Latinos Should Stay In Class And Protest After School

Much of the rhetoric during the recent consideration of an immigration bill in the Senate has troubled me.  I can understand why young Latinos are upset since the far Right has denounced undocumented workers and their families as lawbreakers, yet the employers who hire these workers are not mentioned much less condemned.  For young people, this is not an abstract policy debate since it could mean that their parents or cousins could be branded criminals.

Yet, I am also troubled by the recent mass walkouts by students here in San Antonio and throughout the country.  Although it is heartening to see young people participate in the national debate on immigration, I am afraid that their protests are not taking the best form.

The First Amendment guarantees the right to peaceably assemble.  No one should question the fundamental right of students to congregate and march to express their thoughts and feelings.  Organized yet peaceful protest has done much to make America a more colorblind, fair nation. Latinos owe much to the leadership of Cesar Chavez which made America address the plight of migrant farm workers.

Yet, Cesar Chavez knew that education was the key for Latinos.  Despite completing only the eighth grade, he was a voracious reader and a self-educated man.  Reading St. Francis of Assisi and Mahatmas Gandhi led Chavez to conclude that nonviolent protest was the most effective method of change.  Moreover, he believed "the end of all education should surely be service to others,' a credo to which his life was a testament.

The best way to honor your heritage as Latinos and your ancestors is to stay in school and do well.  No other single factor will benefit you more or our community than educational success.  Walking out of school does not ultimately serve your interests or the interests of our community.  It does not advance the cause of Latinos nor does it honor our heritage.

If there's been one constant throughout out nation's history, it's been the story of people fleeing persecution and lack of opportunity to come to America to make better lives for themselves.  It's especially true for Latinos, as our grandparents and parents came here to take part in the pursuit of liberty and happiness promised all Americans in the Declaration of Independence. Often, this meant working jobs no one else wanted just so their children could have the opportunity to live the American dream.  And, the best way to capitalize on this opportunity is earning a high school diploma and bachelor's degree.

However, make no mistake, it is important that Latinos make their voices heard, especially young people.  You are the leaders of tomorrow and too often the young disregard politics as a realm that does not concern their lives.  Nothing could be further from the truth as Congress passes laws that directly affect their lives.  Therefore, I encourage young people to participate because democracy only works when citizens take part.  But, this participation should take place after school.  

Finally, for many of these students, America is their home now.  I understand that they want to honor their roots by carrying the flag of Mexico.  I, too, am proud of my Mexican heritage; however, the American flag is now your flag.  The red, white, and blue have long been a beacon for the persecuted and downtrodden throughout the world and have guided millions to our shores like the searchlight from a lighthouse.  The American flag bears the hopes and dreams of those yearning to live in freedom and have the chance to make the most of their lives.  This flag is your flag and we should carry it proudly.

I encourage making your thoughts on immigration known, but walking out of school should not be the way you communicate those thoughts.  Education is the key that will open the door to the American dream and Latinos should use it.