La Voz de Aztlan, April 20 1989

Item

La Voz de Aztlan, April 20 1989

Title

La Voz de Aztlan, April 20 1989

Creator

Associated Students of Fresno State

Relation

La Voz de Aztlan (Daily Collegian, California State University, Fresno)

Coverage

Fresno, California

Date

4/20/1989

Format

PDF

Identifier

SCUA_lvda_00181

extracted text

1969

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Necessity breeds
Harmony conference
Speakerssftessneedtoseek
causes of racial confrontations
By Chris Heredia
Assistant Editor

ASI election victors
K~ren ~ogley, right, and Kathleen Solano were among the
victors 1n the recent ASI elections. Cogley was elected to serve
as the student body president and Solano won the position of
legislative vice president. They will serve in their respective
positions during the 1989-90 academic year. Both ran on the
some Unity-SRG ballot. Cogley is presently the choir of MEChA
and Solano is co-choir of the Latin American Support
Committee.

A confrontation between black and
white students after the 1986 World
Series and a burning cross stabbed in the
lawn in front of the black cultural center
at Purdue University in 1987 were just
two examples of a resurgence of racial
violence that were echoed at a racial
harmony conference March 16 and 17 on
campus.
At the conference, State Senator Art
Torres announced he has recently
proposed state legislation and a national
commission with Sen. Edward Kennedy
to battle racial violence on university
campuses. He called for a "new vision" of
identity as Californians.
"This is not going to be a brown
California, a black California, a red
California, a white California, or a
yellow California. We're together. We
must begin to determine what is common
about us as opposed to what is different"
Torres and Dr. Reginald Wilson,
director of the Office of Minority
Concerns in Washington D.C., gave the
keynote addresses for the conferenee
which was the last part of a year-long
lecture series,
"Promoting Racial
Harmony In Academe...For The Common
Good."
The five part series on race relations
began in October and was sponsored by
the CSUF Affirmative Action Services.
On opening night of the conference
March 16, about 70 people gathered in
the John Wright Theater to hear Wilson
say that America faces "a complex
population" and that children need to be
taught to "value differences rather than
reject them."
Wilson called for a more cul~y
mixed curriculum, a theme advanced by
Walter Robinson, coordinator of the
conference, in an interview with La Voz
prior to the conference.
Robinson, assistant to the Affirmative
Action officer at CSUF, said there are
"ethnic stereotypes in education," and
"there is a need for cultural core to be
integrated into curriculum core."
Robinson said the conference goal was
to "get a handle on what's causing" the
racial
confrontations
by
sharing
"dialogue" between "a critical mass" of
educational administrators, faculty, staff,
students, community leaders, and the
general public.
The next afternoon, about 250
conference participants packed the east
side of the Residence Dining Hall for
lunch between five workshops and to
hear Torres speak. He had replaced
scheduled speaker Henry Cisneros, mayor
of San Antonio, Texas when a lastminute city business conflict caused

"This is not going to be
a brown California, a
black California, a red
California, a white
California. or a yellow
California. We're together.
We must begin to
determine what is
common about
us as opposed to
what is different."
- Sen. Art Torres
Cisneros to cancel.
Born and raised in the East Los
Angeles area he now represents, Torres
said "California campuses are an
experiment in pluralism."
He said that during his visits to other
countries, he found that many eyes
are watching California and the way its
people deal with the great ethnic
diversity.
Torres referred to a recent gallup poll
that indicated that hate, bigotry, and
discrimination are on the rise in the
United States.
Last October, he asked the University
of California. for a report about the
incidents of ethnic and racial violations
that occurred since 1986. Torres said he
found the response "far beyond acceptable
behavior."
"Racist theme parties, homophobic
attitudes, slave auctions" were some of
the things that prompted Torres to ask
Sen. Kennedy to implement a national
higher education · eommision on hate
violence.

Please see HARMONY page 3

£a

2 'Voz

Jlpril

1989

CSU, Fresno

OPINION
Hannony.
That was the buzzword on campus recently. But unlike buzzwords, this one seems
to hold more promise than illusion. More substance than fluff. Perhaps only time will
tell.
What I refer to is the fact that all in one day in particular, CSU, Fresno was forging
a peek into the future--when the habitants of our campus could harmonize as people of
unity, regardless of color.
On that recent day on campus, the first Racial Harmony Conference was held and
over 300 persons attended. On that same day, a slate of students representing segments
of the student population, not usually represented in the ASI, were being declared the
winners of student elections, breaking a stale hold on the top student positions held by
one segment of the student population.
Not only was Unity-SRG candidate Karen Cogley, MEChA chair, being hailed as
CSUFs new president that day, but also on campus was Fresno's first female mayor:
Ms. Karen Humphrey.
She was attending the Racial Harmony Conference and both women were
commended for their political accomplishments which speak to our community's
ability to be progressive for the common good. Maybe there is some hope after all.
(An interesting sidenote to Humphrey's story is that her campaign coordinator, Angie
Rios was once aLa Voz editor and a student senator).
One can only be inspired by the stirring remarks delivered by State Sen. Art Torres
who talked about a new vision for California: a vision where we are viewed not as
Hispanics, as blacks or as whites but as Californians.
We may be dreaming to think such a day will ever come, but then many great
accomplishments have begun as dreams. Moreover, the reality at hand, as stressed in
the conference, is the need for us all to work together for the common good.
In particular, until the day comes that this university truly demonstrates
committment to this concept, we as minorities must work together. The Unity-SRG
Party has made a bold statement to that effect; Karen Humphrey. long a champion of

La Voz

de

AzUAn
Staff
Editor-Sylvia Castro
A~istant Editor-Chris Heredia
Staff Writers-James Carrasco,
Linda Castro, Mike Olvera, Al
Robles, Jill Soltero, Blanca Suarez,
Steve 2.apata
Production Staff- Sandra
Marroquin
Photography-Hector Amezcua

Saecinl thanks to the
California Chicano News Media
~iation-Fresno Chapter,
Donnell Alexander, Mark Mirko &
Thor Swift
of The Daily Collegian
La Voz de Aztlan welcomes reader
response. Please send letters of no
more than 250 words to: La Voz
de Aztlan, Keats Campus Building,
California State University, Fresno,
Fresno, CA, 93740-0042. Letters must
be addressed and signed and have the
author's name, address and phone
number.
u,. Vo: deAzll4n i,publishcdlDODlhly by thc Aalociatcd
Students, Incoq,oratcdofCalifoniaSta1e I.JnMnity,

msno. The ncwapapcr offia: i, located in the Kca11

Campus Building: Fresno, California 93740. The
opinions published oo thia page are not nea:narily those
of the Anociatcd Studcnll, Incorporated, TM Daily
Colugianoc LaVo:thAzJ/4,undinl mff. Unsigned
editocial, are the majocity opinion of the paper', edirorial
board.

