed by law Disrupt –v. to interfere with something Simultaneously –adv. taking place at the same time as something else reign of terror –n. a period when a person or group commits violent acts against many people and causes widespread fear swaths –n. a long wide strip of land incremental –adj. change taking place in small steps over time peripheral –adj. at the edges of something, not in the center destabilizing –adj. causing to be unable to work in the usual or desired way

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“Spectre” Begins New Era for Bond Films

Many critics consider “Skyfall” the greatest of James Bond films. But, the latest in the series, “Spectre,” may be a strong competitor for that title. “Spectre” steps into new territory, and critics are giving it high praise. British actor Daniel Craig returns for his fourth performance as James Bond. American Sam Mendes directed the film. Mendes was also director of “Skyfall.” The latest story finds Bond on a personal journey to find an enemy from his past. He lost much that was important to him in “Skyfall” including the spy agency director, “M,” whom he revered.  Bond travels from Mexico City to Rome, to the mountaintops of Austria, to the desert near Tangier and, finally, back to London. Bond is seeking archenemy Franz Oberhauser, played by Christoph Waltz. Oberhauser leads an international terrorist group called Spectre. The group, it turns out, is responsible for much of Bond’s personal tragedy beginning with the 2006 film “Casino Royale.” The plots of “Casino Royale,” “Quantum of Solace” and “Skyfall” come to completion in “Spectre.” A new era of Bond is born as a result. The character falls in love and is willing to honor love over mission. This softer side of Bond, alone, helps make “Spectre” interesting. Director Mendes references Bond movies of the past in “Spectre.” For example, a familiar white cat makes a brief appearance. The animal character was first seen in the 1963 Bond film “From Russia With Love.” The beautiful cat belonged to the evil Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Another connection: The final battle in “Spectre” takes place where it all started, at the damaged MI6 building that was bombed in “Skyfall.” “Spectre” earned about $70 million in U.S. ticket sales its opening weekend. It has sold about $300 million worth of tickets around the world. It is not quite as high as “Skyfall” earnings after the same amount of time. But it is closer than any other movie in the series. I'm Caty Weaver. Lucija Millonig wrote this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. ______________________________________________________ Words in This Story journey – n. an act of traveling from one place to another revere – v. to hold very high in respect archenemy ­– n. a chief enemy era – n. a period of time that is associated with a particular quality, event, person, etc. reference – v. to mention (something or someone) in speech or in writing: to refer to (something or someone) familiar – adj. possibly known but not clearly remembered mission – n. an important task or duty

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#Mizzou and the #MillionStudentMarch

  #Mizzou A student's threat on the mobile application Yik Yak to “shoot every black person I see” kept the University of Missouri and #Mizzou as trending topics on social media again. Campus police called the student’s posts “terrorist threats.” Meanwhile, “Ithaca College” was a top Google search Thursday, after students there protested racism on their campus. Students from Ithaca College said they were inspired by the actions of #ConcernedStudent1950 and called for college president Tom Rochon to resign. At least 1,000 Ithaca College students took part in a “solidarity walk out” Wednesday. #MillionStudentMarch Across America, students were staging walkouts for other reasons, too. Students at 110 colleges across the United States walked out of their classrooms to protest the high costs of loans and the price of public education in the U.S. The  #MillionStudentMarch trended worldwide on Twitter Thursday. The Million Student March website says “Education should be free. The United States is the richest country in the world, yet students have to take on crippling debt in order to get a college education.” On social media, the movement received support as well as negative feedback. ​ The Washington Post explained how Democratic candidate for president Bernie Sanders helped inspire the #MillionStudentMarch. The Vermont senator said in an interview last June, “If a million young people march on Washington [and say] to the Republican leadership, ‘we know what’s going on, and you better vote to deal with student debt. You better vote to make public universities and colleges tuition free,’ that’s when it will happen.” On Thursday, Senator Sanders again Tweeted his thoughts on debt-free higher education.  He said, "Higher education is a right. We must fight to ensure that every American can go to college without living in debt."

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