On Jan. 31, a remarkable display of student action occurred, at Arizona State University (ASU) when El Concilio, a coalition of Latinx student organizations, stood resolutely in support of their undocumented, DACAmented, and immigrant classmates.
In addition to being a show of support, this official statement—which was posted on their student-run Instagram account—was a reaction to an unpleasant incident that had occurred on the ASU Tempe campus earlier that day.
The controversy started when College Republicans United at ASU announced an event, suggesting that students “call ICE on your fellow Mexican students.”
Many members of the student body reacted negatively to this inciting rhetoric, especially those who are active in student organizations like DREAMzone at ASU, which supports DACA recipients, undocumented people, and mixed-status families.
Following this incident, El Concilio united to release a statement reaffirming their position as a single voice for the university’s immigrant, DACAmented, and undocumented communities, emphasizing their unwavering support for these groups. Following the January 31st incident, their mission—which has always been to promote activism, leadership, and cultural representation—became much more urgent.
Thousands of students demonstrated against the insulting rhetoric and called for a safer environment for all ASU students, especially those who are at risk from immigration enforcement. Leading the charge were ASU Dreamers, who marched in unison around the table of the ASU Republicans, resolute in their conviction that the ASU community should not be a breeding ground for hate, fear, or prejudice.
ASU acknowledged the tension surrounding the event in a statement following the protest. The institution reaffirmed its support for free expression, even in cases when it was unpleasant or objectionable. They did, however, also make it apparent that it was against the principles that guided ASU’s academic community to encourage students to report one another to law police, particularly in a manner that may put vulnerable students in danger.
“Encouraging ASU students to file indiscriminate complaints against their fellow students with law enforcement is not consistent with the values of the principles that underpin our academic community,” the statement said. “However, we must equally acknowledge that our nation upholds the right to free expression, including harmful speech. Any student who is being threatened or harassed can get help from the police and the dean of students.”
This statement emphasized the significance of creating an atmosphere that puts every student’s safety and wellbeing first, even as it acknowledged the right to free speech. A critical discussion about what it really means to establish an inclusive and encouraging academic environment for all students, regardless of their immigration status, was sparked by the discrepancy between the university’s dedication to academic values and the behaviors of specific groups on campus.
El Concilio and its supporters saw the fight as more than simply opposing a particular event or remark; it was about making sure that the rights, safety, and dignity of underprivileged students were maintained in the face of hardship, and that their views were heard and respected. The strength of group action and the ability of students to unite in the pursuit of justice and equality were demonstrated by the ASU student body’s unity during this protest.
Edited by Shi Bradley
