Wright College Convene for Deliberative Discussion Forum

By: Kyle Chmielowski and Itzel Vela

On Wednesday, Jan. 29 students, staff, and community members gathered to discuss immigration in room S-100. Professor Merry Mayer, Associate Dean Gabe Estill, and Newman Civic Fellow Tammatha Spivey moderated the discussion groups. 

The event was hosted through Campus Compact, a chapter for civic engagement, dedicated to community service and democracy. Spivey introduced the topic of immigration, with 2022 statistics of the immigration population for a leeway into the deliberative dialogue. The topics for discussion were chosen from a list by the National Issues Forums, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting civic discussion.

The event was separated into two large discussion groups where the attendees voiced three themes centered on immigration. The first theme focused on welcoming immigrants, preventing family separations, and aiding immigrants when they flee from war and oppression. 

The second theme highlighted enforcing the law and being fair to those who follow the rules. The discussions concluded with the two groups coming together to discuss the third theme, multiculturalism and helping immigrants financially.

People gather in roundtable discussions to speak about immigration in room S-100. Photo Credit: Kyle Chmielowski.

Associate Dean Gabe Estill says, “We had a deliberative dialogue because we wanted to make sure that we talked about the issue in a constructive way that was civil and respected the opinions of folks.”

While he says that most of the opinions were pro-immigration he was impressed by how students encountered different opinions while participating in the discussions. “I was struck by how our students were really able to unpack the issue and see it from different sides.”

Carlos Aulet, an ESL instructor at Truman College, says he attended the event because he is a teacher and has a very serious commitment to immigration issues. He speaks passionately about the importance of immigrants in this country. “I need to know I’m feeling and thinking the right thing and it helps to be around the new generation because that is the future.” 

When asked why immigration is necessary he says, “This is what makes this country powerful, because we’re people from so many different cultures. The multiplicity of cultures, that’s what makes it powerful for me, makes everything better if this country allows for that to happen.” 

     Professor Mayer says “I’m happy it [the event] was well attended, there seemed to be a lot of energy in the room. I thought Tammy, our Newman Civic Fellow, did a wonderful job as she always does.”

     Spivey says one of her favorite highlights of the event was the utilization of Spanish translators, especially the student translator. She says a translator helped people in the discussion. “It was a special dynamic, having a translator there really helped them solidify what they wanted to say. I feel like they had support in case they didn’t know what it was they wanted to say.” 

    City Colleges of Chicago sent out an announcement in January ensuring students are welcome to school, regardless of immigration status. Wright College President Andres Oroz shares, “We’re here to support our students, no matter who they are. Everybody is welcome at Wright College.”

The Campus Compact is hosting a DEI and Affirmative Action event, discussing issues about diversity, equity, and inclusion on Feb. 20 in S-100 at 2 pm.

Students listen as the conversation is translated into Spanish. Photo Credit: Kyle Chmielowski