 From La Casa to President Bennet President Bennet: When La Casa de Albizu Campos was founded in 1970, it was the result of one of the most powerful movements that Wesleyan University has ever faced throughout its history. The handful of students of the Latino Vanguard class immediately recognized their right to be heard as any other student in the majority of the student body. These students risked their careers at this university to assure that future generations of Latinos, both students and employees, would be respected and recognized as a force to be reckoned with if our voices are not heard. If it weren't for those brave few, the community that exists today would not be here. Both La Casa and Ajúa Campos assure you that we are here to stay and will take the measures necessary to be heard and to change the present situation. We at La Casa promise you that we will not stop until Wesleyan understands that the Latino community is a force that will be reckoned with. Our existence and our strides will not be taken in vain. Until you recognize that a bl and admissions process and financial aid is not enough to keep us complacent with whatever policies you are implementing, we will not stop. The Latino community will never be complacent. The janitors are a part of our community. You have no idea what these hard working people, and we recognize them as people, how much they contribute to this institution. We will not tolerate the treatment of this important part of the Latino community and the Wesleyan community with any less respect than what we give you. If it weren't for them, you would be cleaning your own facility with your own hands. Racism and prejudice come in many forms. These days they can be more subtle and more institutionalized. Surely you do not believe that they are long gone nor that the present situation is not an example in itself? We at La Casa de Albizu Campos recognize the janitors of Initial as an integral part of our community. We will not tolerate any thing less than the decency of human respect to these individuals. With respect and dignity we of La Casa de Albizu Campos present to you these grievances as a testament of our concern over the present situation concerning members of the Latino community. Thank you, Members of La Casa de Albizu Campos Copyright © 2000, Wesleyan University |