URGENT NEWS ADVISORY
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Contact: Michael 916-410-0547 or Marisol Ornelas 310-864-1153


Police begin arresting students
at tribal university near Davis
for ‘trespassing'; 4 jailed

DAVIS – Students here reported this afternoon that Yolo County deputies
have begun arresting them for allegedly "trespassing" on the campus of
California's only tribal college, DQ University.

As many as four students have been taken to the Yolo County Jail. More
arrests may follow.

NOTE: Video of the arrests is available by contacting the students listed
above.

Since starting the revitalization process in 2005, dozens of students have
remained on campus and have been able to organize workshops and classes
based in Native Philosophy and Cultural Revitalization. They are committed
to the pursuit of an indigenous education while working towards the future
as they honor the past.

Background: In 1970, groups of Native Americans and Chicana/o students from
several universities and colleges organized themselves to lay claim to a
decommissioned military installation. Their goal was to create a learning
environment through the unified cultures of the indigenous peoples of the
Americas. Students and members of the community believe is now their
responsibility to ensure a positive future for DQ University.

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