In a panel discussion held Tuesday, a group of six professors and community members addressed how the Sept. 11 attacks have allowed the violation of basic civil liberties, hindered the advocacy of immigrant rights and silenced the progression of social justice.
“We were taking steps forward last year, and this year those steps have gone backward,” said Jose Alonso of Centro Latino.
About 40 people attended the panel discussion, held in the International Student Lounge, where panelists discussed how American responses to the Sept. 11 attacks have hindered the advancement of minority organization and defined the apparent racism in communities.
“The ruling elites in this society, the reactionary Christian fundamentalists, the Ashcrofts, the war-mongers have been emboldened by this event, and they think that they can silence the rest of us who are in dissent,” sociology Professor Chuck Hunt said. “They only succeed if we let them.”
Lane Community College ethnic studies Professor Mark Harris said he thinks it is necessary to go beyond the classroom and mainstream press and look at all cultural perspectives to sustain hope and energy in the face of a conservative power structure.
Bettie Luke of the local Pan-Asian Communication Alliance said that because Eugene has so many ethnic groups, forming alliances is crucial to make their voices heard.
Bahati Ansari of the Racism Free Zone said it is important not to give up the fight for
social justice, because there is no alternative.
“It will make you tired, but stick with it and soon people will be by your side,” Ansari said. “Take a quick break, and get back in the fight.”
Hunt said education is the only weapon to “fight depression, attack racism and attack what is wrong with the world.”
Huy Ong, the organizer of the Oregon Students for Color Coalition, said understanding the agenda of other organizations will strengthen the fight for social justice.
“All the speakers brought it down to a level that I could relate to and understand,” said Multicultural Center member Hai Do, who attended the conference.
“There is still work to be done,” Harris said. “I would like to see a country where (U.S. Secretary of State) Colin Powell or (U.S. National Security Adviser) Condoleeza Rice could be president. That is not this United States, but I am working so that could be a possibility.”
Mikhael Romain is a freelance reporter for the Emerald.