The Hate Free Campus campaign kicked off on April 21 with the unveiling of the Cesar E. Chavez commemorative stamp by the United States Postal Service at Price Center Plaza.
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Student office of Human Relations Director Elizabeth Urtecho urged the crowd to take a stand against hate every day.
“”We are committed to the highest standards of civility and patience toward all,”” Urtecho said. “”Today, we ask you to join SOHR in developing … a positive campus climate for all students.””
Urtecho’s statement led into the main event — the unveiling of a postage stamp commemorating Cesar Chavez, the Chicanos’ and workers’ rights activist who founded the United Farm Workers Association in 1962 and won labor concessions for thousands of migrant agricultural workers in California and the Southwest.
“”Cesar Chavez was a man of strength and conviction,”” said Ed Carmona, Hispanic Programs Specialist for the USPS. “”His life serves as an example of determination and humility to all of us. He understood the hardships of working people and fought hard to bring about justice and quality of life for them and their families.””
April 23 marked the 10th anniversary of Cesar Chavez’s passing; being deceased for 10 years is one of the main prerequisites the USPS has placed on subjects for commemorative stamps, Carmona said. The immediate issuance of the stamp following this anniversary underscores the tremendous importance Cesar Chavez has in U.S. history.
“”The Cesar E. Chavez commemorative stamp is a powerful vehicle to introduce a new generation of Americans to his vital legacy, teaching them that through determination and hard work, they can improve their own lives and their own communities,”” Carmona said.
Other events during this week’s Hate Free Campus campaign included an art exhibit titled “”Taking a Stand”” by Viviana Lombrozo on April 22.
Later in the week, a hate crimes conference featuring many local law enforcement officials was held on April 23.
The Multicultural Food Festival will be held on Library Walk at noon on April 25, where ethnic foods prepared by Student Affirmative Action Committee organizations will be showcased.
