Immigration highlights Cesar Chavez events

By Rebecca Martin
The Collegian

Among events planned to honor Cesar Chavez is a debate about the proposed Immigration legislation.

The “Immigration and Border Security” is divided into two events on Wednesday. The first is a panel discussion featuring Rev. Robin Hoover of Humane Borders.

The second is another panel discussion on “Immigration on the Arizona/Mexico Border.”

The event, although it has been in the planning stages for the last six weeks, comes at a coincidental time, Carlos Perez, chair of the Chicano and Latin American Studies Department said.

Immigration legislation has recently become a debated topic, with protests in major cities around the country. Students at local high schools in Fresno are also walking out of class in response to the possible legislation.

There has not been any walkouts at Fresno State, Perez said. He said some of the Chicano and Latin American professors have been contacted by local high school teachers regarding the issue.

That Cesar Chavez, a historical figure recognized for leading immigrants and farm workers, is being recognized this week makes the issue timely, said Sudarshan Kapoor, department of social work education professor said.

“Cesar Chavez is a person who fought for rights,” said Kapoor.

Kapoor said there are several bills regarding immigration. Some put a human face on the issue, and others he said he does not agree with.

Putting a fence on part of the border between Mexico and the U.S. is one he strongly disagrees with.

“It’s a disgrace to humanity. We got the Berlin Wall out, and now we want to create a wall here? It doesn’t make any sense,” Kapoor said.

He said President Ronald Reagan supported the Berlin Wall being torn down. Putting a fence, he fears, will force a future president to tear down another wall.

Other events to recognize Cesar Chavez are planned for Thursday.

There will be an altar display at the Cesar Chavez Monument and information tables set up at the Peace Garden.

“Fresno State was the first to honor Cesar Chavez with a memorial statue after his death,” said Victor Torres, Chicano and Latin American studies professor.

Torres said Fresno State has been celebrating the legacy of Cesar Chavez since a memorial statue was unveiled on campus ten years ago

The University Student Union will have a Chavez exhibit at the Pavilion Wall.

Ambar Alvarez, a member of Trabajadores de la Raza, said the celebration takes a few months to put together, but it is well worth the time and effort.

— Adam Albrecht contributed to this article

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