Happy Election Day!

Please go to the polls and vote for the candidates of your choice!

Voting is the right, and duty, of every American citizen. It is a duty to oneself, to one’s family, and to our society, country and world. To make progress on any issue—whether it’s inequality, race, justice, climate change, immigration or education—there must be action. And voting is an action every citizen take.

People in countries around the world have fought and died just to have the right to vote. Scores of Oberlinians have given their lives defending what President Abraham Lincoln described in the Gettysburg Address as government of the people, by the people, for the people.

This year, Oberlin students, faculty and staff worked on political campaigns and helped ensure voting rights for college students and other citizens in Ohio. You may never run for office. But by voting every chance you get, you can make a difference in where your city, state, and country are heading.

Whether it’s for your local school board or for president of the United States, we urgently need you to vote.

As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”

Exercising your right to vote is vigorous and positive action you can take today. I urge you all to let your voices be heard.

UNDOCUWEEK 2016

I am proud that we are currently celebrating UndocuWeek 2016 at Oberlin College. Undocuweek is sponsored by Obies for Undocumented Inclusion and the Multicultural Resource Center.

This series of events recognizes the importance of addressing the needs of undocumented students and raising awareness and vital, active support for those students. UndocuWeek is meant to engage our campus community in collective efforts to create a supportive and thriving environment for undocumented students.

You can demonstrate your support by donating to the Undocumented Student Scholarship Fund. You can also make a commitment to support and advocate on behalf of undocumented people on Saturday, November 12 by posting online.

UndocuWeek 2016 is also the formal launch of the Undocumented Student Initiatives program and serves as a catalyst for future directions, including the UndocuAlly trainings program for students, faculty, and staff.

In addition to the events listed on the link, there will be a workshop titled "Undocu-Ally Training: Liberating Campus Climate" on Friday, November 11 for, faculty and staff, facilitated by Julio Reyes, the MRC’s Latinx Student Life Coordinator, Assistant Director of Student Outreach and Success, and Program Director for Undocumented Student Initiatives.

The training, adapted from United We Dream, will provide an overview of education and immigration policy that impacts undocumented youth, insight into the experiences of undocumented students at Oberlin College, and an opportunity to engage in planning to support undocumented students as an informed educator activist. Participants will leave the training with a certificate of completion, an Undocu-Ally sticker for their office, and an Educator Activist Commitment decal.