Consider the following: The Hispanic
community is a phenomenon with respect
to its numbers and projections.
There are currently 19.4 million
Hispanics in the U.S. Moreover, a U.S.
population report dated Feb.1989 states
that the Hispanic community is growing
five times faster than the rest of the U.S.
society.
As a result, the Hispanic population
will become the largest minority by the
year 2000, totaling over 29 million.
In short, Hispanics who now comprise
eight percent of the population will, in
less than 12 years, make a startling 14
percenl
Despite the fact that we share similar
histories, blood, culture, and language,
some Mexican Americans speak only
English and identify only with the United
States, while others speak only Spanish
and consider themselves "Mexicano"
rather than Mexican American or
Chicano.
The younger generation of the middle
class may have sights on university
educations, while the schooling
expectations of Chicano working class
youth may end during high school as drop
outs.
Some Mexican Americans live in
comfortable homes, while others inhabit
deteriorated dwellings.
Some may claim roots two hundred
years old in the states, while others may
be current immigrants who crossed the
border yesterday.
Almost one third of all Hispanic adults
in California have only an eighth grade
education. Less than 20 percent of all
California Hispanics attend colleges and
universities in contrast to about 43
percent of all non-Hispanics who attain
some level of higher education.
Of the 1,735,000 students enrolled in
the 106 Community Colleges, 19
California State University campuses and
within the 9 University of California
campuses, there are approximately
195,000 Hispanics.

such concerns, has made a statement to that effect; the Fresnans who elected these two
have made that statement; participants at the Racial Harmony Conference have
made that statement
Now, what will help is when those who did not attend the conference and who may
be the ones that need it most finally commit themselves to pledge their wilingness to
be part of the solution by at least attending such events. Philosophy Professor Pedro
Amaral hit the nail on the head during Friday morning's session of the conference
when he chided the school deans and department chairmen and faculty who were not in
attendance. They should follow the lead of President Harold Haak and Academic Affairs
Vice President Judith Kuipers, he said, who did attend the event
Walter Robinson and Arthur Windt are to be commended for their efforts, epsecially
in bringing quality presenters to Fresno, led by Dr. Reginald Wilson.
Also to be commended are the many campaign workers for the UNITY - SRG Party
who made the victory posible. It is only fitting that in its 20th anniversary, lvlEChA's
chair is elected to the Associated Student, Inc. presidency. What matters is that perhaps
now CSU, Fresno student government will truly be representative of all students.
In closing, I thank all of you who expresed your pleasure and support for our first
issue. We tried to demonstrate that La Voz can be a quality publication that represents
the voice of Chicanos collectively on campus. We recognize what a tall order that can
be given we are so diverse and may have differing opinions as to how to best represent
ourselves. We at La Voz are comitted to providing as open and diverse a forum as
possible.
We encourage reader response, suggestions and contributions to La Voz. Contact
myself either by leaving a message at The Collegian (294-2486) or by writing to me
at The Keats Building, Mailstop #42. If you do write, please remember to include your
address and phone number.

Sylvia Castro
Editor-La Voz de Aztlan
Spring, 1989

LaVoz
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Of those Hispanic students enrolled in
institutions of higher learning, 2,556 of
them are pursuing their education at
CSU, Fresno, according to the Fall 1987
Ethnic Enrollment report.
But who are the Hispanic students on
campus?
Hispanic students on this campus
represent roughly 15.6 percent of the total
population.
Many of us are transfers from
community colleges, while others are
first time freshmen.
When divided by class status there are
505 freshmen, 335 sophomores, 622
juniors, 812 seniors and 282 graduates.
Our studies vary from education and
human development to business; and
from health and social work to natural
science. Still, many stuctents remain
undeclared.
Our interests are as diverse as our
studies. We involve ourselves in a variety
of activities, organizations and functions.
Today. there are over 15 organizations
to meet our needs ranging from politics,
business, law and general interest.
We participate in annual events such
as the Chicano Youth Conference,
Semana de la Raza and the Chicano
commencement ceremony.
This year we will celebrate the 20th
commemoration of the Chicano-Latino
Studies program.

We have a lot to be thankful for, but it
did not come easy.
We cannot be satisfied completely. We
have barely begun to address our
r~mcerns, issues and needs as students on
campus.
We still continue to be
underrepresented in the student senate
(until the recent elections), masters' and
Ph.D. programs and in the overall student
body.
If Hispanic students remain divided, we
will never achieve our place on campus
and in U.S. society.
We are all different, but there is only
one world and we all have to live in it
As the late Anwar Sadat stated, "There
can be hope only for a society which acts
as one big family, and not as many little
ones."

