Tough room

In my English 1A class, we were reading Francisco Jimenez' books and discussing about immigration. Along with that, we were reading articles and short stories from Alfredo Quinonez-Hinojosa about immigrants that came here to the United States to pursue the American Dream. It was very interesting, until it came to the discussion.

My professor, who I choose to keep anonymous, was very judgmental about immigrants. Not to mention the rest of the people in my class. The professor just kept saying that these 'wetbacks' were wrong to cross the border, end up becoming a successful person, only to want to go back to their own country to help their people. He said that it was impossible for these "kinds of people" to even succeed in this country. To my surprise, everyone in that class but me thought the same. When the professor asked the class what they should do about this and what they feel about illegal immigrants, one joked about "immigrant genocide".

I felt like a minority in a room filled with mostly Caucasians, but I did not hold back when I was asked. I just spoke and said "It's not impossible to succeed here just because one is an illegal immigrant. I went to a public school in Downtown LA where the student population comprises of many undocumented students. I'm one of them. A few of them are my friends, and one of them ended up becoming the Valedictorian. He was admitted to many schools, and so did I. It was unfortunate for us because there was no money to fund us to go to the private schools that accepted us, and now we're here. It's not impossible, and I know because I'm aware that this did not hold us back from pursuing for what we want. And I am proud that few of the people that we're reading about have proven you wrong."

The room became really quiet. I had tears in my eyes. And the professor said, "Okay, other than having a big heart, what do you REALLY feel for these people?" I was overwhelmed that I just walked out of that class, and cried. I was in disbelief that people could still be this prejudiced and intolerant, especially with the fact that we were taught how not to be so judgmental about our peers.

Was I too emotional?

Why don't you report him?

I tried to rationalize it and came up with one thought: Maybe he's being a devil's advocate because everyone in that class was very conforming and did not speak up against whatever the professor would say. I wanted to believe that he was just provoking the thoughts out of us. I heard he's been reported to our school dean numerous times for being so indiscreet. But I also heard that he and the dean are friends.

wtf!! grow a pair of balls and put that mottah fuka on blast!!! screw him report his ass call ur local immigration support group...its people like him that put these disgusting thoughts into our childrens heads...send me the school name and teachers name ill be happy to report it to the principal and administrations!!

If I was you, I would discuss this with the student clubs at your school, along with their advisory. Then, plan a march/informative demonstration, in an attempt to educate the campus.

At least, if you do not want to report him, discuss this in detail with people in your campus that you think would be interested in hearing this (especially faculty on campus who have been advocating rights for immigrants).

There isn't a single club that I know in our community college that is advocating for the Dream Act or anything related to advocating for immigration. That's why I, along with few of my friends, will be starting a club in our school because there isn't any in the 90260 area that I know of.

watch out for the "freedom of speech" excuse

I can understand your pain, but be strong

all the advice I can give to you is ignore his ass

Thank you. I have been ignoring his remarks in class for quite some time now, and I'm glad it's the last week I'll have to endure him before the semester ends.

Can you link me to your CC's website? The site should have a list of their regular clubs.

I'm sure that there is AT LEAST one. Even if there isn't, I am sure that there are people within the campus (faculty, advisers, counselors, administration, etc.) that would like to help you.

Best advice!

Really, you have to report him. Don't be afraid man. I commend you for not being quiet on class. But now it is time to go to a higher administration and report him. Also, don't just do it once. Keep at it. Keep asking what they have done with the case. Show them that you care.