Article and Photos by Mary Alice Murphy
This morning, Oct. 30, 2014, the WNMU Center for Gender Equity opened at Western New Mexico University.
WNMU Center for Gender Equity opens
WNMU Center for Gender Equity opens
Professor Emma Bailey, third from left, one of the founders and co-director with Professor Lydia Huerta of the center, speaks to the audience.
WNMU Center for Gender Equity opens
WNMU President Joseph Shepard reads the proclamation.
WNMU Center for Gender Equity opens
Shepard wields the ceremony scissors, as Center office staff member Fabiola Barba, cuts the ribbon.
WNMU Center for Gender Equity opens
Students, faculty and community members enter the Center for Gender Equity.
WNMU Center for Gender Equity opens
Locksley Collie and Fabiola Barba will serve as office staff for the Center.
WNMU Center for Gender Equity opens
The logo for the center decorates the half chocolate and half vanilla cake.
Professor Emma Bailey, who along with Professor Lydia Huerta, were the main movers and shakers behind the effort, described the time to get the center up and running as a "relatively quick journey. Dr. Huerta and I put together a minor in gender equity and had the idea behind the center. Last May, we put together a proposal for the center. We went to Dr. (Joseph) Shepard (WNMU president), and he immediately gave us the go ahead."
Bailey said she worked with Stan Peña to bring the center to 1211 Mississippi St.
"We began the process in August," Bailey said. "This morning we got the call that we can legally use the building. Until today there was no place on campus, where people could talk freely about race, gender and sexual decisions. This is a safe place, open to all, where people can study, watch movies, play and work together. It has been truly a collaborative effort."
She read the names of the many groups and individuals who had participated in making the center happen. "It is housed under Student Affairs, under Isaac Brundage."
"How can you support us?" Bailey asked and answered. "Dr. Shepard has agreed that the lights will stay on. But we need money to make things happen. You can suggest programs, but it takes money. Today, we will take donations, and sell T-shirts and raffle tickets. We have an account at the Foundation.
"We want students to be the center of the center," Bailey continued. "We want students to lead the center. Lydia Huerta and I are co-directors."
She introduced Shepard, who read the proclamation that Bailey and Huerta had written, naming Oct. 30, Day of the Center for Gender Equity.
"This is not a singular event, but one for the community," Shepard said. "I, as president, can turn on the lights, but it's up to you to turn on the hearts."
Silver City Mayor Michael Morones said the town "has done the easy part by saying: 'We are an inclusive community.' Through the leadership of Bailey and Huerta, they help us meet our commitment. Most statistics show New Mexico in the top 10 of gender equality."
Sen. Howie Morales said it was a special time for him, not the least of which was the house where the center is located. "This house belonged to the university's maintenance supervisor. His son was my age. This is where I grew up and spent a lot of time."
"I applaud the university, the president, the faculty and students for being forward-thinking and having a progressive mindset," Morales said. "I want our daughter to have the same opportunities as our son. Education is about seeing ideas move forward."
Shepard told the Beat after the ceremony that the building had been scheduled for demolition a mere 24 hours after he made the decision to allow its use for the center. He said upon investigation, it was determined the building was sound, but the electrical and plumbing had to be completely replaced.
The permit to legally use the building was received only half an hour before the ceremony was slated to begin this morning.