Moraine Valley Community College will host “Know Your Rights,” presented by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), on Thursday, April 17, 6 to 8 p.m., in Room 105 at the Education Center at Blue Island, 12940 S Western Ave, and virtually via Webex.
Presenter Marilu Moreno, program manager at ICIRR, will share insights and resources for students and community members to help them understand their rights as people living in the United States. A question-and-answer session will follow the in-person presentation.
ICIRR is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in civic, cultural, social and political life. Aurora Zwick, manager of the English Language Learner Center at Moraine Valley, shared that the presentation is offered at no cost to the college. The English Language Learner Center provides resources for students in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, free for students who desire to learn conversational English, and the Intensive English Language (IEL) Program, which prepares students to matriculate into college-level courses.
“We want to bring more people to the Blue Island location to understand the college is a resource for them,” Zwick shared. She mentioned that the Education Center at Blue Island is located in a diverse community where many might benefit from understanding how to navigate various scenarios, including how to interact with law enforcement officers and ICE.
“I think it would be good for anyone to understand – if you are approached, then here is what you do,” Zwick said. “It’s important for people to know their rights here in the U.S.” She also mentioned that information sessions like these may help alleviate fears for community members who are traveling, or who may have questions. “We want people to take advantage of this session. I think it will offer a little more comfort to them,” Zwick shared.
Seating at the in-person session is limited; however, the presentation is open to community members via Webex.
For more information, contact Aurora Zwick at zwick@morainevalley.edu
For news media inquiries, contact Madisson Younglove, Moraine Valley assistant director of Communications, at (708) 974-5281 or younglovem2@morainevalley.edu.
