Arizona laws, police brutality and women’s rights are some of the topics discussed by the Ethnic Studies Students Association at Sacramento State.

“We want to be a big, strong political group that really says we want to save ethnic studies,” said Eric Vega, ethnic studies professor and club adviser.

After a year of inactivity, this association was reestablished by current club president Motecuzoma Sanchez and vice president Hernán Mendoza, both seniors majoring in ethnic studies.

“We started up again last semester after some ethnic studies professors asked us to come together and restart the club,” Sanchez said. “Most of the officers graduated and they wanted us to bring it back to life.”

The club, which meets every other week, strives to connect all ethnic backgrounds through diversifying the membership.

“In ethnic studies, we follow or study all minorities,” Mendoza said. “Whether it be Asian minorities or Latino minorities, we want everyone represented.”

Both of the club officers agree on the importance of meeting outside of class.

“Classes just don’t cut it,” Sanchez said. “This club allows us to come together as a group and really get involved.”

In terms of the association’s events, Mendoza said the club participates in marches, conferences and other cultural functions. This semester, the club plans to participate in a Cesar Chavez march as well as being a co-sponsor in the Arizona Ban on Ethnic Studies Tour.

“We’re looking forward to bringing in speakers to talk about multiculturalism or other issues affecting the community,” Mendoza said. “From racism to class issues, we want to address it all.”

In early April, the club plans to show a documentary regarding the issues of police brutality and abuse, particularly the case of the BART shooting that occurred in 2009.

“We want to show the community that (discrimination) is not just about color,” Sanchez said. “Discrimination can also be about class issues and poor communities.”

Besides benefiting the community, Sanchez said the club benefits every member on an individual basis for life after college.

“Being a member looks great on your transcript – especially for graduate school,” Sanchez said. “Not to mention how it would look for potential employers.”

Mendoza said the association benefits the members by bringing them closer.

“What this club does is bring us all together outside of class to be a part of something to better the community and ourselves,” Mendoza said.

If students are interested in becoming involved in the Ethnic Studies Student Association, the club urges students of any ethnicity to join to get involved. To join, email the club president at [email protected].

Erin Rogers can be reached at [email protected]