Letters to the Editor
Work pays off
All those hours in the Mac Lab was
worth it Your paper design of La Voz
looks great The stories, etc. are very

good also.
Carolyn Botta
Liberal Studies Program Advisor
Commendable job

I would like to congratulate you on a
very fine issue. The March 1989 edition
of "La Voz de Aztlan" was, I feel,
extremely well done.
I especially appreciated the focus on
leadership. You have done a commendable
job with a topic that holds great interest
for me.
Thanks for a job well done.
Judith L. Kuipers, Ph.D.
Vice President for
Academic Affairs

CSU, Fresno

La

.9l.pril 1989

~~~~.;;;;;;.;;.;;;;;;.;;.;;;;;;.;;.;;;;;;.;;.;;;;;;.;;.;;;;;;.;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;~~~~;;_;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;====.;;;;;;.;;.;;;;;;.;;=.;;;;;;.;;.;;;;;;.;;.;;;;;;.;;.;;;;;;.;;=~'VO Z

HARMONY
Continued from Page 1
U.S. educational, business, civil rights,
and political leaders to investigate and
discuss ways of curving "the escalating
racial, ethnic, and religious intolerance
that is sweeping through our nation's
campuses."
Torres said black students are
concentrating in "black" universities
because they do not feel comfortable on
other campuses.
"That is an intolerable situation," he
said. "Students should be studying. They

but better to give solutions. He said it is
going to take a reexamination of "our
individual spirits," our own prejudices.
In the Thursday night keynote, Wilson
stressed that curriculum at all levels of
education is in need of an overhaul.
Wilson said by the year 2000 ethnic
minorities will become the majority.
"Yet we educators are not adequately
preparing our American young people for
that world."
Wilson said much of the racial tension
in the U.S. is due to this failure. He said
that though minority participation in
college is down, "a crisis" is not seen by
the general population.

He said "we must institutionalize
multicultural education." Wilson said
educators cannot rest until a curriculum
as diverse as America's population
becomes "business as usual" rather than
"something extra."
CSUF President Harold Haak
welcomed Wilson to the conference that
opening night. Fresno Mayor-elect Karen
Humphrey joined the conference
participants for Torres' speech the next
afternoon.
The workshops on the second day of
the conference included:
Integrated Classroom /Segregated

That is an intolerable stuation. Students should be studying. They
should be learning, growing - not teaching, not sensitizing, not
fighting for their identity, not struggling to become a member of
the campus community.
-Sen. Art Torres
should be learning, growing -- not
teaching, not sensitizing, not fighting for
their identity, not struggling to become a
member of the campus community. They
receive no extra credit for that They
receive no extra units, no encouragement,
no monetary support"
Torres said for these reasons he has
intrcx.luced to the legislature a
comprehensive education hate violence
resolution act. It will require campuses
across the state to develop procedures to
monitor racial violence.
Under the act, academic senates on
California college campuses will be
required !O develop programs "to raise the

Wilson cited an instance where, in
1964, black students at Wayne State
University demanded a course in black
studies. He said that none of the 20
faculty members -- all possessing Ph.D's - in the university's history department
felt qualified to teach the course.
Wilson, a graduate student at the time,
gave the first course.
"How can you consider yourself an
expert [in American history], if you can't
discuss the black experience?" he asked
his audience.
Wilson said that in the past, changes
have depended on a few people with
"personal commitment"

Campus; The Adaptation of Southeast
Asian Youth: A Comparative Study; ReDefining the Partnership: Staff and
Faculty Roles and Responsibilities in
the Educational Equity Process; Breaking
the Barrier of Stereotypical Images
through Curriculum Reform; and Blacks
and Hispanics: Collision or Coalition.
The Office of the Academic Vice
President, the Chicano-Latino Studies
Program, the Philosophy Department,
the Ethnic Studies Program, the School
of Education and Human Development,
the Office of the President, and the Dean
of Student Affairs co-sponsored the
event

3

Salinas: Stop
cancer
cluster in
McFarland
by Jill Soltero
Staff Writer
The
water
that
provides
nourishment for vegetation and
humans may also be the cause of
cancer, anguish and subsequent
death, according to Martha Salinas,
co-chair of the Friends of
MaFarland.
Friends of McFarland
is a
coalition group which strives to
bring attention to the cancer cluster
issue that looms over McFarland.
Salinas has been involved with
the group for the past four years
after she was informed that two of
her three daughters have cancer.
She added the cancer is not only
a health issue, but also "a racial
issue, porque somos pobres
MexicanQs."
Often it is the poor immigrant
from Mexico who is victimized by
the contaminated water, she said.
They are the ones who cannot afford
to relocate or are afraid to speak out
against the issue.
Salinas said that "more money is
spent on animal's rights rather than
on human's rights."
She and her fa,'llily now reside in
Bakerfield but ~vntirme to help poor
families in McFarland get financial
and medical help.
She said she will not leave the
cancer cluster issue alone until
something is done to change the
situation.

Don't miss the 20th Anniversary
issue of La Voz de Aztlan
coming in May

La

'Voz

JZLpril 1989

CSU, Fresno
:

LMAW to sponsor Hispana conference
by Jill Soltero
Staff Writer
A conference designed to specifically highl_ight the
achievements and praise the Hispanic woman's
contributions to the valley will be held April 29 at
Fresno City College.
"We wanted to have an event that would promote and
benefit Hispanic women," said Carlotta Corti, chair of
the Valley Hispanic Women's Conference.
Curti has been the chair of the conference for the past
four years. She is also a consultant for the state of
California and is presently working for a master's degree
in Human Resources and Organization Development
from the University of San Francisco.
The conference, sponsored by the League of MexicanAmerican Women and Fresno Metropolitan Regional
Occupational Center/Program, is entitled "Adelante,
Mujer Hispana."
Tne co.nference has been so successful in the past that
it is now being used as a model by the state to help
sponsor fl ve other conferences for Hispanic women in
other areas in California.
Curti said the LMAW sponsors this event to bring
together Hispanic women during the conference by
presenting successful, positive role models to
participants; to dispel any negative, stereotypical images
of Hispamc women; to remforce culture; and to promote
