Undocumented Students Come Out of Shadows to Publicly Discuss Their Situation

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The University of Arkansas Alpha Lambda chapter of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity is hosting for the second year a Coming Out of the Shadows Day for undocumented students at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 15, in the Walker Hall Auditorium, Room 218, at the University of Arkansas.

The event hosted by the local chapter of Phi Iota Alpha is scheduled during the National Coming Out of the Shadows week from March 10 to March 17 as similar events take place across the nation. Coming Out of the Shadows at the University of Arkansas will include the participation and a message from Bill Schwab, former dean of the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and a professor of sociology, followed by a panel of undocumented students coming out publicly. The panel will be moderated Michael Dodd, president of the Associated Student Government.

Every year, 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school nationwide. At the same time many of these students excel both in their academic and extracurricular activities; however, because of their status, many are denied access to higher education, jobs and in-state tuition rates.

The objective of the event is to share and connect the students’ stories to the public to further enhance their understanding of the reality of the undocumented students. “Being undocumented has almost robbed me of my identity," said Luis Inarra, vice-president of Phi Iota Alpha. "I now make a stand to claim my individuality back."

“I’m also coming to learn, and to understand what the stories and subjects mean to the future of our state and nation," Dodd said. "There’s no better time to bring students across campus together to discuss this important issue. I’m interested to see what can be done to influence policymakers and university students alike. I hope the student body will seek to be informed citizens, and support this event.”

The event highlights an opportunity to hear from the students themselves about their outstanding obstacles and their arduous sacrifices to remain exceptional students. It will conclude with a discussion with the audience.