Illustration by Camila Garcia
Junior Joshua Juarez never intended to pursue leadership in his time at Montclair State University. But once he arrived, he knew that if he wanted to see Peruvian representation within the community, he had to take action into his own hands.
Juarez submitted his application to create the Peruvian-American Student Organization (PASO) last April to establish a space where Indigenous and South American identities can have a place where they are celebrated. By the start of the 2025 fall semester, the club was a reality.
For Juarez, the mission extends beyond honoring Peruvian culture. PASO was created as a space that welcomes broader cultural identities and Indigenous histories that shape South America as a whole.
This distinction matters greatly. Too often, cultural identities are boxed into narrow layers that overlook cultural histories such as Indigenous backgrounds, that play a larger part in building South American identities. The group embraces solidarity amongst students who feel underrepresented and challenges the idea that identity must fit into a certain category.
Unity is paramount in the creation of spaces that are open to people from various backgrounds. Without it, cultural spaces risk becoming isolated, or worse — abandoned. When students come together across many identities or experiences, a shift occurs: it allows people to build trust and empathy towards one another.
Though Juarez had only set out the intention of creating a community, he did not anticipate the amount of gratitude and outreach the club had received.
“A lot of people were talking about the work we were doing at Montclair State,” said Juarez. “So it was interesting to see how much of an impact you have, you don’t even notice it.”
Juarez’s leadership demonstrates how student-lead organizations can evolve essential campus resources and unite our community further. In a time where many South American families are filled with uncertainty and worry, Juarez felt it was vital to channel cultural pride into advocacy work through the,“Know Your Rights: ICE Rapid Response Training & Community Solidarity” event.
When contacted by the MSU4Palestine organization about creating an event to support students in light of recent ICE activity in the country, Juarez made a two-fold decision. He not only facilitated another group’s initiative by PASO’s being a registered student organization, but also elected to have PASO become a proactive part of the event.
Although Juarez was aware of protests and speaking events at other New Jersey universities—condemning ICE presence and even recruitment near and on college campuses— PASO addresses another facet of standing against ICE.
At the “Know Your Rights” event, these three organizations seek to equip students with the knowledge of their constitutional rights and how to document and safely navigate the disquieting reality of potential encounters with ICE.
The prospect of an ICE encounter keeps numerous individuals, regardless of immigration status, in fear of leaving the house. Bearing witness to the violent, predatory and deceptive manner in which ICE has been detaining members of communities throughout the US makes everyday life harder by tenfold.
Moreover, these grim circumstances make it immensely difficult to be present in one’s local community. However, the efforts of PASO, MSU for Palestine and Coscecha NJ can also reach those beyond Montclair’s campus. PASO had attendees fold “Know Your Rights” cards to distribute this critical information throughout their own towns and local communities.
Such a decision helps to alleviate the fear of going out; by understanding what ICE legally can and cannot do, neighborhoods can feel equipped enough to call them out.
Additionally, PASO and other Latin American organizations at Montclair State use their online presence, including custom websites to disseminate information digitally. This poses a more accessible option to those who are unable or do not feel safe attending the event in person.
Juarez exemplifies how when government authority gravely fails in protecting the marginalized and instead poses a threat to their livelihoods, it is crucial to stand together. As well as to know that it takes a tremendous deal of empathy as well as courage to be a leader.
The fact that there is a need for these events is grossly demoralizing. Yet in times such as these the people must defend themselves and advocate for their own interests.
Furthermore, the actions and ambitions of student leaders at Montclair State shows a propitious glimpse of the leaders who will shape the values this country will uphold in the future.
The ambition that fuels these actions are nothing short of honorable. The fact that we are a public-spirited institution is thanks to us, its students. Montclair State should feel the utmost pride for its student-leaders, and that these leaders make the campus grounds into what we aspire and recognize it to be.