and benefit from past accomplishments of Hispanic
women.
The LMAW especially wishes to encourage the
attendance of young Latinas from the Fresno valley.
Dr. Alicia Valladolid Cuaron, President of the Denverbased corporation Cuaron & Gomez, Inc., will be the
keynote speaker for this year's conference. She believes
that business and civic mvolvement contributes to a
higher quality of life for all of its citizens.

A few of the many awards and honors Dr. Cuaron has
received include the Chicana Service Center Award,
Woman of the Year Award, American Jewish Committee
Award, Big Sisters of Colorado-Salute to Women,
Colorado Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 100
Outstanding Women in Communications recognition,
and selection as one of the "100 Most Influential
Hispanics in America" by Hispanic Business Magazine.
Conference participants will also benefit from a vast
array of workshops. Some of the topics include:
Violence and Self-protection, Hispanic Women's Rights
in the Workplace, Marketing Yourself, Education and
Training Options, Relationships and Conflict, a
Professional Career Panel, Amnesty, Nutrition and
Exercise, Hispanic Women in the News Media, and

Alcohol and Substance Abuse.
The conference's co-sponsor, Fresno Metropolitan
Regional Occupational Center/Program, is a department
of the Fresno County Office of Education. It offers free
vocational training to high school and adult students in
business, technical, agriculture and medical careers.
ROPs exist throughout California with FMROC/P
serving 16 school districts in the Fresno, Madera, and
Mariposa Counties.
Conference participation is limited to 400 people. Preregistration, which includes lunch, must be received by
April 20. Fees are $15 for General Registration, $12 for
CollegeNocational Students, and $4.50 for High School
Students. For more information, contact Carlotta Corti
at 431-1343.

High school students tour CSU F
Merced High School sfudents toured the campus recently as part of a Migrant Education
Tour sponsored by the University Migrant Services. Pictured above (1-r) Lourdes Delgado
Delia Mortinez,Silvia Juarez, Roso Lopez, and Maria Solano.
'

CCNMA recognizes journalists' efforts

Advisors needed for Summer Bridge

Chicano Center needs help

The California Chicano News Media AssociationFresno Chapter and the CSUF Chicano Journalism
-Students Association will sponsor Primavera '89 on
March 31 at the Chihuahua Plaza located on 1435
Fresno St
Mario Carrera, new General Manager of KFTV Ch.
21, and Charlotte Pacheco, new evening news producer
at KFTV Ch. 21, will be recognized:
In tum, the California Assn. of Teachers of English's
local affiliate, the Fresno Area Council of English
Teachers, will take this opportunity to locally recongize
CCNMA-Fresno for their role in organizing the
Minority Journalism Workshop. A certificate of Merit
will be presented during the event
Tom Uribes, MJW Director, recently attended the
California Association of Teachers of English (CATE)
banquet to accept this year's Award of Merit on behalf of
the California Chicano News Media Association on a
statewide level.
Uribes was contacted by Dani Barton, president of
CATE, to accept the award at the Feb. 25 banquet for his
efforts in helping promote opportunities for Hispanics in
journalism and mass media
"Such efforts as yours in belief of journalistic or
media careers for minority students are crucial," said
Barton. She commended CCNMA for its journalism
workshops and fundraisers for scholarships.
This year's workshop will be held July 30 to August
11.
The Mayor of Beverly Hills spoke at the banquet
which was held at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott
Hotel.
The annual Primavera reception provides the local
Hispanic community an opportunity to meet valley
news media personnel and is open to the general public
for a $5 donation.
A happy hour with hors d' ouevres will be served from
6 to 8 p.m., Mariachi Tapayec will perform at 6 p.m.,
and Mark Lozada Disco will provide dance music from 7
p.m. to 12 a.m.
For more information call 291-3938.

The Summer Bridge Program has positions open for
Peer Advisors during June and July, to assist program
counselor in monitoring the attendance, academic
progress, and social adjustment of first year students who
attend this summer residency program.

A position for a work-study student is available in the
Chicano Research Center.
Applicants should be able to type.
For more information call 294-4714 or 294-2848.

Qualified applicants should have one semester's work
completed at CSUF, have a 2.5 GPA in all college
coursework, Junior class standing, and a potential for
leadership. Ability to work with diverse ethnic and
socioeconomic backgrounds is desirable.
Tentative training dates are June 21-30, while the
Residential program is scheduled for July 2-28.
Salary is approximately $1600, including room and
board in the dormitory.
Applications are available in the EOP Office, Joyal
Ad. 230.
Deadline to submit applications is April 14.
For more information call 294-3021.

EOP seeks Support Services Advisors
EOP/Retention Support Services is
talcing
applications for
Peer Adisor postions is open to
CSUF students, of at least one year, to assist new
students in assessing their academic performance,
strengths, and weeknesses.

UMS advisors sought
Applications for University Migrant Sservices peer
advisors for the Fall '89 semester are now being taken in
the UMS office.
Applicants should be upper division or graduate
students, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, have knowledge
of campus services,and experience with diverse
populations, minority students, or low income families.
Bilingual skills are not required.
Advisors will assist counselors with lower division
students from migrant or seasonal farmworking
bac.krounds, work independently : scheduling
appointments, and monitor personal and academic
progress of the advisees.
Hours are flexible and should be able to work 10 to 15
hours per week.
For details contact Bonnie Pickett at 294-4768.

CLS Mentor students attend conference

Peer advisor must be able to communicate and work
effectively with students from varied ethnic and
economic background, and maintain a 2.25 GPA during
employment, and have a class standing of Junior,
Senior, or Graduate.

Four students of the CLS Mentor Program will attend
the 17th Annual National Association for Chicano
Studies Conference.
The conference will be taking place at the Biltmore
Hotel in Los Angeles, March 29 - April 1.
Dr. Lea Ybarra, Director of the Mentor Program will
accompany the four participating students.

Applications are available at the EOP Office, Joyal
Ad. 230.

The students are Graciela Bravo, Dennise Zuniga,
Andres Montoya and Hector Amezcua.

