Obies for Undocumented Inclusion organized its annual series of events, known as Undocuweek, starting Nov. 11. OUI observed a surge in engagement during its Undocuweek events, which were held in the weeks following the 2024 presidential election.
The events began with a trivia night at The ’Sco where students were invited to test their knowledge on immigration history and allyship and compete for prizes.
On Nov. 15., double-degree fifth-year pianist Daniela Jimenez Ochoa and Conservatory fourth-year clarinetist Joshua Barron were scheduled to perform in a benefit concert to raise money for the UndocuFund. The event welcomed people from both the town and the College and Conservatory. Due to logistical issues at the venue, it was postponed to Dec. 6.
OUI also organized a film screening at the Cat in the Cream. Their last event, the UndocuAlly training, was held Wednesday. It encouraged people to learn about the historical context of immigration, key terms linked to immigration, and ways to be better allies to the undocumented community.
College fourth-year and OUI board member Lily Baeza-Rangel said that while a smaller, more involved community had continued to show up in past years, many others were drawn to OUI events after Trump won the presidential election earlier this month.
“Because of what’s happening, they see the issue as more urgent … [which is] a little frustrating for us because it’s always been urgent for us,” College fourth-year and OUI board member Angelina Martinez said. “But I think it’s also an opportunity for us to take advantage of that.”
The Undocuweek events acknowledged the impact of Trump’s previous presidency on policies surrounding immigration and were modified to incorporate information relevant to the current political climate. For the UndocuAlly training, presenters included more overt examples of xenophobic speech, characteristic of the Trump campaign, and media portrayals of immigrants. Organizers pointed out harmful ideas like “good vs. bad immigrants,” the damaging use of the term “illegal,” and other narratives that attempt to dehumanize immigrants.
Still, organizers cautioned against seeing discrimination against undocumented people as a new phenomenon.
“It’s been happening no matter who’s President,” Martinez said in reference to anti-immigration policies. “The difference would be the rhetoric that they’re spewing and the resulting hate crimes. … The rhetoric is a lot more overt and publicized in media more often and a lot more dangerously.”
Board members echoed the words of a highly-involved faculty member: “La lucha sigue” (“The fight continues”). They expressed concern about Trump’s past policies and campaign promises relating to DACA and Title 42, but also noted that the undisguised hostility is not new to the immigrant community.
“A lot of bad things were still happening during Biden and Obama, so it’s not like the work ever stops,” Baeza-Rangel said.
OUI has been active throughout the semester. College third-year and board member Lluvia Munoz talked about the organization’s efforts toward making financial assistance accessible to undocumented students who are not officially eligible for financial aid. Faculty and staff have been responsive, and an increased involvement of the Financial Aid office, Oberlin’s legal team, Campus Safety, and the Career Center appears promising to members.
Munoz also stressed the importance of practical support and dissemination of information about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“We advertise the campus ICE procedure, what to do, and what are the steps that the College says to take when ICE comes,” Munoz said.
OUI continues to focus on ways to put allyship into practice. This involves tools to cope with difficult conversations, ways to recognize hidden narratives in media headlines, and the importance of personal research.
“It’s not up to undocumented people to educate non undocumented people,” Baeza-Rangel said. “We always tell people that while this training is like a foundation, it really is up to you to continue learning.”
While educational efforts remain central to the organization’s mission, members have also been prioritizing self-care and community-building activities. College first-year Laura Sanchez commended OUI’s trivia night at the ’Sco for accomplishing this.
“The trivia night specifically, everyone had so much fun,” Sanchez said. “It was very informative, but everyone was also in a comfortable, safe space,” Sanchez said.
Baeza-Rangel emphasized that anti-immigration policies are enacted by both Democrats and Republicans. Board members highlighted OUI’s continued efforts to celebrate, centering, and support undocumented and immigrant communities, during and beyond Undocuweek.
