Some issues naturally receive more attention than others during an election year. When the economy falls out from underneath a nation, focusing on how to recover makes sense.

In the wake of the old administration and before the new one takes residence, however, there is a period of broadened perspective where issues that had less priority start peaking out from the stack.

Zack Fox, the president of the University chapter of Amnesty International, said the group’s demonstration today against Guantanamo Bay is being held in the hopes of doing just that – bringing the debate on closing back to the table.

“Amnesty has been encouraging its groups to make sure human rights really stays in the forefront of those being newly elected on the fourth,” said Fox, a senior international affairs major from Decatur. “It should be a priority for policy makers. That is not to say that there aren’t other issues that people need to be aware of and vote on.”

Some dressed in jumpsuits and possibly tied to chairs, members and supporters of the organization will gather at the Tate Plaza to demonstrate against an American policy.

Fox said the message is twofold with both education and action as the primary emphasis. He said in previous situations with the public it was surprising how many people did not even know about the detainment camp.

“They need to understand physically what it is, it is neither on U.S. soil or governed by Cuban laws, that was the argument from the Bush administration shortly after opening it,” he said. “It is a violation of numerous fundamental human rights.”

At the demonstration, the organization will have petitions addressed to state representatives for people to read and sign. Also, literature about Guantanamo and American policy will be available for passersby.

Nima Patel, the vice-president of the chapter and a junior from Stockbridge, said Guantanamo Bay’s closing is one of her main focuses in human rights issues today. She said among the many other important issues this election, the Bay should not go unnoticed.

“All of the secretaries of state have said it should be closed,” Patel said. Patel and Fox both said Guantanamo Bay is damaging to America and the American people. They said every person ought to understand the situation and be a part of taking action against the policies keeping it in place.