Starting pay is $5/hour. Application deadline is April
28, 1989.

Dr. Bill Flores, CLS professor, will instruct several
workshops on: Chicanos and Political Empowerment,
The Politics of Chicano/Chicana Scholarship, Cultural
Citizenship and Political Empowerment.

For more information call 294-3021.
1969

€1),,

de

RztlHn

Necessity breeds
Harmony conference
Speakerssftessneedtoseek
causes of racial confrontations
By Chris Heredia
Assistant Editor

ASI election victors
K~ren ~ogley, right, and Kathleen Solano were among the
victors 1n the recent ASI elections. Cogley was elected to serve
as the student body president and Solano won the position of
legislative vice president. They will serve in their respective
positions during the 1989-90 academic year. Both ran on the
some Unity-SRG ballot. Cogley is presently the choir of MEChA
and Solano is co-choir of the Latin American Support
Committee.

A confrontation between black and
white students after the 1986 World
Series and a burning cross stabbed in the
lawn in front of the black cultural center
at Purdue University in 1987 were just
two examples of a resurgence of racial
violence that were echoed at a racial
harmony conference March 16 and 17 on
campus.
At the conference, State Senator Art
Torres announced he has recently
proposed state legislation and a national
commission with Sen. Edward Kennedy
to battle racial violence on university
campuses. He called for a "new vision" of
identity as Californians.
"This is not going to be a brown
California, a black California, a red
California, a white California, or a
yellow California. We're together. We
must begin to determine what is common
about us as opposed to what is different"
Torres and Dr. Reginald Wilson,
director of the Office of Minority
Concerns in Washington D.C., gave the
keynote addresses for the conferenee
which was the last part of a year-long
lecture series,
"Promoting Racial
Harmony In Academe...For The Common
Good."
The five part series on race relations
began in October and was sponsored by
the CSUF Affirmative Action Services.
On opening night of the conference
March 16, about 70 people gathered in
the John Wright Theater to hear Wilson
say that America faces "a complex
population" and that children need to be
taught to "value differences rather than
reject them."
Wilson called for a more cul~y
mixed curriculum, a theme advanced by
Walter Robinson, coordinator of the
conference, in an interview with La Voz
prior to the conference.
Robinson, assistant to the Affirmative
Action officer at CSUF, said there are
"ethnic stereotypes in education," and
"there is a need for cultural core to be
integrated into curriculum core."
Robinson said the conference goal was
to "get a handle on what's causing" the
racial
confrontations
by
sharing
"dialogue" between "a critical mass" of
educational administrators, faculty, staff,
students, community leaders, and the
general public.
The next afternoon, about 250
conference participants packed the east
side of the Residence Dining Hall for
lunch between five workshops and to
hear Torres speak. He had replaced
scheduled speaker Henry Cisneros, mayor
of San Antonio, Texas when a lastminute city business conflict caused

"This is not going to be
a brown California, a
black California, a red
California, a white
California. or a yellow
California. We're together.
We must begin to
determine what is
common about
us as opposed to
what is different."
- Sen. Art Torres
Cisneros to cancel.
Born and raised in the East Los
Angeles area he now represents, Torres
said "California campuses are an
experiment in pluralism."
He said that during his visits to other
countries, he found that many eyes
are watching California and the way its
people deal with the great ethnic
diversity.
Torres referred to a recent gallup poll
that indicated that hate, bigotry, and
discrimination are on the rise in the
United States.
Last October, he asked the University
of California. for a report about the
incidents of ethnic and racial violations
that occurred since 1986. Torres said he
found the response "far beyond acceptable
behavior."
"Racist theme parties, homophobic
attitudes, slave auctions" were some of
the things that prompted Torres to ask
Sen. Kennedy to implement a national
higher education · eommision on hate
violence.

Please see HARMONY page 3

£a

2 'Voz

Jlpril

1989

CSU, Fresno

OPINION
Hannony.
That was the buzzword on campus recently. But unlike buzzwords, this one seems
to hold more promise than illusion. More substance than fluff. Perhaps only time will
tell.
What I refer to is the fact that all in one day in particular, CSU, Fresno was forging
a peek into the future--when the habitants of our campus could harmonize as people of
unity, regardless of color.
On that recent day on campus, the first Racial Harmony Conference was held and
over 300 persons attended. On that same day, a slate of students representing segments
of the student population, not usually represented in the ASI, were being declared the
winners of student elections, breaking a stale hold on the top student positions held by
one segment of the student population.
Not only was Unity-SRG candidate Karen Cogley, MEChA chair, being hailed as
CSUFs new president that day, but also on campus was Fresno's first female mayor:
Ms. Karen Humphrey.
She was attending the Racial Harmony Conference and both women were
commended for their political accomplishments which speak to our community's
ability to be progressive for the common good. Maybe there is some hope after all.
(An interesting sidenote to Humphrey's story is that her campaign coordinator, Angie
Rios was once aLa Voz editor and a student senator).
One can only be inspired by the stirring remarks delivered by State Sen. Art Torres
who talked about a new vision for California: a vision where we are viewed not as
Hispanics, as blacks or as whites but as Californians.
We may be dreaming to think such a day will ever come, but then many great
accomplishments have begun as dreams. Moreover, the reality at hand, as stressed in
the conference, is the need for us all to work together for the common good.
In particular, until the day comes that this university truly demonstrates
committment to this concept, we as minorities must work together. The Unity-SRG
Party has made a bold statement to that effect; Karen Humphrey. long a champion of

La Voz

de

AzUAn
Staff
Editor-Sylvia Castro
A~istant Editor-Chris Heredia
Staff Writers-James Carrasco,
Linda Castro, Mike Olvera, Al
Robles, Jill Soltero, Blanca Suarez,
Steve 2.apata
Production Staff- Sandra
Marroquin
Photography-Hector Amezcua

Saecinl thanks to the
California Chicano News Media
~iation-Fresno Chapter,
Donnell Alexander, Mark Mirko &
Thor Swift
of The Daily Collegian
La Voz de Aztlan welcomes reader
response. Please send letters of no
