Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Killing of rights defenders spikes at end of 2016

Dear Luis,

Since the Nov. 8th US general elections we've seen a disturbing trend in Guatemala--an increase in fatal attacks on Human Rights Defenders, described in the report below.  Attacks like these undermine everyday Guatemalans' safety and self-determination for their communities.

Attacks on defenders who are moving cases of war crimes forward in the courts put Guatemalans at greater risk of a repetition of those same crimes. Attacks on those defending Guatemalans' rights to a clean environment and to natural resources on their land and territory thwart Guatemalans' ability to live self-sufficient and prosperous lives.

As an overwhelming number of people in the US are blaming immigrants for economic stagnation here and calling for mass deportations and even heavier border control, with your help we can highlight how the lack of respect for basic rights is driving migration from Guatemala.
Will you join us by making a donation today?
At the same time, we can remind our fellow US citizens of the humanity and dignity of those migrants by lifting up the stories of Guatemalans that are fighting similar systemic injustices that working-class people and people of color are fighting in the US.

The tiny silver lining to the results of the election that I've seen in my own community is many, many more people waking up to the xenophobia in the US and wanting to do something about it. Will you help us harness that energy? With your support, we could expand our work documenting human abuses and bringing this information to decision makers and the public in the US.

I hope you'll join us as we face this crucial time.  
In Solidarity,

Kathryn Johnson
GHRC Board of Directors


Guatemala Human Rights Commission


PRELIMINARY 2016 HUMAN RIGHTS REVIEW
December 17, 2016


The human rights situation, on the surface, seems to have improved this year in Guatemala, but while the number of attacks is down to levels not seen since 2008, the violence of the attacks has intensified: the number of assassinations has increased.

From January 1 to October 31, eleven human rights defenders were killed in Guatemala, and since October 31, the killings have escalated. For example, on November 2, indigenous leader Benjamin Roderigo Ic Coc, departmental representative of the Mayan Council of the Peten, was found shot to death in Sayaxché. He had received threats prior to his killing. On November 6, journalist Hamilton Hernández and his wife were assassinated in Coatepeque. On November 9, union leader Eliseo Villatoro Cardona, in Tiquisate, was killed. On November 12, Jeremy Abraham Barrios Lima, Assistant to the General Director of the Center for Environmental and Social Legal Action of Guatemala, was shot to death. Miguel Suchite Hernandez, COCODE president, in La Llorna, Petén, was killed November 18, bringing the total number of defenders killed to date this year to sixteen.

By comparison, the number of defenders assassinated by December 31 last year was thirteen. In 2014, it was seven. The cases of the defenders killed in the Petén are still being verified to ascertain whether their work on behalf of human rights led to their deaths. But even excepting those two cases, the total number of murders this year exceeds that of last.

Union members, environmental defenders, and journalists have been the most heavily targeted groups.

Journalists

As of September 22, the Observatory of Journalists of the Center for Information Reports on Guatemala (Cerigua) recorded 47 grievances against the press. By the same date, the Fiscal Unit of Crimes against Journalists had received 76 complaints. Targeted assassinations, assaults, intimidation, censorship, and cyber-attacks hindered press freedom. In addition to Hamilton Hernández, mentioned above, the following journalists were murdered:

On the March 17, Mario Roberto Salazar Barahona, director of Radio Estéreo Azúcar, was killed in Asunción Mita, Jutiapa as he waited in his car for change after buying a coconut on the roadside. Gunmen pulled up beside him on a motorcycle and opened fire. Less than a month later, on April 8, Winston Leonardo Túnchez Cano, a broadcaster on Radio La Jefa, was shot and killed by men on a motorcycle while he was shopping for groceries in Escuintla. On April 30, journalist Diego Salomón Esteban Gaspar, the 22-year-old leader of Radio Sembrador, was killed by three men who intercepted him on his motorcycle in the village of Efrata, Ixcán, Quiché. The director of the radio station had been receiving threats since 2015. On June 7, journalist Víctor Hugo Valdéz Cardona was shot and killed in the streets of Chiquimula by two individuals on a motorcycle. Víctor was the director of  Chiquimula de Visión, a cultural television program that had been around for more than 27 years.

