Napolitano, Longoria to discuss Latina education at UCLA
By Daily Bruin
Nov. 27, 2013 11:29 a.m.
University of California President Janet Napolitano and actress Eva Longoria will visit UCLA on Monday to discuss how to improve educational outcomes for Latinas.
The speakers are expected to reveal new initiatives of their own to enhance Latinas’ educational opportunities, according to the UCLA Graduate School for Education and Information Studies, which is hosting the panel event. They will also discuss a recent study conducted by the UCLA Civil Rights Project and commissioned by the Eva Longoria Foundation about barriers facing Latinas in graduating from high school and college.
Other featured speakers will include California Community Foundation President and CEO Antonia Hernández and Patricia Gándara, a professor of education of the Graduate School for Education and Information Studies.
Steve Montiel, UC spokesman, said Napolitano has great interest in increasing access to education for Latinas since Latino/a individuals make up a significant part of California’s population. He added that she has a long history of working with Latinos/as as the former governor of Arizona.
During her first weeks in office, Napolitano also met with Latino leaders in Los Angeles about meeting the educational needs of Latino/a students, Montiel said.
“Making sure that Latinas and Latinos in California have access to the UC is one of (Napolitano’s) highest priorities,” Montiel said. “Given the makeup of the population of California, Latinos and Latinas are central to the future of the UC, and she wants to do everything she can to make sure that Latino students … know that they’re welcome at (the) UC.”
Monday will be the second time Napolitano visits UCLA as head of the UC system. Last month, she came to speak with select students, faculty and staff during a visit that was not publicized by UC officials.
Only those who RSVP’d can attend Monday’s panel. The event is currently full.
Individuals can use the Twitter hashtag #educationforlatinas to suggest questions for the panel speakers.
Compiled by Kristen Taketa, Bruin senior staff.
