By Amanda Haines, Communications Specialist, Pierce College District
Arizona’s new immigration law, Senate Bill 1070, has sparked nationwide debate on illegal immigration, states’ roles in enforcing federal mandates, and civil rights. Pierce College Puyallup is bringing all sides of the debate together for an open discussion of the constitutional implications and the social and cultural implications of this controversial new law.
The community is invited to share in the discussion of Arizona’s SB 1070 at a panel presentation from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, in the auditorium, Arts and Allied Health Building, Pierce College Puyallup, 1601 39th Ave. SE. This event is free and open to the public. Panelists will include:
• Jesse Hernandez, chairman of the Arizona Latino Republican Association, a supporter of SB 1070;
• Mark Spencer, president of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, also a supporter of the law;
• Magdaleno-Rose Avila, activist and former director of the Cesar Chavez Foundation, an opponent of the law;
• David Ayala-Zamora, organizing director of One America with Justice for All, an opponent of the law;
• And, Luis Fraga, a political science professor from the University of Washington, who is presenting a neutral position and will offer background on the issue and a discussion of constitutionality.
Audience members will be able to ask questions of the panelists. Moderator for this event will be John Lucas, a political science professor at Pierce College.
This event is sponsored by the Pierce College Puyallup Office of Student Life. For more information, call (253) 840-8487 or jtrejo@pierce.ctc.edu.