Senator Jarrett Barrios Leads Forum on Diversity and Civility in Massachusetts and Nation

By Alexandra Wilson

Amid concerns of state budget cuts and the war in Iraq, Massachusetts state senator Jarrett Barrios spoke with faculty, staff, and students on April 16 at a special forum on "Diversity and Civility in Massachusetts and the Nation." Barrios addressed the ways in which diversity and civility can coexist in our society.

The grandson of Cuban immigrants, Barrios received a scholarship to Harvard University, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He earned a law degree from Georgetown University and went on to practice with the Cambridge law firm Hill and Barlow, where he was named "Pro-Bono Lawyer of the Year." In 1998, Barrios was elected to the Massachusetts State House of Representatives and in 2001 became the first Latino from the Commonwealth to be elected state senator.

"He is one of the best and brightest new legislators," said Paul Fonteyn, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.

Barrios was the first speaker in a series sponsored by the Council for Promotion of a Diverse and Civil Community. At the forum, Barrios noted that difference is a fact of life, but that a diverse society is not necessarily a civil one.

"A civil community in which we are all alike is an easy thing," said Barrios. He said that as citizens, we have to learn from and interact with one another to develop civility, even in very small ways.

"There is a value in getting on the subway and sitting across from someone who isn't like you," Barrios said.
Barrios affirmed that education and schools, where the most significant social engagements can occur, should prepare students for more than just work and money.

"Students can be educated in dealing with a world that's diverse," he said, pointing to schools like UMass Boston that offer affordable, accessible, and flexible education to a diverse population.

"A place like UMass Boston is not diverse because it happens to be in Boston," said Barrios, citing that other schools are "in Boston but not of Boston."

Barrios stressed the need for involvement and interaction in light of Governor Romney's new proposed budget, which calls for severe cuts and restructuring of the university system.
"This is where your advocacy really matters," Barrios said.

Barrios will return to UMass for commencement, where he will receive the Chancellor's Medal for his successes in affordable housing, health care, and education.

Image: Senator Jarrett Barrios speaks at UMass Boston on April 16. (Photo by Harry Brett)

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