On June 25th, journalist and radio reporter Álvaro Alfredo Aceituno López was shot by unidentified assailants on the street where the Radio Ilusión station is located, in the southeastern city of Coatepeque. He was director of the station and the host of a news program called Acontecer Coatepecano. One of the bullets hit Aceituno in the back of the head. He was rushed to the hospital by the Guatemalan Red Cross, where he died later the same day. Just a month after the murder, Aceituno's daughter, Lindaura Aceituno, was shot and killed by men on a motorcycle as she was driving her daughter to school. According to reports, one of the men got off the motorcycle and approached to see if she was dead and then fired again.

On November 6, a journalist for the cable station Punto Rojo, Hamilton Hernández Vásquez, was killed by while returning home from covering an event. Men on a motorcycle chased him and his wife, who were also on a motorcycle. The men opened fire. His wife, Ermelinda González Lucas, also was shot to death

Environmental defenders 

On March 16, Walter Méndez Barrios was shot and killed outside of his home in Las Cruces. He was a well-known environmental rights defender, fighting to protect natural resources in communities of the Maya Biosphere Reserve. He was a founding member of FPCR (Petenero Front Against Dams), an organization that was formed in 2005 to fight for land rights, water rights, and other natural resources of those affected and threatened by the construction of dams. He had been receiving death threats prior to his murder.

On April 13, Benedicto de Jesús Gutiérrez Rosa, Juan Mateo Pop Cholom and Héctor Joel Saquil Choc, forestry engineers with the National Institute of Forests, were ambushed and shot to death by gunmen in a car around 2:00  PM as they were driving in Carcha, Alta Verapaz.

On June 8, human rights defender Daniel Choc Pop was killed by unknown individuals who shot him numerous times. He was an indigenous and campesino human rights defender from the community of San Juan Tres Ríos in Cobán, which he represented at the General Assembly of the Highlands Campesino Committee (CCDA). The CCDA is a national organization committed to defending local water sources used by indigenous communities. There had been recent disputes regarding over land ownership with owners of the estate Rancho Alegre.

On November 12, Jeremy Abraham Barrios was shot to death. He worked as the Assistant to the General Director of CALAS (Centro de Acción Legal Ambiental y Social de Guatemala). CALAS is a human rights organization founded in 2011 and based in Guatemala City. The organization has been active in denouncing abuses committed by mining companies in the region, as well as in the protection of environmental rights. There was no prior indication Barrios had received any threats; however his employers had received warnings.

Union members and Community Leaders

On May 10, community leader Blanca Estela Asturias was shot to death in Villalobos, Villanueva, Guatemala. Two men approached her as she was at her newspaper stand at 6:00 A.M. and without a word shot her at point-blank range. She had recently organized a protest to call for better water service and better maintenance of the community's drainage system.

On June 19, around  6:00  P.M., Brenda Marleni Estrada Tambito was driving through Zone 1 in Guatemala City when a vehicle drove up next to her. The occupants of the vehicle then opened fire. She was hit by bullets and died at the scene of the attack. She was a member of the Coalition of Workers' Unions of Guatemala (Unión Sindical de Trabajadores de Guatemala - UNSITRAGUA) and the Sub-Coordinator of the Legal Aid Commission within the union. UNSITRAGUA brings together workers' unions from the different industries, as well as self-employed workers and independent farmers. Estrada was the daughter of lawyer Jorge Estrada. Prior to her assassination she had driven her father to a bus terminal where he would travel to Puerto Barrios, Izabal. He is currently involved in investigating and assessing labor rights in several banana plantations across Izabal.

On November 10th, Eliseo Villatoro Cardona was riding his motorcycle, headed home, when two pursuers, also on motorcycles, shot and wounded him. He tried to flee, in spite of his wounds, but the gunmen closed in and killed him. Villatoro Cardona was a member of the executive committee of the Organized Municipal Employees' Union of Tiquisate, Escuintla (SEMOT).

Position available: ESL FACULTY ASSOCIATE – UW-MADISON


ESL FACULTY ASSOCIATE – UW-MADISON

This is an exciting opportunity to join the UW-Madison Department of Curriculum & Instruction as a Faculty Associate to teach in a cutting-edge, joint ESL/Secondary Masters program for teacher certification.

