November 11, 2004

Boise State Cultural Center Hosts Racism and Immigration Forum Nov. 17

The Boise State University Cultural Center will host a forum on the issues of racism and immigration at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov 17, in the Student Union Hatch Ballroom. A six-member panel will be preceded at 5 p.m. by the unveiling of Melody Eisler’s traveling sculpture titled “Portals of Social Change,” and at 5:30 p.m. by music from guitarist Rebecca Suarez. The panel, moderated by Conflict Management Services Director Suzanne McCorkle, features the following members: On the pro-immigration side: Juan Martinez, head of Boise State’s welding and fabrication program; Chuck Skoro, deacon at St. Paul’s Catholic Student Center and former Boise State economics professor; Sam Byrd, community activist and Boise State student; and Martin Orr, Boise State sociology professor and chair of the Cultural Ethnic and Diversity Board. On the anti-immigration side: Robert Vasquez, Canyon County commissioner; and Jim Angresano, professor of economics at Albertson College of Idaho. The event is free and free parking is available in the Student Union visitor lot. A Spanish translator will be available. -30- Contact: Ro Parker, Cultural Center, (208) 426-4317, roparker@boisestate.edu  Media Contact: Kathleen Craven, University Relations, (208) 426-3275, kcraven@boisestate.edu