■ Latinx Law Students Association
Commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month with the Latinx Law Students Association
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Wayne State University Law School conducted an email interview with Shirley Rivas and Sierra Yslas, co-presidents of the Law School’s Latinx Law Students Association (LaLSA).
Rivas is a third-year student and co-president of LaLSA. She’s also president of Wayne OUTlaws and co-president of the American Constitution Society.
Yslas is a second-year student and co-president of LaLSA. She’s also the treasurer of the International Law Students Association and a member of Delta Theta Phi.
What is Hispanic Heritage Month?
Rivas and Yslas: Hispanic Heritage Month exists to celebrate the histories, culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx people. It is celebrated between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15 because many Latin American countries celebrate their independence days between Sept. 15 and Sept. 21:
Sept. 15: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua
Sept. 16: Mexico
Sept. 18: Chile
Sept. 21: Belize
Why is Hispanic Heritage Month important?
Rivas: Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the contributions that Hispanic and Latinx people have made to the United States. Hispanic and Latinx people are distinctly persecuted in this country, and our immigration status is always questioned. Despite this, Hispanic and Latinx people continue to work tirelessly, with or without due recognition. A month’s time is the least we could do to recognize the accomplishments of Hispanic and Latinx people and their everlasting presence in U.S. history.
Yslas: I think it is so important to highlight the amazing, vibrant and diverse Hispanic and Latinx cultures. We are the largest minority group in the United States, making up 18% of the population. We have contributed so much to U.S. culture, and continue to add to it.
What are the mission and goals of the Latinx Law Students Association?
Rivas and Yslas: LaLSA aims to build a supportive community for Latinx students and anyone else who wants to be a part of the organization. LaLSA’s goals are to advocate for Latinx and other underrepresented students at Wayne Law, collaborate with other Law School student organizations and with the larger Wayne State University community, and to do outreach to help increase the number of Latinx law students.