The Department of Curriculum & Instruction is home to a number of research-based teacher certification programs. These programs are designed around practice-based field experiences in which students observe, assist, and teach in school classrooms and in out-of-school educational programs as they work toward earning their initial educator licenses. The new masters-level program in secondary teacher education is at the forefront of a new approach for preparing teachers in both a content area and in teaching English as a second language. We are seeking a faculty associate to teach core ESL pedagogical methods in the program and to work with the program Field Coordinator and area schools to find appropriate practicum and student teaching placements for program students.

Candidates should have at least three years of experience teaching school at the secondary level. Candidates should also have excellent interpersonal, teamwork, written and oral communication skills, and an exceptional record of classroom instruction and curricular innovation in ESL methods that can further enhance our secondary teacher certification program.

Ph.D. degree required in area of teaching English as a Second Language


Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Inter-American Foundation (IAF) Grassroots Development Fellowship Program, Deadline Jan. 11, 2017

IIE Announces the deadline for the 2016-2017 IAF Fellowship Program
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The IAF Grassroots Development Ph.D. Fellowship Program is administered by the Institute of International Education.


2017-2018
Informational Webinars
Final Webinars for the Cycle

To register, click on the links below.
Visit the Program Homepagefor additional sessions and updates.

For Prospective Applicants

Would you like to know more about the eligibility requirements of the Fellowship?  How to apply?  The benefits?  Hear about previously funded studies?  Join us for an information session on these dates (All times EST).

Don't see a time that works?  Contact us at iafinfo@iie.orgto see if a special session can be arranged.
 

2017-2018 IAF Ph.D. Grassroots Development Fellowship

Deadline Notice

 
The deadline for applications for the 2017-2018 Fellowship Cycle of the IAF Grassroots Development Ph.D. Fellowship Program is
JANUARY 11, 2017.


FINAL WEBINARS FOR THE CYCLE!
Don't find a session that works?
Contact the program office for arrangements or the presentation.

Contact Information Updates

Update your contact details: Stay connected by making sure your contact information is up to date!  Click Update Your Profile to make sure were working with the correct information!  We've recently made some changes to our database, and your help would be appreciated.  We do not sell or share contact information. 

Did you know?

IAF has added an Orientation Workshop (IAF OW) to the IAF Grassroots Development Fellowship Program. The 2nd Annual IAF OW took place in October in Washington, DC.  Intended to allow the fellows to learn about IAF's work on the ground while informing IAF on the research the fellows are doing, and is a great opportunity to network with IAF staff and meet other fellows.  
Copyright © 2016 IAF Grassroots Development Fellowship, International Institute of Education, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
IAF Grassroots Development Fellowship, International Institute of Education
1400 K St., NW
Seventh Floor
WashingtonDC  20005

Add us to your address book

Call for Nominations, Curriculum Inquiry, 2017 Writing Fellowship and Writer’s Retreat, June 11-17, Savannah, GA

Curriculum Inquiry
Call for Nominations
2017 Writing Fellowship and Writer’s Retreat
June 11-17
Savannah, GA

The information is also on the CI web site at http://www.curriculuminquiry.org/2017-writing-fellowship


Nominations due February 15, 2017

The Editors of Curriculum Inquiry are pleased to invite nominations for the 2017 Curriculum Inquiry Writing Fellowship (CIWF) and Writer’s Retreat, to be held in conjunction with the 2017 Curriculum Studies Summer Collaborative (CSSC) in Savannah, GA, June 11th to the 17th. Up to six Fellows will be selected to participate in a three-day writer’s retreat and workshop, culminating in a panel presentation at the CSSCconference and potential publication in a special issue of Curriculum Inquiry.

The CIWF seeks to support emerging scholars, including advanced doctoral students, recent graduates, and junior faculty (within three years of completing doctoral degree), who are contributing to new directions in curriculum studies, with a special emphasis on critical, anti-oppressive, decolonizing, Indigenous, and other approaches that seek to “Brown” or otherwise interrupt hegemonic and normative approaches to curriculum studies. Nominations for emerging scholars of color and Indigenous scholars are particularly encouraged. 

The fellows will work with established faculty and members of the CI Editorial team toward the development of an article length manuscript to be presented at the CSSC conference and to be considered for publication in a Special Issue of the journal. Each selected fellow will be expected to submit an early draft of 3000 to 5000 words at least four weeks prior to the retreat. They will receive funding to cover travel expenses as well as conference registration fees.

