Annotations for Subject-headings: Hunger Strikes

Chicano students at the University of California at Los Angeles continued to press for a Chicano studies department. Several students and a UCLA faculty member have even started a hunger strike to call attention to their cause. From Los Angeles, Diana Martinez reports.

For several months now, students along with Latino professors have tried to get a department by working through university channels. All of those attempts have failed. In fact, there have now been three generations of students since 1968 who've attempted to establish a Chicano studies department at the well-known campus. Now, the six students and one university professor, on the water only fast, say they're determined to continue even if it takes their lives.

I'm more afraid to die in vain, to die without having our three demands met. I'm more afraid of the chancellor not responding to any of what we're doing.

One student has already become ill and another sits in a wheelchair because his legs have grown weak. Concerned about their health and the support of their position, some parents and community members are joining the students on rotating two-day fasts. For Latino USA and Los Angeles, I'm Diana Martinez.