California Dream Act

Aid to Undocumented College Students Is Subject of Student Forum

April 25, 2008 :: No. 238

The talk, co-sponsored by the university's Office of Student Affairs, Chicana and Chicano Studies Department and Students for Peace and Social Justice, is one of several similar forums being hosted by student groups at other colleges, including USC, Glendale Community College and Los Angeles City College.

Cal State Fullerton's Alliance of Students for an Equal Education, are launching a letter-writing campaign to support the California Dream Act, proposed legislation that would allow undocumented students to receive financial aid at public universities. Kicking off the campaign is a 7-9 p.m. Friday, April 25, public discussion in the theater of the Titan Student Union.

Student Letty Serrato, a psychology and human services major organizing the event, said those who attend will be asked to send letters in support of the legislation to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the state's Congressional representatives.

"I'm not undocumented, but as much as I deserve a quality education and opportunities for good jobs, my friends who are undocumented deserve the same because we are all human beings, regardless if we have documents or not," Serrato said.

The California Dream Act, proposed and sponsored by Sen. Gilbert Cedillo (D-Los Angeles), was vetoed by Schwarzenegger in 2007. It would have allowed undocumented students to be eligible for the Cal Grant program.

While the latest bill excludes the Cal Grant program, it allows for undocumented students to be eligible for grants, scholarships, work study and loan programs offered by campuses in the California State University, University of California and California Community College systems.

Patricia Perez

Patricia Perez

Alexandro Gradilla

Alexandro Gradilla

Federal legislation similar to the California Dream Act is being considered in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

CSUF's forum will feature a panel of speakers, including Alexandro J. Gradilla and Patricia A. Pérez, assistant professors of Chicana and Chicano studies, other faculty members from area universities and representatives from community groups, including Power PAC and the Orange County Dream Team.

Media Contacts:
Alejandro J. Gradilla, Chicana and Chicano Studies, 714-278-4210 or agradilla@fullerton.edu
Mimi Ko Cruz, Public Affairs, 714-278-7586 or mkocruz@fullerton.edu