PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University faculty, staff and students will join millions of viewers worldwide in learning about issues that impact Latinos in education when WSU hosts a free “town hall” gathering in association with the LEAD (Latino Education Advocacy Day) IV Summit 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, in Todd Hall 268.
Held annually at California State University in San Bernardino, the summit is videostreamed across the globe to promote awareness of the challenges Latinos face in accessing and succeeding in education. John Fraire, vice president of WSU student affairs and enrollment, said viewing the webcast is an excellent opportunity to learn about national trends and issues and what others are doing to address them.
“We have made significant progress at WSU in terms of increasing the enrollment and retention of Latinos,” Fraire said. “But we want to continue improving in these areas, and it is helpful to learn from other experts and be open to trying new strategies.”
During last year’s summit, conference emcees gave WSU a shout-out, and a question submitted by the WSU audience was addressed by conference presenters.
“The WSU participants will not only have the opportunity to play an interactive role in the conference,” said Lucila Loera, assistant vice president for student affairs and enrollment. “They will also interact with professionals in our own region who share an interest in working on these issues.”
Following the town hall will be a free LEAD dinner, 5:30-8 p.m. at Gladish Community & Cultural Center, Room 316 (View Room), in downtown Pullman. The program will feature a panel discussion led by experts from Latino organizations throughout the state. Panelists will address how the town hall connects with their areas of influence and professional work. Fraire will provide opening remarks and Loera will deliver the keynote address.
Those interested in attending the dinner are asked to register at http://goo.gl/inIn2. For more information about the LEAD IV Summit, visit http://leadsummit.csusb.edu/.
WSU student organizations CAMARADAS (Chicano/Latino graduate and professional student association) and M.E.Ch.A. (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán) are sponsoring the town hall, along with other WSU partners: the Culture and Heritage Houses, Department of Teaching & Learning, Department of Educational Leadership & Counseling Psychology, Department of Critical Culture, Gender & Race Studies, TRiO programs, Chicana/o Latina/o Faculty and Staff Association and Office of Multicultural Student Services.