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Personal Statement of Dr. Patricia Telles-Irvin, NASPA President-elect

NASPA is an organization with members representing more than 1,400 institutions of higher education. As such, NASPA members hold a broad range of perspectives. Consequently, NASPA cannot represent any single political viewpoint. However, we must recognize there are serious societal issues that warrant serious consideration and debate. The Arizona laws regarding undocumented immigrants, ethnic studies and potential birth rights that have recently been brought to our attention raise very serious issues of immigration and economic policy, justice, opportunities, access, fairness, and the role of immigrants in the development and maintenance of American society, among other issues. There have also been laws in this state that have impacted the GLBT community with last year’s revocation of health benefits for domestic partners of state employees.

While I personally disagree strongly with these laws, I also understand that my personal views cannot reflect an organizational view for an association with a membership as diverse as NASPA’s. It is clear to me, however, that if NASPA is to have its meeting in Arizona, we cannot pretend that the controversies over these laws and the many issues they raise do not exist. As student affairs leaders within institutions of higher education, we need to face these controversies head-on and in a manner that is appropriate for an organization uplifting the values of the student affairs profession. Our institutions impact the minds and souls of students who will lead this country one day. The future of this country depends on them to make good decisions that are honest, thoughtful, and just. Silence is not an option on issues as important and complicated as these.

I want to share with you my personal experience as someone born in the southwest and of Mexican descent. I understand the challenges of the borders and the plight of these immigrants. I also understand that the issues are complicated. In my experience living in my hometown of El Paso, Texas, many undocumented immigrants are encouraged to take jobs other Americans are not willing to assume. Many work hard and contribute to the economy by purchasing goods, keeping prices down, and keeping producers, farmers, and ranchers in business. Among those who cross the border, there are individuals (a small minority, I would say) that have a criminal intent. Unfortunately, in my hometown it appears that the drug cartel has moved to the border town of Juarez, Mexico, and there are killings occurring almost daily. I recall when these two cities worked collaboratively and going across the border either way was safer. There was an appreciation for both cultures by the citizens living in this bicultural region. I do not blame those who are concerned now for their safety. However, the majority of the immigrants are coming out of desperation. One depiction of one such painful, tragic, and true journey immigrants took to find work and to improve the lives of their families can be found in a great book we had our first-year students read last year, The Devil’s Highway by Luis Alberto Urrea.

Solutions need to be found, however, I do not think the United States can resolve all these issues alone. There has to be a partnership with other countries; and it is my hope that it happens soon. For most of his career, my father has been a servant leader. He has served this country all his life with great honor and loyalty, and through this he taught me to face any challenge worth facing head-on and with conviction. In 1957, he was elected the first Hispanic mayor of a major city in this country; in 1961, he was the first appointed U.S. ambassador of Hispanic descent; and he was the first Hispanic to serve as a colonel in the Air Force. He also accepted a presidential appointment to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Washington, D.C., as one of five commissioners in the early 1970s. In these various roles, he never shied away from trying to correct injustice. He also taught me to love this country; and part of loving this country was contributing to realistic, honest, and humanitarian solutions.

So, as an educational organization that stands for justice, inclusion, and access to education, as well as analyzing and solving the great challenges of our times, we must make a statement by going together and being very purposely present in Arizona with programs that will educate, enhance the dialogue, and reach a greater understanding on issues of immigration, justice, and human dignity.

Our presence is needed. That being said, I ask for the support of the NASPA membership in embracing an approach that deals directly with these laws regarding undocumented immigrants and the concerns of the GLBT community. With that, I would then find myself able to proudly represent NASPA as its president at the 2012 conference in Arizona.