Concerns of the Latino population will be the focus of the Ninth Annual Latino Issues Conference, being held today. The theme of this year’s conference is “A Latinoscopic Approach.”

The conference, taking place from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union, will feature panel discussions about Latino concerns. Faculty from Bowling Green, the University of Toledo, Oberlin College, Ohio University and the University of California at Santa Barbara will be joined by University students in the discussions.

“The conference is a great opportunity to learn more about Latino culture and how it impacts our country,” said Jason Lynch, a sophomore Spanish and International Studies major. Lynch plans on attending the panel discussions at the conference.

Topics to be discussed include ethnicity relations, war and migration issues.

“As the Latino population grows in Bowling Green, we need to let the community know what issues are of concern to us…and how we have helped to weave the fabric of American culture,” Manny Vadillo, associate director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Academic Initiatives, said.

At the conference, Dr. Jeffery Pilcher will give the keynote address titled “Food and Mexican Identity.” Pilcher is a specialist in Mexican history and an assistant professor of history at The Citadel.

The University’s Human Relations Commission will present the Miguel Omelas Human Relations Awards during the conference. These awards will be given to an individual and a campus organization that has enhanced positive human relations at the University.

“It’s extremely important [that University students attend] because students can see and recognize the ethnic diversity of their campus,” Vadillo said.

“It is something that people should definitely take advantage of,” Lynch said.