more than 250 words to: La Voz
de Aztlan, Keats Campus Building,
California State University, Fresno,
Fresno, CA, 93740-0042. Letters must
be addressed and signed and have the
author's name, address and phone
number.
u,. Vo: deAzll4n i,publishcdlDODlhly by thc Aalociatcd
Students, Incoq,oratcdofCalifoniaSta1e I.JnMnity,

msno. The ncwapapcr offia: i, located in the Kca11

Campus Building: Fresno, California 93740. The
opinions published oo thia page are not nea:narily those
of the Anociatcd Studcnll, Incorporated, TM Daily
Colugianoc LaVo:thAzJ/4,undinl mff. Unsigned
editocial, are the majocity opinion of the paper', edirorial
board.

Consider the following: The Hispanic
community is a phenomenon with respect
to its numbers and projections.
There are currently 19.4 million
Hispanics in the U.S. Moreover, a U.S.
population report dated Feb.1989 states
that the Hispanic community is growing
five times faster than the rest of the U.S.
society.
As a result, the Hispanic population
will become the largest minority by the
year 2000, totaling over 29 million.
In short, Hispanics who now comprise
eight percent of the population will, in
less than 12 years, make a startling 14
percenl
Despite the fact that we share similar
histories, blood, culture, and language,
some Mexican Americans speak only
English and identify only with the United
States, while others speak only Spanish
and consider themselves "Mexicano"
rather than Mexican American or
Chicano.
The younger generation of the middle
class may have sights on university
educations, while the schooling
expectations of Chicano working class
youth may end during high school as drop
outs.
Some Mexican Americans live in
comfortable homes, while others inhabit
deteriorated dwellings.
Some may claim roots two hundred
years old in the states, while others may
be current immigrants who crossed the
border yesterday.
Almost one third of all Hispanic adults
in California have only an eighth grade
education. Less than 20 percent of all
California Hispanics attend colleges and
universities in contrast to about 43
percent of all non-Hispanics who attain
some level of higher education.
Of the 1,735,000 students enrolled in
the 106 Community Colleges, 19
California State University campuses and
within the 9 University of California
campuses, there are approximately
195,000 Hispanics.

such concerns, has made a statement to that effect; the Fresnans who elected these two
have made that statement; participants at the Racial Harmony Conference have
made that statement
Now, what will help is when those who did not attend the conference and who may
be the ones that need it most finally commit themselves to pledge their wilingness to
be part of the solution by at least attending such events. Philosophy Professor Pedro
Amaral hit the nail on the head during Friday morning's session of the conference
when he chided the school deans and department chairmen and faculty who were not in
attendance. They should follow the lead of President Harold Haak and Academic Affairs
Vice President Judith Kuipers, he said, who did attend the event
Walter Robinson and Arthur Windt are to be commended for their efforts, epsecially
in bringing quality presenters to Fresno, led by Dr. Reginald Wilson.
Also to be commended are the many campaign workers for the UNITY - SRG Party
who made the victory posible. It is only fitting that in its 20th anniversary, lvlEChA's
chair is elected to the Associated Student, Inc. presidency. What matters is that perhaps
now CSU, Fresno student government will truly be representative of all students.
In closing, I thank all of you who expresed your pleasure and support for our first
issue. We tried to demonstrate that La Voz can be a quality publication that represents
the voice of Chicanos collectively on campus. We recognize what a tall order that can
be given we are so diverse and may have differing opinions as to how to best represent
ourselves. We at La Voz are comitted to providing as open and diverse a forum as
possible.
We encourage reader response, suggestions and contributions to La Voz. Contact
myself either by leaving a message at The Collegian (294-2486) or by writing to me
at The Keats Building, Mailstop #42. If you do write, please remember to include your
address and phone number.

Sylvia Castro
Editor-La Voz de Aztlan
Spring, 1989

LaVoz
Ill...s:;;:;C;:;:;:;;:o;:;:;:;;:1;:;;:;u;:;;:;
, Ill:;:;:;:;:;:;;
__ ·;:;:;:;;:n;:;;:;is;:;;:;t~
Of those Hispanic students enrolled in
institutions of higher learning, 2,556 of
them are pursuing their education at
CSU, Fresno, according to the Fall 1987
Ethnic Enrollment report.
But who are the Hispanic students on
campus?
Hispanic students on this campus
represent roughly 15.6 percent of the total
population.
Many of us are transfers from
community colleges, while others are
first time freshmen.
When divided by class status there are
505 freshmen, 335 sophomores, 622
juniors, 812 seniors and 282 graduates.
Our studies vary from education and
human development to business; and
from health and social work to natural
science. Still, many stuctents remain
undeclared.
Our interests are as diverse as our
studies. We involve ourselves in a variety
of activities, organizations and functions.
Today. there are over 15 organizations
to meet our needs ranging from politics,
business, law and general interest.
We participate in annual events such
as the Chicano Youth Conference,
Semana de la Raza and the Chicano
commencement ceremony.
This year we will celebrate the 20th
commemoration of the Chicano-Latino
Studies program.

We have a lot to be thankful for, but it
did not come easy.
We cannot be satisfied completely. We
have barely begun to address our
r~mcerns, issues and needs as students on
campus.
We still continue to be
underrepresented in the student senate
(until the recent elections), masters' and
Ph.D. programs and in the overall student
body.
If Hispanic students remain divided, we
will never achieve our place on campus
and in U.S. society.
We are all different, but there is only
one world and we all have to live in it
As the late Anwar Sadat stated, "There
can be hope only for a society which acts
as one big family, and not as many little
ones."

Letters to the Editor
Work pays off
All those hours in the Mac Lab was
worth it Your paper design of La Voz
looks great The stories, etc. are very

good also.
Carolyn Botta
Liberal Studies Program Advisor
Commendable job

I would like to congratulate you on a
very fine issue. The March 1989 edition
of "La Voz de Aztlan" was, I feel,
extremely well done.
I especially appreciated the focus on
leadership. You have done a commendable
job with a topic that holds great interest
for me.
Thanks for a job well done.
Judith L. Kuipers, Ph.D.
Vice President for
Academic Affairs

CSU, Fresno

La

.9l.pril 1989

