ASG to make a push on diversity

Developing a Diversity Resource Center (DRC) is a main goal this year for Associated Student Government President Jackie Altamirano and Vice President Erika Molina.

After returning from a retreat in the third weekend of September, ASG will hold talks with the administration to develop a DRC to benefit all members of the student body, particularly those who are minorities or “a part of a disenfranchised community,” Altamirano said.

“We are doing a lot of research into how others colleges and universities are doing it and getting a feel for how it can be run,” she added.

Molina said, “We (ASG) want to know how to best represent everybody, how Gresham is changing and taking that into account so we are representing and embracing all cultures.”

Besides the need for greater diversity awareness and support, Altamirano and Molina are leading ASG to a greater presence at the Capitol in Salem and to lobby for student issues and rights.

These issues include a bill for tuition equity that allows undocumented students to pay in-state tuition if an Oregon school accepts them. There is also a bill that would help regulate textbook prices in Oregon.

“We’ve joined with Portland State University and Portland Community College to hold a rally to bring attention to bills that affect students,” said Altamirano.

“As MHCC students, we may not think of some of the bills that would affect us but, for example, as many students go to four-year schools after Mt. Hood, things like skyrocketing tuition would affect them,” she added.

Besides lobbying on behalf of students, Altamirano and Molina are also involved in lobbying for immigrant rights groups and other community issues, often going to meet with state legislators either in Multnomah County or at the Capitol.

For students interested in lobbying, they recommend setting up appointments with local representatives such as a state senator or representative.

Parking has been another issue for the new ASG regime, with emphasis on an increase on specialty spots. These spots include carpool, increased from 26 to 35 spots, 8 more disability spots and 4 more 30-minute parking spots. As well as more spots, they also gave their input to the new parking permit system.

“At least it [the parking permit system] is not like PSU. They have to pay hundreds more,” said Molina.

The contrast in schools is that PSU students can pay between $82 and $342 for full-time permits or between $82 and $283 for part-time permits.

Altamirano said, “As a student it’s another fee, but I like to think of the benefit to the college and hopefully the benefit that will go on to the students.

“It’s also inspired me to be more active (to try to avoid driving),” she added.

The new ASG looks to build on the passion exhibited by the previous President Larry Collins-Morgan, said Altamirano.

“Larry was very passionate. For me, that’s what gets you through the thick and thin. I’ll put my own spin on it, but I want to carry on that passion and drive,” she added.