Mary Baldwin’s Latinas Unidas presents “Let’s Become Aware: Our Identity as Immigrants” a panel-style discussion on March 23 to discuss issues of immigration and how current immigration policy affects women’s rights and the lives of MBU students.
Latinas Unidas is an organization that provides opportunities for Mary Baldwin students to explore, articulate, and celebrate Latin-American culture. It promotes unity among Latina students and is a valuable partner in Minority Clubs United.
Club president Valerie Baires ’18 believes now more than ever is the right time to dialogue about issues surrounding immigration.
“With the new travel ban and the executive order on beginning the border wall, immigrant rights are a hot topic of conversation,” Baires said. “What better time to talk about it than now?”
The concept for the discussion originated from “Living Undocumented” during Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month in September, a day dedicated to undocumented students living on campus. Organizers created the “Let’s Become Aware” event to expand on the fall program.
Discussions like this are of personal nature for Baires, whose parents are immigrants. Her father emigrated from El Salvador fleeing the Civil War in the 1980s and her mother emigrated from Mexico in hopes of a better life. With most of her family living in the United States undocumented, Baires said it’s time to set the story straight for others about immigrants’ roles.
“We came here in search of a better life, and have even taken the worst jobs for the cheapest wages just because we needed a source of income,” Baires said. “If a small discussion is what it takes to bring awareness to this issue, then I’m down for it.”
Three separate panels will comprise the talk. Assistant Professor of History Edmund Potter, Associate Professor of Spanish Brenci Patino, and Director of the Vantage Point Nell Desmond will make up a faculty/staff panel. Virginia Banda-Garcia ’16, Bibiana Santana ’16, and Blanca Beltran ’17 will be a part of a student panel NEXUS Libres, representatives from the America Civil Liberties Union, and a member from Staunton Police Department will serve on the community panel.
The discussion mediator will be Associate Professor of Communication Bruce Dorries.
“In terms of the college, I hope that this will be an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to hear the stories of current and past Mary Baldwin students who they might not have known are undocumented,” Baires explained.
Members of Latinas Unidas believe in the importance of face-to-face discussions, and feel that the club has an obligation to provide support for the Latinx community within Staunton and the surrounding communities.
The talk will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. in Hunt Dining Hall.