Latino grassroots politics in the academic realm have been considered predominantly Chicano in nature. However, the geometry of this academic field is no longer one-dimensional, due to the formation of a Chicano feminist consciousness; the rise of a gay-identified community within the Chicana/o student population; and the emergence of "Latinos" in the era of Chicanismo. The abrupt growth of Latinos (e.g., Spanish speakers of Mexican, Central, or Latin American origin) in the U.S. education system has led the general population to characterize them as being at the height of political power and influence. But this widespread portrayal of Latinos as untapped potential is intrinsically linked to an impression of civic cohesion within the Latino student population. While there is a correspondence between these parties in terms of the alienation they have felt and the discrimination they have suffered throughout their academic careers, there is little collective effort in countering their oppressive status. This is primarily the result of conflicting ideologies and social agendas within the Latino student community, as well as the relegation of Hispanic subgroups to lower levels. Latino students, however, have demonstrated their ability, when both Chicanos and marginalized Hispanic subgroups join efforts to achieve a common goal. This dispels the historical notion that Chicano students are the only group of Hispanics in the academic sphere who have actively challenged processes of social exclusion, and also shows the capacity for collaborative effort. Since the 1960s, Latino communities have experienced the implicit and explicit effects of racism through various social institutions......middle of paper......color, they were previously active in other student organizations established Latinas (e.g. MECh.A), but homophobic ideals were ingrained in them [student organizations] led to the creation and consolidation of safe spaces (e.g. La Familia). These students felt that while there were other organizations that offered queer (GALA) and ethnic (MECh.A) spaces, none directly addressed their needs as gay Latino students. As a result, the queer community of color has fought an uphill battle to create a social and political safety net in the student organization “La Familia.” It is clear that Mechista members were against the creation of “La Familia”, because it would have created a division in an already small MECh.A community. Santiago Bernal, co-founder of La Familia, recalled the alienation he felt during a MECh.A meeting, in an interview with Juan D. Ochoa: