For Immediate Release
January 26, 2012

Social Justice Series Kicks Off Jan. 31

The college is hosting a series of events this spring to highlight social justice issues.

Cañada will host a series of events centered on social justice beginning Jan. 31. The events were chosen by the Social Justice Planning Committee.

"Members of the committee feel it is the right time to engage the campus community in a discussion centered around social justice issues," said Romeo Garcia, director of Student Support Services and TRiO at Cañada. "The goal is to highlight issues that face our students every day. They believe these are important issues."

The first event, "Whose College? Our College!"will bring together student organizers in the Occupy Movement who will share their experiences. It will be held Tuesday, Jan. 31 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Main Theater. The event is free and open to the public.

According to event organizers, the economic crisis that began in 2007 is making it difficult for young people to achieve their educational goals and find rewarding, meaningful work. In California, state budget cuts have meant higher student fees, larger classes, and fewer sections. A panel of student activists, including Terence Yancey from Occupy SFSU, Gaston Lau from Occupy CCSF, and Ariella Powers from Occupy Berkeley will discuss how the Occupy Movement is giving a common voice to the frustrations that are experienced by students and the general populace. They will also talk about what they've learned from the movement and what they are trying to achieve.

Other events in the series include:

• A Courageous Journey to Ghana. A reflection about studying abroad. Wednesday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m. to noon, Building 3, Room 148. 
• Punished: Policing the Lives of Black and Latino Boys. Wednesday, Feb. 29, 1 to 3 p.m., Building 3, Room 148. 
• International Women's Day. A dialog about women's issues. Thursday, March 8, 11 a.m. Main Theater followed by a noon celebration in the quad. 
• Undocumented Students Forum. Presenters include the Bridging Hispanic Minds to Success & Sequoia Dream Club. Wednesday, April 25, 7 to 9 p.m., Main Theater.

All events are free and open to the public. They are sponsored by the Social Justice Planning Committee, Center for Student Life and Leadership, Associated Students of Cañada College, Office of Student Support & TRiO Program, Sequoia High School Dream Club, Humanities & Social Science Division, Office of Vice President of Student Services, Office of Vice President of Instruction, & Office of the President. For more information, please contact Victoria Worch in the Center for Student Life and Leadership at worchv@smccd.edu or (650) 306-3373.

 

For more information, contact Robert Hood, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, at hoodr@smccd.edu or 306-3340