Roundtable at WSU to Focus on Farm Workers

PULLMAN, Wash. – The Department Comparative Ethnic Studies at Washington State University will hold an April 15 roundtable discussion focused on issues facing Pacific Northwest farm workers and the United Farm Workers union.

The event is from 2–5 p.m. in room 114 of the Samuel H. Smith Center for Undergraduate Education on the Pullman campus.

The project is part of a web site and oral history project cosponsored by CES and the Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies at the University of Washington.

According to José Alamillo, faculty member for CES, Friday’s event will provide a forum for past and current United Farm Workers organizers to discuss current issues and challenges facing farm workers and the union in the Pacific Northwest.

“Through the UFW event, WSU makes connections with eastern Washington communities,” Alamillo said. “Documentation of the historic and contemporary struggles of agricultural workers in the state is consistent with the university’s land grant mission.”

In addition to the discussion, those attending will preview a new Web site devoted to the UFW. Organizers say the site will present oral histories and should become a resource for people interested in the project.

Panelists for the roundtable discussion include Tomas Villanueva, Rosalinda Guillen, Lupe Gamboa, Maria Cuevas and April and Morena Ortiz. All panelists are associated with the UFW.

The project is partially funded by a Meyer Grant from the WSU College of Liberal Arts. Associated Students of WSU and MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano/a de Aztlan) will provide refreshments.