Students take stand, walk out

UNLV students have been mobilized into battle, and their battle plan will be a walkout. Read more

EDITORIAL: UNLV flies high as voices rise

On our way to our Student Union offices yesterday morning, we were greeted by the sounds of chanting in protest. As fans of student activism (see our Oct. 29 editorial, for just one example), we were both pleased and curious.

We were met by members of the UNLV student organization United Coalition for Im/migrant Rights and other individuals from the community, just outside of Chipotle Mexican Grill, who were speaking out against the wages paid to the Florida farm workers who harvest tomatoes for the restaurant’s supplier.

They told us farm workers in Immokalee, Fla. have not had a raise in 30 years and that to make enough to equal the $7.50 minimum wage in the area, the workers would have to pick and haul 5,800 pounds of tomatoes – more than two tons.

The protestors argued that these workers have been denied labor rights and that the leaders of the Chipotle restaurant chain have not agreed to raise the wages by one cent, despite what they have told the media.

The students asked that we not eat at Chipotle to help prevent these alleged abuses.

Well, what could we do?

We thanked them for the information, walked to another restaurant to get food and came back to our offices to start working on the story on page 2 that explains the students’ efforts.

Our point here is not primarily whether the allegations about Chipotle are true or false. This is proof of an even bigger level of cause and effect: students spoke out and people listened.

Whether it’s migrant workers’ rights, budget cuts or environmental protection, the voices in this community are loud – and they’re only getting louder.

Backed by the prestige of the Brookings Institution and the Lincy Institute, ideas about the future of our communities are finding a strong foundation at UNLV. And the success of the Invent the Future Campaign points to the rising tide of ambition, determination and creativity that is taking UNLV upward, toward the fellowship of this country’s finest higher education institutions.

And this university provides opportunities for those still looking for meaningful endeavors, too. Here, every cause can have an advocate and every advocate can find a cause – it’s a testament to the diversity of character and creed that makes the UNLV student body unique, and a standout institution in the American Southwest.

Where is our love for freedom now?

Lack of support for Iranian protestors shows Obama’s reality Read more

Recent Iran election draws local solidarity

Community gathers to promote freedom for Iranian protesters of presidential election

UNLV students and other Las Vegas residents gathered at the Alumni Amphitheatre on Friday evening to rally for freedom and solidarity with those protesting the results of the recent Iranian election.

“We are here to make more people aware of this issue,” said Jessica Lucero, a UNLV graduate student and president of the Graduate and Professional Student Association.

Between the amphitheatre and the Student Union, there were several Iranian flags, an American flag, green and black balloons and cars decorated with green, white and red paint.

Protesters held candles, which were lined up to spell “Iran” and people holding homemade signs dressed in black and green.

“Candles are part of a traditional ceremony to mourn those that we have lost to the protest,” said a demonstrator who wished to remain anonymous.

Another protestor who did not want to be identified said that the color green stood for the Iranian protest and that the color black stood for sadness and mourning.

Two people that helped organize the rally had breathing masks over their mouths to try to hide their identities in pictures.

“I have a lot of family in Iran and my family and I are here to support freedom for them,” said Shayan Heravi, an incoming UNLV freshman. “This is a warning and support.”

Signs bore sayings like, “Where is my vote?” and “Freedom for Iran.” A few showed pictures of people in Iran that have been hurt during the civil unrest.

“The rally is to support the right to assemble and is against the killing of innocent people in Iran,” said Bernadette Lazar, a UNLV junior. “I was really inspired when I saw a video [of slain Iranian protester] Neda.”

Demonstrators chanted slogans like “democracy for Iran,” “don’t kill our people” and “freedom for Iran.”

They walked to the corner of Harmon and Maryland where passing cars showed their support. Some UNLV students booed the demonstrators while others joined in the effort.

“Even though we’re from different countries, it doesn’t mean we can’t help each other,” said Jandery Vargas, a UNLV junior from Mexico who insisted on coming to the rally. She said that she felt he could help the cause.

The rally drew the attention of numerous media outlets, but Lucero explained that the night was not about the cameras.

“This protest isn’t about [publicity]. It’s about… solidarity for Iran,” Lucero said. “We are here to stop the injustice.”

The Iranian government says at least 17 people have died and hundreds more have been arrested since protests began over what demonstrators say was a rigged national election.

Re-elected president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his main challenger, reformist Mir Hossein Mousavi, have both declared themselves the winner.

Mousavi’s followers are protesting for the nullification of the election results. The nation’s Guardian Council, a 12-member board charged with up keeping constitutional law, is now probing into the results.

Keep the tea, dump the representatives

The media and the left downplay importance of tea parties Read more

Lack of grassroots organization hurts GOP

Strong ideas and less pointless dissent key to mend the party Read more

Save the U.S., teabag the White House

Tea parties on tax day are just that – pointless parties. Read more

Pay attention G-20, the not-so developing world is close and nipping at your heels

Shrinking global economy gives room to growing powerhouses Read more

Rally Redux

Students meet for second rally against budget cuts, fail to meet January precedent Read more

Will this be the end of capitalism?

Protests in Europe remind of grave challenges to ideology Read more

Next Page »