<ChicagoMayDay> Press Advisory-May 20th Event-Noon
JOSEFRO...@aol.com
For Planning Purposes - Press Advisory
May 19, 2010 for Thursday, May 20th Event
For more information, contact:
Cindy Agustin. 773.351.9097 cagu...@uchicago.edu
Victoria Alvarez. 214.457.7605 valv...@uchicago.edu
Just days after undocumented students risked arrest in Arizona and were put in deportation proceedings…
Immigrant Students Launch Equal Rights Campaign at Illinois Universities
Students from 9 schools gather at U. of Chicago to target University Presidents, ask for equal support
WHAT: The University of Chicago student group, U-Chicago Coalition for Immigrant Rights (UCCIR),
will host a rally to launch the “Equal Rights University Campaign.” They will be joined by students representing 9 schools across Illinois that are all asking their University Presidents to sign-on to become an “Equal Rights University” or “Dream University” that commits to a variety of actions, including: non-discrimination in admissions; Financial Aid, Admissions, and Career Services officers trained to work with undocumented students; campus education about undocumented students; and a working relationship with undocumented students and community groups.
WHEN: Thursday, May 20, noon
WHERE: University of Chicago Bartlett Quad 5600 S. University, Chicago IL
WHO: Citizen and undocumented students from U-Chicago student group (U-Chicago Coalition for Immigrant Rights and Immigrant – UCCIR), and representatives from Northeastern, Harold Washington, UofI, Northwestern, UIC, IIT, Roosevelt, College of Dupage, Elgin Community College and reps from community youth groups will also be present.
WHY: Nearly 2 million undocumented minors reside in the U.S. and each year 65,000 students graduate from American high schools without having the realistic possibility to attend college. This is the problem that youth and their advocacy groups are hoping to change through a specific push for greater aid and declared support by educational institutions across Chicago. “We are not asking for special treatment. Right now, other students can go to the financial aid or career services offices at my school and expect help that suits their needs. Undocumented students are left in the dark,” said Cindy Agustin, an organizer of the event and University of Chicago student. Historically, universities have been called upon to provide equal access to education and career opportunities to Blacks, Jews, women and other marginalized groups. Undocumented students will bravely announce their status publicly at this event. They will be available for interview.
Visuals: Participants will carry signs & banners. Part of national student week of action.
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