September, 2019

Occupying Schools, Occupying Land: How the Landless Workers Movement Transformed Brazilian Education

Dr. Rebecca Tarlau , Pennsylvania State University

In Occupying Schools, Occupying Land, Rebecca Tarlau explores how MST activists have pressured municipalities, states, and the federal government to implement their educational program in public schools and universities, affecting hundreds of thousands of students. Contrary to the belief that movements cannot engage the state without demobilizing, Tarlau shows how educational institutions can help movements recruit new activists, diversify their membership, increase technical knowledge, and garner political power. Drawing on twenty months of ethnographic field work, Tarlau documents how the MST operates in different regions working at times with or through the state, at other times outside it and despite it. She argues that activists are most effective using contentious co-governance, combining disruption and public protest with institutional pressure to defend and further their goals.

Vamos a Leer Book Group: Jazz Owls: A Novel of the Zoot Suit Riots

Join the UNM Latin American & Iberian Institute for our casual Vamos a Leer book group, a space dedicated to teachers discussing authentic and engaging Latinx literature for elementary, middle and high school classrooms. We meet each month in the "vault" space at Red Door Brewing (downtown) on Gold Ave, and welcome your participation whether you've read the whole book or just a few pages.

Apply your Skills to a Career in Diplomacy: Meet Diplomat in Residence Southwest Laura Gritz

Laura Gritz , Diplomat in Residence Southwest

The U.S. Department of State is dedicated to protecting and strengthening America’s interests abroad and right here at home. You can make a difference with the U.S. Department of State. The Department offers internships, fellowships for graduate school, funding for study abroad, jobs, and careers. All majors and backgrounds are welcome. 

Root Causes of the Central American Exodus

What is going on to drive so many families from their homes and risk everything to come to the United States? Panel discussion led by local academic leaders with experience in Central America including Dr William Stanley, director of the Latin American & Iberian Institute.

The Consulate of Mexico in NM: 170 Years of Presence and Consular Protection

Join us in celebrating the 170th anniversary of the Mexican Consulate in New Mexico! Three panelists will talk about the consular presence in New Mexico, the protections offered to families in both countries, and policies implemented throughout the consulate’s history that have promoted empowerment of immigrants and their families.

“They Say the Bones Talk”: Enforced Disappearances and the Archives of State Terror in Past and Present Mexico

Dr. Alexander Aviña , Arizona State University

Join the LAII for a presentation with Dr. Alexander Aviña, associate professor of history in the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies at Arizona State University. Aviña’s talk will discuss the history of enforced disappearances in the southwestern state of Guerrero during the 1970s, as different state agents used this terror tactic to sap popular support for radical political movements and peasant insurrection.