American Immigration Council — Over 200 Venezuelans ‘disappeared’ to El Salvador prison

American Immigration Council — Over 200 Venezuelans ‘disappeared’ to El Salvador prison

March 31, 2025Posted inDemocracy, ImmigrationNo Comments
On March 22, the Trump administration issued a memo, directing the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to take disciplinary and punitive action against attorneys practicing in our national courts. While the memo is broad, it takes aim at immigration lawyers, pro bono attorneys representing asylum seekers in immigration court, and organizations (such as the American Immigration Council) that challenge the federal government’s immigration policies in court.  
LULAC files historic lawsuit to defend voting rights from executive overreach threatening America’s Democracy

LULAC files historic lawsuit to defend voting rights from executive overreach threatening America’s Democracy

March 31, 2025Posted inlocal, newsNo Comments
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) announced the filing of a federal lawsuit Monday challenging an executive order issued by President Donald Trump that seeks to impose sweeping and unlawful changes to the administration of U.S. elections. The lawsuit defends the right to vote for all American citizens. It states the executive order strips away long-standing protections for fair and free elections. The executive order mandates proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and limits mail-in voting with unrealistic deadlines. It directs federal agencies to police state voter rolls that threaten to disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, including veterans, students, seniors, and Latino citizens. More than 21 million Americans cannot access the additional documents required to register to vote under the purported rules of this executive order. "LULAC is taking this legal action not to oppose any individual or party but to uphold the sacred principles that define our democracy," said LULAC National President and Chairman Roman Palomares. "The right to vote is not a partisan issue. It is the foundation of our republic and must be protected against any attempt—no matter how powerful the source—that seeks to undermine it."
Students share their culture, talents during opening of NAU Ethnic Studies Program’s ‘Wings of Change: Our Narratives Reclaimed’ art exhibit

Students share their culture, talents during opening of NAU Ethnic Studies Program’s ‘Wings of Change: Our Narratives Reclaimed’ art exhibit

March 28, 2025Posted inDiversity, Events, local, Native American, newsNo Comments
FLAGSTAFF — From an enchanting scene featuring a colorful butterfly, nopales, roses and seeds soaring to the heavens, to an image stating “Education is NOT a Crime — Making Our Ancestors Proud,” students from throughout the region displayed their heartfelt images in an exhibit of more than 30 murals and mix-media projects during the annual “Wings of Change: Our Narratives Reclaimed” exhibit presented by the NAU Ethnic Studies Program. The exhibit opened March 26 at NAU’s School of Behavioral Science West Building, Suite 100 (Building 70) in the south campus. Featuring the artwork by NAU Ethnic Studies 160 and 100 classes, Ponderosa High School, Leupp Public Schools and T-schools, the exhibit touches on a variety of cultures including African-America, Asian, European, Jewish, Mexican-American/Hispanic, Muslim and Native American indigenous peoples. Themes feature images ranging from United Farm Workers of America protest murals, to those touching on Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead and a Hopi Kachina Soyoko.
Coalition of groups gather at Flagstaff City Hall on March 24 to protest Rep. Eli Crane

Coalition of groups gather at Flagstaff City Hall on March 24 to protest Rep. Eli Crane

March 28, 2025Posted inDemocracy, Events, local, newsNo Comments
Also see Arizona Daily Sun: 'Where's Eli?' Flagstaff citizens call out Congressman Crane for lack of engagement with community FLAGSTAFF — Hundreds of individuals from a variety of groups gathered in front of the Flagstaff City Hall to protest against Rep. Eli Crane, R-Arizona on Monday, March 24. The groups, and some Republican constituents, have criticized Crane for refusing to hold open town halls, resulting in a growing number protests including an event in Cottonwood on March 19. The Arizona Daily Sun reported that more than 300 took part in the protest in front of the Flagstaff City Hall. Crane’s office reported that its staff met with Pastor Randall Miller of Northland Baptist Church and students from Northland Preparatory Academy in Flagstaff on Monday, posting a photo of the meeting on Facebook, which included comments by individuals asking Crane to meet with the public. Some of the groups supporting the protest at the Flagstaff City Hall include Arizona Progressive Action Committee, Arizona Students Association, Coconino Democrats, 50501 and Indivisible Northern Arizona.
Channeling the spirit of César E. Chávez, community leaders provide passionate response to our times at annual community breakfast

Channeling the spirit of César E. Chávez, community leaders provide passionate response to our times at annual community breakfast

March 28, 2025Posted inDiversity, Education, Events, Immigration, local, newsNo Comments
FLAGSTAFF — With a mixture of fiery speeches, presentations featuring the importance of telling everyone’s stories and a commitment to refusing to be erased from the history books (video clip*), the 7th annual Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council’s (CHAC) César E. Chávez Community Breakfast took on a more feisty tone this year. The event, held at the American Legion Post 3, included an opening presentation of the importance of remember the community’s history presented by Dr. Pedro A. Cuevas, assistant teaching professor at the Dept. of Ethnic Studies at Northern Arizona University.
Culture Connection AZ presents ‘Disappeared: Portraits of Absence, Songs of Resistence’ — A powerful evening of music, art and remembrance at the Flagstaff Historic Ice House on April 4

Culture Connection AZ presents ‘Disappeared: Portraits of Absence, Songs of Resistence’ — A powerful evening of music, art and remembrance at the Flagstaff Historic Ice House on April 4