Nominations for advanced doctoral students or junior faculty (within three years of completing doctoral degree) should be submitted online no later than February 15, 2017, and must include:

  1. Nomination letter from thesis supervisor, department chair, or mentor who can comment on writing skills, background, and/or scholarship potential;
  2. Curriculum Vitae;
  3. An online fellowship application to be completed by nominee;
  4. A 250-300 word abstract and a one-page outline of the proposed article to be developed;
  5. A 3000-4000 word unpublished writing sample (may or may not be related to proposed article).

To submit a nomination, please CLICK HERE or go to https://form.jotform.com/63396974575273
For questions, please contact Curriculum Inquiry at curriculum.inquiry.oise@utoronto.ca

Monday, December 12, 2016

Call for Conference Presentations - Cambio de Colores - STL 2017

Cambio de Colores (Change of Colors) is a multistate conference about integration of immigrants in new destinations.
Sixteenth Annual Conference
Cambio de Colores / Change of Colors

Todos Juntos: Collaboration and Unity in Uncertain Times

St. Louis, Missouri
June 14-16, 2017

Plus Extended Education Track on June 16-17
www.cambiodecolores.org


– Call for Presentations –
About the Cambio de Colores 2017 Conference
Rural and urban communities throughout the Midwest have been reshaped by the arrival of large numbers of Latinos, immigrants, and refugees. Over the past fifteen years, the Cambio de Colores (Change of Colors) Conference has served as a hub for stakeholders to take stock of how our communities are adapting to these changes and share experiences of how to improve immigrant integration and community wellbeing. This multidisciplinary conference has traditionally focused on native and foreign-born Latino newcomers (the majority of new arrivals in these new destination areas), but is interested in the challenges inherent in multicultural changing communities, including the experiences of all newcomers, faith groups, and marginalized groups. The integration of these very diverse groups is being studied by academics and pursued by stakeholders, as the newcomers seek to become part and parcel of the social, economic, and cultural fabric of their new communities.

The conference theme this year is “Todos Juntos: Collaboration and Unity in Uncertain Times.” Todos Juntos means “all together”, and seeks to build collaboration across sectors and unite communities across differences in the common goal of supporting everyone’s wellbeing in our changing, multicultural communities. Diversity is our strength, especially when we work together, and now is the time for collaboration across disciplines, silos, sectors, perspectives and cultures to create bridges of opportunity…

Continue reading at: http://cambiodecolores.org/2017/docs/2017call.pdf
Please forward this email to your colleagues, networks, and friends. The conference brings together an expanding community of practice. Help it grow and get more people plugged in to this resource by sharing this email and theconference event on Facebook!
16th Annual Cambio de Colores Website Launch
The 2017 Cambio de Colores website is now available. This year's conference website features a brand-new design and layout, which is designed to improve readability, interactivity and interest for prospective conference attendees and participants.

Faculty Position: Assistant/Associate Professor, American Indian Education (tenure-track) // University of Utah, Department of Education, Culture and Society; review begins 12/15/16

Assistant/Associate Professor, American Indian Education
(tenure-track) // University of Utah, Department of Education, Culture
and Society; review begins 12/15/16

https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/58752

The Department of Education, Culture, and Society (ECS) at the
University of Utah invites applications for a tenure-track
Assistant/Associate Professor in American Indian Education with an
appointment beginning Fall 2017.

The Department is a diverse, cross-disciplinary group of scholars
committed to the study and pursuit of social justice in education
using cutting-edge frameworks that address class, race, ethnicity,
culture, language, immigration status, gender and sexuality in
educational policy and practice. ECS offers Ph.D., M.ED., M.A., and
M.S. program specialties in curriculum theory, English as a second
language (ESL), anthropology, sociology, history, and the philosophy
of education. The department also offers undergraduate teacher
licensure courses related to issues of urban education, multicultural
education, and K-12 language education as part of our commitment to
develop culturally and linguistic responsive, socially just teachers.

The Department seeks a candidate in American Indian Education who
draws from a range of disciplinary and/or interdisciplinary approaches
and can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the University
of Utah’s academic community. Desirable areas of research/teaching
interest include: Decolonial theory, Indigenous epistemologies, and
Critical culture, curriculum and language studies, qualitative or
ethnographic research methods. The candidate will be expected to
develop or tailor graduate courses to their area of interest.

