Members of The Los Medanos College Community were urged to “stand with immigrants” Oct.15. The day-long event was sponsored by Equity & Inclusion and Student Life to help show their support for undocumented students.
Lindsay Litowitz, a program coordinator for Student Life, helped plan the event and said they wanted to create a safe space for students, faculty and staff to connect.
The event helped undocumented students learn about financial aid opportunities they have, free services from the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, and educated attendees on the rights immigrants have when facing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Veronica Guinto, who represents the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area and works on campus with students, said the event “provided not only a safe space with this community but also for students who just want to educate themselves.”
Student Darrius Taylor went to learn more about immigrant struggles, “I’m new to this, but I learned to not be afraid to ask for help from faculty and community,” he said.
The event also included discussions about personal experiences that attendees have experienced with immigration.Students shared personal stories about their own and their family’s experiences with immigration.
Student ambassador for Student Life Mali Wyatt, said that some expressed concerns about “potholes in the program,” that have held them back in school and life.
Jazmin Morales, who helped plan the event said, “There was a really good turnout.”
A crowd of attendees posed on the steps of the quad wearing free “I stand with immigrants” T-shirts that were provided at the event.
Staff members joined in on the photo, including Interim Student Life director Robert Delgado, and LMC President Pamala Ralston.
A panel afterward addressed students’ questions and concerns about being undocumented.
For those looking for immigration support, the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area offers free immigration legal services to any California Community College students. You can book an appointment on the LMC website or call them at 925-237-8581 ext.11.
