By Shauneen Miranda
Students voiced their opinions on the struggles facing the Latinx community at No Me Digas, a symposium hosted by the Latinx Student Union on Sept. 25.
“Be as blunt as you want,” Jesus Herrera, Latinx Student Union vice president, said at the beginning of the symposium.
Although No Me Digas brought a rather small crowd, a majority of the audience participated in the discussion moderated by the Latinx Student Union and shared their opinions on debated topics.
Herrera, a senior international relations major, discussed the uncertainty in the next undocumented student coordinator.
Herrera said that Laura Bohorquez, the current undocumented student coordinator, provides financial guidance, emotional support and other types of resources for undocumented students.
Bohorquez’s temporary contract is set to expire in June 2020.
“It’s scary…it’s sad,” Herrera said in response to the length of time this university has taken to decide if the position will remain permanent.
President Trump’s immigration policies also served as a major topic during the symposium.
Oliver Argueta, a junior government and politics major and a member of the Latinx Student Union, described President Trump’s narrative toward undocumented immigrants as “antagonostic” and “xenophobic.”
“It’s a culture of fear,” Argueta said. “In certain cities, people are afraid to go to work.”
The symposium took place 10 days into Latinx Heritage Month.
Latinx Heritage Month, spanning from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, reflects on the history, traditions and contributions of Hispanics and Latinos in America.
“Latinx heritage month is a time to celebrate both the good and the struggles our community has gone through and continues to go through,” graduate coordinator for Latinx Student Involvement Valeria Morales said.
For Morales, it is a month dedicated to reflecting upon the progress this community has made.
This year, Latinx Heritage Month focuses on aspects of its culture instead of responding to President Trump’s remarks on undocumented immigrants.
“Last year’s Latinx Heritage Month was very politicized, we focused on deflecting Trump’s attacks, on fighting his rhetoric politically,” Herrera said.
“…We are taking a different approach, we are fighting Trump’s rhetoric by showcasing our beautiful and rich culture. By showing that we are not the people he paints us as.”
Herrera mentioned different ways students can get involved with the Latinx Student Union.
“You definitely do not need to be Latinx to celebrate, respect, and immerse yourself in our community,” Herrera said.
Students can become involved in the Latinx Student Union through events and fundraisers. The Latinx Student Union is active on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @latinxterp for updates.