March 25, 2025Posted inDiversity, Education, Events, Immigration, local, newsNo Comments
FLAGSTAFF — Culture Connection AZ invites the community to Disappeared: Portraits of Absence, Songs of Resistance, an evening of powerful music and art dedicated to honoring the victims of forced disappearance and the global movements seeking justice. This interdisciplinary event will take place during the First Friday ArtWalk on April 4th at the Historic Ice House on Birch Ave and will feature an exhibition, live performances, and a space for community reflection and solidarity. Through music, photography, poetry, and historical storytelling, Disappeared will illuminate the human cost of these crimes while celebrating the resilience of those who refuse to let these stories be forgotten.
The NAU Diversity’s Commissions’ Film Festival, free, to be held on April 7

The NAU Diversity’s Commissions’ Film Festival, free, to be held on April 7

March 25, 2025Posted inEducation, local, newsNo Comments
The films will include both documentary and narrative and will celebrate personal stories but also raise important issues around building inclusive communities. Following the films, a panel composed of the VP of Inclusive Excellence, the Co-Chairs of the Diversity Commissions and the president of Club ADA will take questions from the audience. This event is sponsored by Club ADA. Free and open to everyone!
American Immigration Council — Why Trump’s Use of the Alien Enemies Act Matters for America

American Immigration Council — Why Trump’s Use of the Alien Enemies Act Matters for America

March 23, 2025Posted inDemocracy, Diversity, Immigration, newsNo Comments
LATEST ANALYSIS Why Trump’s Use of the Alien Enemies Act Matters for America The Trump administration’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act has been held up in court for now, amid an escalating legal battle over the government’s compliance with a judicial order. But the importance of the Alien Enemies Act declaration isn’t just because of the court battle, or because the first planeload of deportees was sent to provide forced labor in a prison in El Salvador. If the Trump administration prevails, it will be allowed to resume deportations of Venezuelan men under the act—to El Salvador or any other country that will take them—without giving them any chance of a hearing or even the opportunity to know the evidence against them.
Democracy Focus — The week ahead

Democracy Focus — The week ahead

March 17, 2025Posted inDemocracy, Immigration, newsNo Comments
Well, that was a busy weekend and there are plenty of challenges ahead for Democracy. The fallout continues over the decision by Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer and 9 Senate Dems to vote yes for the Republican's Continuing Resolution, thereby avoiding a government shutdown. Only one Democrat in the House voted yes for the CR, with most Senate Democrats voting against the resolution.
American Immigration Council — Healthcare Shortages Grip the Country

American Immigration Council — Healthcare Shortages Grip the Country

March 16, 2025Posted inDiversity, Immigration, local, newsNo Comments
 LATEST ANALYSIS  States with Healthcare Shortages Turn to Foreign-Trained Doctors, Showing Bipartisan Immigration Policies Benefit All At a time when immigration policy remains one of the most divisive issues in American politics, an area of bipartisan agreement has emerged: expanding licensure pathways for international medical graduates.  
The Lighter side

The Lighter side

March 13, 2025Posted inDemocracy, local, newsNo Comments
Sometimes, we just need to breathe, take care of ourselves and enjoy the funniest political moments of the day. Besides, here are some useful quotes on using humor as a weapon against those with authoritarian tendencies. ... "Satire make them look human and make people fear them less ... If you remembered a joke whenever you looked at a wannabe/existing dictator would you fear them as much? ... Dictatorships are primarily based on fear and satire and fun can puncture the illusion of power" — Madhur Chadha
March 2025 Native Health Newsletter

March 2025 Native Health Newsletter

March 11, 2025Posted inDiversity, Education, Events, local, Native American, newsNo Comments
Spring is here and we're busy! March is a beautiful month and there's so much happening in the community. As you know from my monthly letters, we're growing and in need of dedicated community members to help guide our way. If you are interested in being a member of our Board of Directors, please consider applying. There is a monthly time commitment, but you can make a difference in the direction of NATIVE HEALTH. For more information, please contact Cherie.
American Immigration Council — USCIS Suffers Extraneous DOGE Cuts While ICE Expands

American Immigration Council — USCIS Suffers Extraneous DOGE Cuts While ICE Expands

March 9, 2025Posted inDemocracy, Diversity, Immigration, newsNo Comments
While Federal Firings Focus on Immigration Processing, Funding for Immigration Enforcement Expands In recent weeks, significant personnel reductions throughout the federal government supposedly made in the name of eliminating “waste” have caused concerns about the government’s ability to continue providing timely services. Agencies that provide immigration-related services have not been spared from these cuts, which may lead to reduction in services and increased delays across the immigration system
Democracy Focus— Do Congressional Democrats really have a plan?

Democracy Focus— Do Congressional Democrats really have a plan?

March 6, 2025Posted inDemocracy, newsNo Comments
The Congressional Democratic reaction this week to President Trump's Joint Address to Congress clearly showed the challenges facing the party as they try to block the administration's effort to take control of the power of the purse from Congress. Senate and House leaders asked their members to sit quietly, let Trump dig his own policy hole while Democrats would pounce with a well-delivered opposition response. Well, the second part went well, but many Democrats went rogue. While some skipped the address, one representative was tossed out within the first couple of minutes, other Democrats held so-called bingo or bidding signs, with few others deciding to walk out mid-way through the President's address.
Democracy Focus — Not Necessarily a ‘State of the Union’

Democracy Focus — Not Necessarily a ‘State of the Union’

March 5, 2025Posted inDemocracy, newsNo Comments
'An all-time record Presidential address to Congress (almost 1 hour and 40 minutes), followed by a short and concise opposition response, fact-checkers working overtime, while Congressional Democrats were derided for their action or inaction during the event. That and much more happened during President Trump's Joint Address to Congress on March 4, 2025.