Editor,
I would like to commend the Daily Lobo for providing an immediate correction and apology for erroneously depicting a student as an undocumented student in the newspaper’s Dec. 2 photo feature, “Special Investigation: Undocumented Students.” The sequence of events involving the Lobo feature in Wednesday’s paper presents an opportunity for us to learn and grow from the experience. It indicates that we still have some work to do in educating those around us about how to act responsibly toward others on our campus and that there may be unintended consequences for even the most innocent acts. For example, not only was the picture mislabeled, but the placing of a Spanish/English dictionary at the forefront of the picture could imply that Hispanic/Latino students need language aids to study. In addition, featuring a “special investigative report” on undocumented students could send an element of fear throughout campus, making students feel that they would be targeted or viewed differently. Being thoughtful about all of the messages that are communicated, whether in the Daily Lobo, other communication venues or face-to-face will go a long way in creating a healthy campus climate.
All students at the University of New Mexico have the right to attend classes and activities on campus without the fear of being labeled or targeted in a manner that would detrimentally affect them. We continue to build a University environment that honors our differences and embraces diversity. It is only in such an environment that we can prepare our students for the world in which they will live and work. We stand to gain a lot from a campus climate that is inclusive and respects all individuals. As a campus community, it is our responsibility to address issues that could potentially lead to a negative or unsafe environment for any of our students, faculty or staff.
Jozi De Leon
UNM vice president of Equity
and Inclusion