The University of Utah, a Research-1 public institution with
approximately 25,000 undergraduate and 8,000 graduate students,
supports scholarship, community-based research, and teaching. Utah is
home to eight Federally Recognized Tribal Nations and vibrant
indigenous communities. The presence of multiple indigenous
communities transforms Utah into a dynamic political and cultural hub.
Selected candidates will have the opportunity to explore research
partnerships with local communities.

Review of applications will begin December 15, 2016. Applications
received after the review date will only be considered if the position
has not yet been filled. Please submit (1) a cover letter, (2) an
updated curriculum vitae, (3) a sample of scholarly or creative work,
(4) three letters of recommendation at:
https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/58752. PhD in related field is
required by start date.

Inquiries regarding the position may be directed to the Faculty Search
Committee Co-Chair, Professor Donna Deyhle (donna.deyhle@utah.edu).

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
employer and does not discriminate based upon race, national origin,
color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender
identity/expression, status as a person with a disability, genetic
information, or Protected Veteran status. Individuals from
historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women,
qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are
encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified
applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and
Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the
application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
To inquire about the University’s nondiscrimination or affirmative
action policies or to request disability accommodation, please
contact: Director, Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action,
201 S. Presidents Circle, Rm 135, (801) 581-8365.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working
in settings with students from diverse backgrounds, and possess a
strong commitment to improving access to higher education for
historically underrepresented students.

Faculty Position: Assistant Professor, Secondary Education (tenure-track) // Kutztown University, Department of Secondary Education; immediate review

Assistant Professor, Secondary Education (tenure-track) // Kutztown
University, Department of Secondary Education; immediate review

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania enrolls approximately 9,000
students in graduate and undergraduate programs. The University is
located in the borough of Kutztown in a charming rural setting, and is
within 20 minutes driving time of the diverse metropolitan areas
Allentown/Bethlehem and Reading, and within 60 minutes of the
Philadelphia metropolitan area. The University is very interested in
hiring employees who have had extensive experience with diverse
populations.

The Department of Secondary Education at Kutztown University invites
applicants for a tenure-track faculty position beginning in August
2017. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, teaching
doctoral courses in Ed.D. Program in Transformational Teaching and
Learning, and master's degree and undergraduate courses in Principles
of Teaching, Foundations of Education, and Curriculum and Instruction;
student teaching supervision in urban schools; and advisement of
graduate and undergraduate students in the department. In addition,
the college and department service and related duties are expected as
necessary for the effective operation of programs and other
initiatives. The successful candidate will have the ability and
interest to collaborate and foster positive relationships with
students, faculty, staff, and administrators on campus and partner
educators in school and related settings.

The successful candidate will possess:
· A doctorate by August 20, 2017, in teacher education or a related
discipline that has been used to study K-12 education
· Classroom teaching experience in a secondary school (grades 7-12),
with a preferred focus on English Language Arts, Social Studies or
Modern Languages
· A commitment to teaching undergraduate, master's and doctoral
classes in transformational teaching and learning and a clear
understanding of contemporary education issues
· An emerging record of research, with an interest in issues of social
justice and the teaching of diverse populations with culturally
relevant teaching strategies.

To apply: Applicants must submit official transcripts, three current
letters of recommendation, vita, letter of interest, and one sample
publication or presentation A complete packet of materials must be
received before review of application. Send materials to: Dr. Mark
Wolfmeyer, Search Committee Chair, Department of Secondary Education,
Kutztown University, P.O. Box 730, Kutztown, PA 19530. Applications
will be reviewed beginning immediately and will continue until the
position is filled. For additional information, contact Dr. Wolfmeyer
at 610-683-4763 or wolfmeyer@kutztown.edu.

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is an Affirmative Action/Equal
Opportunity employer and actively solicits applications from women and
minority candidates. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is a member
of the State System of Higher Education. All applicants for employment
are subject to a criminal background check.

https://www.kutztown.edu/about-ku/administrative-offices/human-resources/employment/faculty-employment/secondary-ed-tenure-0776-120716.htm

Call for Reviewers: The Journal of Educational Controversy

Call for Reviewers: The Journal of Educational Controversy

The Journal of Educational Controversy is expanding its pool of reviewers.

If you would like to be considered as a reviewer, please e-mail a vita
indicating your discipline and areas of interest to:
CEP-eJournal@wwu.edu. Please include "Potential Reviewer" on the
subject line.

http://cedar.wwu.edu/jec/