~~~~.;;;;;;.;;.;;;;;;.;;.;;;;;;.;;.;;;;;;.;;.;;;;;;.;;.;;;;;;.;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;~~~~;;_;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;====.;;;;;;.;;.;;;;;;.;;=.;;;;;;.;;.;;;;;;.;;.;;;;;;.;;.;;;;;;.;;=~'VO Z

HARMONY
Continued from Page 1
U.S. educational, business, civil rights,
and political leaders to investigate and
discuss ways of curving "the escalating
racial, ethnic, and religious intolerance
that is sweeping through our nation's
campuses."
Torres said black students are
concentrating in "black" universities
because they do not feel comfortable on
other campuses.
"That is an intolerable situation," he
said. "Students should be studying. They

but better to give solutions. He said it is
going to take a reexamination of "our
individual spirits," our own prejudices.
In the Thursday night keynote, Wilson
stressed that curriculum at all levels of
education is in need of an overhaul.
Wilson said by the year 2000 ethnic
minorities will become the majority.
"Yet we educators are not adequately
preparing our American young people for
that world."
Wilson said much of the racial tension
in the U.S. is due to this failure. He said
that though minority participation in
college is down, "a crisis" is not seen by
the general population.

He said "we must institutionalize
multicultural education." Wilson said
educators cannot rest until a curriculum
as diverse as America's population
becomes "business as usual" rather than
"something extra."
CSUF President Harold Haak
welcomed Wilson to the conference that
opening night. Fresno Mayor-elect Karen
Humphrey joined the conference
participants for Torres' speech the next
afternoon.
The workshops on the second day of
the conference included:
Integrated Classroom /Segregated

That is an intolerable stuation. Students should be studying. They
should be learning, growing - not teaching, not sensitizing, not
fighting for their identity, not struggling to become a member of
the campus community.
-Sen. Art Torres
should be learning, growing -- not
teaching, not sensitizing, not fighting for
their identity, not struggling to become a
member of the campus community. They
receive no extra credit for that They
receive no extra units, no encouragement,
no monetary support"
Torres said for these reasons he has
intrcx.luced to the legislature a
comprehensive education hate violence
resolution act. It will require campuses
across the state to develop procedures to
monitor racial violence.
Under the act, academic senates on
California college campuses will be
required !O develop programs "to raise the

Wilson cited an instance where, in
1964, black students at Wayne State
University demanded a course in black
studies. He said that none of the 20
faculty members -- all possessing Ph.D's - in the university's history department
felt qualified to teach the course.
Wilson, a graduate student at the time,
gave the first course.
"How can you consider yourself an
expert [in American history], if you can't
discuss the black experience?" he asked
his audience.
Wilson said that in the past, changes
have depended on a few people with
"personal commitment"

Campus; The Adaptation of Southeast
Asian Youth: A Comparative Study; ReDefining the Partnership: Staff and
Faculty Roles and Responsibilities in
the Educational Equity Process; Breaking
the Barrier of Stereotypical Images
through Curriculum Reform; and Blacks
and Hispanics: Collision or Coalition.
The Office of the Academic Vice
President, the Chicano-Latino Studies
Program, the Philosophy Department,
the Ethnic Studies Program, the School
of Education and Human Development,
the Office of the President, and the Dean
of Student Affairs co-sponsored the
event

3

Salinas: Stop
cancer
cluster in
McFarland
by Jill Soltero
Staff Writer
The
water
that
provides
nourishment for vegetation and
humans may also be the cause of
cancer, anguish and subsequent
death, according to Martha Salinas,
co-chair of the Friends of
MaFarland.
Friends of McFarland
is a
coalition group which strives to
bring attention to the cancer cluster
issue that looms over McFarland.
Salinas has been involved with
the group for the past four years
after she was informed that two of
her three daughters have cancer.
She added the cancer is not only
a health issue, but also "a racial
issue, porque somos pobres
MexicanQs."
Often it is the poor immigrant
from Mexico who is victimized by
the contaminated water, she said.
They are the ones who cannot afford
to relocate or are afraid to speak out
against the issue.
Salinas said that "more money is
spent on animal's rights rather than
on human's rights."
She and her fa,'llily now reside in
Bakerfield but ~vntirme to help poor
families in McFarland get financial
and medical help.
She said she will not leave the
cancer cluster issue alone until
something is done to change the
situation.

Don't miss the 20th Anniversary
issue of La Voz de Aztlan
coming in May

La

'Voz

JZLpril 1989

CSU, Fresno
:

LMAW to sponsor Hispana conference
by Jill Soltero
Staff Writer
A conference designed to specifically highl_ight the
achievements and praise the Hispanic woman's
contributions to the valley will be held April 29 at
Fresno City College.
"We wanted to have an event that would promote and
benefit Hispanic women," said Carlotta Corti, chair of
the Valley Hispanic Women's Conference.
Curti has been the chair of the conference for the past
four years. She is also a consultant for the state of
California and is presently working for a master's degree
in Human Resources and Organization Development
from the University of San Francisco.
The conference, sponsored by the League of MexicanAmerican Women and Fresno Metropolitan Regional
Occupational Center/Program, is entitled "Adelante,
Mujer Hispana."
Tne co.nference has been so successful in the past that
it is now being used as a model by the state to help
sponsor fl ve other conferences for Hispanic women in
other areas in California.
Curti said the LMAW sponsors this event to bring
together Hispanic women during the conference by
presenting successful, positive role models to
participants; to dispel any negative, stereotypical images
of Hispamc women; to remforce culture; and to promote
and benefit from past accomplishments of Hispanic
women.
The LMAW especially wishes to encourage the
attendance of young Latinas from the Fresno valley.
Dr. Alicia Valladolid Cuaron, President of the Denverbased corporation Cuaron & Gomez, Inc., will be the
keynote speaker for this year's conference. She believes
that business and civic mvolvement contributes to a
higher quality of life for all of its citizens.

