#hb2281

Today was the last of 3 public forums held in order for the community to express concerns about the proposed Desegragation/Unitary Status Plan directly to the Special Master.  I think it was the most attended, at least 70 people spoke, and it ran an hour late. Only one speaker was against MAS, everyone else had beautiful words in support of the program. As usual, here are my pics. FULL SET:  http://chrissummitt.com/blog/desegforum3

   Today was the second of 3 public forums held in order for the community to express concerns about the proposed Desegragation/Unitary Status Plan directly to the Special Master.

A proposed Unitary Status Plan to provide equal educational opportunities to African American and Latino students in Tucson Unified School District is available for public review and comment through November 28, 2012.

   The proposed plan is just that, a propsal, the community input during these 3 meetings have the potential to effect the final version of the plan.  Members from all parties involved in the desegragation case, Fisher, et al., Mendoza, et al. v. TUSD, CV 74-90 TUC DCB, as well as the special master headed a panel which listened to community input.  There was not any input from the parties, they just sat and listened.  Community input could come in person at either of the three forums or in the form of an email sent directly to special master up until Nov 28, 2012.

I wasn't able to attend the first meeting but I made it to the one tonight and will attend tomorrow.  Here are tonight's pictures: FULL Set: http://chrissummitt.com/blog/desegforum2

A benefit arts festival was held at Skrappys to support migrant justice.

There were performances by: Jasiri X, Invincible, 2Mex, Dj Dirty Verbs, Top Nax, Dj Sloepoke, Progreso with DJ Alias, Shining Soul

Visual Art Exhibit featuring: Favianna Rodriguez, Julio Salgado, Oree Originol, Dignidad Rebelde, El Mac, Ernesto Yerena, Justseeds

Naturally, I took pictures.  Here is the FULL SET:

http://chrissummitt.com/blog/tucsonstandup/

We have to print tomorrow!  Any donation is appreciated.  We want to showcase the historical struggle to save ethnic studies.  My photographs as well as others will tell an amazing story.  It will also be a fundraiser to help the legal defense of the classes.

https://www.wepay.com/donations/mas-through-the-lens-of-time

University Professor Dr. Roberto Rodriguez Calls on Elected Officials to Condemn Death Threats Regarding the Mexican American Studies Program in TUSD

On Thursday, August 2nd, Dr. Roberto Rodriguez and local elected officials held a press conference regarding unprosecuted death threats made in response to community activism surrounding the Mexican American Studies program in TUSD. The press conference was held at TUSD headquarters, 1010 E. 10th street at 10 a.m.

The press conference was  called in light of the impending trial of an individual that made several threats against Dr. Rodriguez in 2011. His trial will begin next week, on August 7th.

FULL SET: http://chrissummitt.com/blog/cintlipressconf/