Perspectives On Faith And Life Series Sparks Immigration Conversation

Liz Kyle
News Editor

Students eager for a lively discussion, and maybe some PATH points too, met on Tuesday night for the last session of the Perspectives on Faith and Life Series for the semester.

The series, sponsored by Campus Ministry and Housing and Residence Life, promotes meaningful conversations on modern day topics. Led by faculty or staff speakers, community members are brought on an educational journey through presentations, group discussions and free food. This session’s topic: immigration.

Dr. Theo Majka served as speaker for this event. Majka, a professor of sociology, specializes in political sociology, racial and ethnic minorities, social movements, communities, urban sociology and immigration.

His presentation, titled “Embracing Immigration Issues,” educated students about current policies and statistics regarding immigration. Topics covered included U.S. refugee resettlement, Deferred Action of Childhood Actions (DACA), deportation of undocumented immigrants, President Donald Trump’s comments about immigration and immigration from the perspective of the Catholic Church.
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Majka stressed the importance of the audience educating themselves about the current immigration climate in the U.S.

“Immigration discussions are important on campus because it’s a major, national issue,” Majka said.

“This is a moral issue. How we, as a community and a nation, respond to immigration will shape our future.”

After a brief opening prayer and some appetizers, group leaders initiated conversation amongst their fellow students following Majka’s talk. They dove deeper into students’ opinions and perspectives regarding immigration issues.

Landis Soto, a sophomore criminal justice major, acknowledged this topic hits close to home for her. From a family of immigrants, she’s experienced immigration issues and policies first hand. When it comes to the current immigration climate, she believes in the power of conversation to educate those around her.

“Just talking about immigration with let people know that are immigrants are humans, just like us,” Soto said. “Conversations like this helps you think a little more about the deeper issues.”
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The Perspectives on Faith and Life Series’ student committee helped put on the show by serving as small group discussion leaders and facilitators.

Jeffrey LeCave, a senior mechanical engineering major, served as facilitator for this presentation. He has enjoyed working on this series because he saw this as a unique opportunity for community members to bond over national issues.

“This program is important because it deals with current events that align with Marianist values,” LeCave said.

“Students of different majors are coming together to talk and initiate conversation, then those conversations are continued throughout campus. We foster conversation and see how it affects people.”

To find out more information about the series’ structure and history, click here.

Photo Taken By Liz Kyle/News Editor