A few of the many awards and honors Dr. Cuaron has
received include the Chicana Service Center Award,
Woman of the Year Award, American Jewish Committee
Award, Big Sisters of Colorado-Salute to Women,
Colorado Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 100
Outstanding Women in Communications recognition,
and selection as one of the "100 Most Influential
Hispanics in America" by Hispanic Business Magazine.
Conference participants will also benefit from a vast
array of workshops. Some of the topics include:
Violence and Self-protection, Hispanic Women's Rights
in the Workplace, Marketing Yourself, Education and
Training Options, Relationships and Conflict, a
Professional Career Panel, Amnesty, Nutrition and
Exercise, Hispanic Women in the News Media, and

Alcohol and Substance Abuse.
The conference's co-sponsor, Fresno Metropolitan
Regional Occupational Center/Program, is a department
of the Fresno County Office of Education. It offers free
vocational training to high school and adult students in
business, technical, agriculture and medical careers.
ROPs exist throughout California with FMROC/P
serving 16 school districts in the Fresno, Madera, and
Mariposa Counties.
Conference participation is limited to 400 people. Preregistration, which includes lunch, must be received by
April 20. Fees are $15 for General Registration, $12 for
CollegeNocational Students, and $4.50 for High School
Students. For more information, contact Carlotta Corti
at 431-1343.

High school students tour CSU F
Merced High School sfudents toured the campus recently as part of a Migrant Education
Tour sponsored by the University Migrant Services. Pictured above (1-r) Lourdes Delgado
Delia Mortinez,Silvia Juarez, Roso Lopez, and Maria Solano.
'

CCNMA recognizes journalists' efforts

Advisors needed for Summer Bridge

Chicano Center needs help

The California Chicano News Media AssociationFresno Chapter and the CSUF Chicano Journalism
-Students Association will sponsor Primavera '89 on
March 31 at the Chihuahua Plaza located on 1435
Fresno St
Mario Carrera, new General Manager of KFTV Ch.
21, and Charlotte Pacheco, new evening news producer
at KFTV Ch. 21, will be recognized:
In tum, the California Assn. of Teachers of English's
local affiliate, the Fresno Area Council of English
Teachers, will take this opportunity to locally recongize
CCNMA-Fresno for their role in organizing the
Minority Journalism Workshop. A certificate of Merit
will be presented during the event
Tom Uribes, MJW Director, recently attended the
California Association of Teachers of English (CATE)
banquet to accept this year's Award of Merit on behalf of
the California Chicano News Media Association on a
statewide level.
Uribes was contacted by Dani Barton, president of
CATE, to accept the award at the Feb. 25 banquet for his
efforts in helping promote opportunities for Hispanics in
journalism and mass media
"Such efforts as yours in belief of journalistic or
media careers for minority students are crucial," said
Barton. She commended CCNMA for its journalism
workshops and fundraisers for scholarships.
This year's workshop will be held July 30 to August
11.
The Mayor of Beverly Hills spoke at the banquet
which was held at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott
Hotel.
The annual Primavera reception provides the local
Hispanic community an opportunity to meet valley
news media personnel and is open to the general public
for a $5 donation.
A happy hour with hors d' ouevres will be served from
6 to 8 p.m., Mariachi Tapayec will perform at 6 p.m.,
and Mark Lozada Disco will provide dance music from 7
p.m. to 12 a.m.
For more information call 291-3938.

The Summer Bridge Program has positions open for
Peer Advisors during June and July, to assist program
counselor in monitoring the attendance, academic
progress, and social adjustment of first year students who
attend this summer residency program.

A position for a work-study student is available in the
Chicano Research Center.
Applicants should be able to type.
For more information call 294-4714 or 294-2848.

Qualified applicants should have one semester's work
completed at CSUF, have a 2.5 GPA in all college
coursework, Junior class standing, and a potential for
leadership. Ability to work with diverse ethnic and
socioeconomic backgrounds is desirable.
Tentative training dates are June 21-30, while the
Residential program is scheduled for July 2-28.
Salary is approximately $1600, including room and
board in the dormitory.
Applications are available in the EOP Office, Joyal
Ad. 230.
Deadline to submit applications is April 14.
For more information call 294-3021.

EOP seeks Support Services Advisors
EOP/Retention Support Services is
talcing
applications for
Peer Adisor postions is open to
CSUF students, of at least one year, to assist new
students in assessing their academic performance,
strengths, and weeknesses.

UMS advisors sought
Applications for University Migrant Sservices peer
advisors for the Fall '89 semester are now being taken in
the UMS office.
Applicants should be upper division or graduate
students, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, have knowledge
of campus services,and experience with diverse
populations, minority students, or low income families.
Bilingual skills are not required.
Advisors will assist counselors with lower division
students from migrant or seasonal farmworking
bac.krounds, work independently : scheduling
appointments, and monitor personal and academic
progress of the advisees.
Hours are flexible and should be able to work 10 to 15
hours per week.
For details contact Bonnie Pickett at 294-4768.

CLS Mentor students attend conference

Peer advisor must be able to communicate and work
effectively with students from varied ethnic and
economic background, and maintain a 2.25 GPA during
employment, and have a class standing of Junior,
Senior, or Graduate.

Four students of the CLS Mentor Program will attend
the 17th Annual National Association for Chicano
Studies Conference.
The conference will be taking place at the Biltmore
Hotel in Los Angeles, March 29 - April 1.
Dr. Lea Ybarra, Director of the Mentor Program will
accompany the four participating students.

Applications are available at the EOP Office, Joyal
Ad. 230.

The students are Graciela Bravo, Dennise Zuniga,
Andres Montoya and Hector Amezcua.

Starting pay is $5/hour. Application deadline is April
28, 1989.

Dr. Bill Flores, CLS professor, will instruct several
workshops on: Chicanos and Political Empowerment,
The Politics of Chicano/Chicana Scholarship, Cultural
Citizenship and Political Empowerment.

For more information call 294-3021.

Item sets