With Hispanic Heritage Month in full swing, the University of Maryland School of Public Policy is celebrating and recognizing the rich diversity of the Latinx population across the diaspora. Last year, a dedicated group of students, deeply engaged in addressing unmet needs and advocating for change within the Latinx community, came together to form the student organization known as La Gente.
La Gente co-founders set out with a clear purpose: to address the specific needs of Latinx students at the School of Public Policy. Their aim was to provide a support network and encourage collaboration among Latinx students, effectively filling a crucial gap in support.
Co-Founder and Co-President Diana Carrillo highlighted the positive impact La Gente has had in its short existence and noted that Latinx students on campus have never felt more united and represented. When students discover La Gente, “...they are excited to learn that there is a network of other students like them. When it comes to students of color, knowing that there are other students you can relate to is always a comforting feeling,” shares Carrillo. They also aim to create a safe space for international students and those who may feel underrepresented in course content.
The group has been actively engaged in addressing policy issues that impact Hispanic communities. While immigration policy is frequently discussed, La Gente has been vocal about the pressing need to address health policy, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic disproportionately affected Latinx populations, putting them at a higher risk of hospitalization or death in comparison to some other ethnic groups in the U.S. They also stressed the need for culturally appropriate and inclusive policy resolutions.
In the field of education, La Gente has identified a critical gap in Latinx student access to higher education, particularly among first generation students. They call for a closer look at recruitment models and programs to ensure equitable access to higher education, especially in light of recent Supreme Court decisions on Affirmative Action. They also urge policymakers to consider the impact of student housing on the Spanish-speaking residents in the College Park area and proposed collaborative efforts between SPP, UMD Administration, the city of College Park and local officials to develop housing policies addressing displacement.
La Gente has been proactive in fostering dialogues and pushing for policy changes. In a recent collaboration with the SPP Alumni Board, they hosted a conversation with Robert Santos, director of the U.S. Census Bureau. The discussion centered around critical issues within the Latinx community and emphasized the need for policy changes and increased representation.
One of La Gente’s core messages is to encourage SPP students and faculty to gain a deeper understanding of the diversity within the Latinx community. They emphasize, “The diaspora of Latinx families is present all over the world, but oftentimes our contributions and achievements are overlooked.” As SPP students advocate for more inclusive policies, they are not only encouraged to diversify and expand their knowledge of Hispanic culture but also actively engage in discussions surrounding these issues that they may not have previously explored
