By Kat Tabor
MECHA de Lane Community College, known as MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán), adopted a new name in 2019 to align with the national rebranding of the organization. The group remains committed to educating and engaging both its members and the campus community about this transition and about the work of MECHA on campus within their cultural events and weekly meetings Tuesdays at 3 pm in the Multicultural Center Bldg 1 Rm 206.
Lane MECHA Student President Abbygail Villegas shared insights with The Torch regarding the reasons behind the change and the challenges it has brought.
Villegas emphasized that MECHA’s roots lie in advocating for equity in higher education. “This is a movement,” she said. “It’s not just for Latino or Indigenous people but for anyone committed to equity. MECHA began as a movement for Indigenous people to access higher education, and it started in Colorado.”
Villegas explained that the decision to change the name was part of a national effort, not solely by Lane Community College’s chapter. “The name change happened in 2019 at a national conference in California,” Villegas said. “Essentially, the decision was made to move away from the acronym and simply call it MECHA.” The change was unanimously approved during the April 2019 conference in Los Angeles.
The shift was driven by concerns about the terms “Chicano” and “Aztlán,” which have been criticized for being potentially homophobic, anti-Indigenous and anti-Black according to Jacqueline M. Hidalgo of Williams College.
While some chapters, particularly in the southern United States, have opted to retain the original name for its historical significance, Villegas noted that most chapters have embraced the change. “Some chapters, especially in the South, continue using the old name,” she said. “They argue it’s about preserving history, and that’s fine for them. But for the majority of us, it’s about evolving with the times, not erasing history.”
Villegas described the name change as a step toward progress. “We honor MEChA’s legacy, but we’re focused on ensuring the organization reflects current values and remains inclusive,” she said.
She also discussed the challenges in implementing the change, particularly due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These difficulties have made it harder for the student body and MECHA members to fully understand the transition. Since her election in June, Villegas has worked to educate members about the organization’s mission and history.
“In a few weeks, I’ll be meeting with MECHA members to share the group’s history and help them understand what they’ve joined,” she said. “It’s important to clarify that MECHA is not just a Latino student union — it’s an activist movement.”
Reflecting on the progress since 2019, Villegas acknowledged the work still ahead. “We’ve gone through two previous presidents since the name change began, and now we’re continuing to build and move forward,” she said. “We’re committed to figuring it out as we go while staying true to our mission.”
Inclusivity remains central to MECHA’s identity, and Villegas expressed her openness to conversations with those interested in learning more. “I’m more than willing to have conversations with anyone who’s open to understanding,” she said. “I’ve attended other cultural groups and meetings on campus, even when they’re not tied to my own identity. Being in those spaces has helped me learn and grow, and I hope to create the same welcoming environment in MECHA.”
MECHA de Lane Community College also shared its updated mission and vision voted on by the group in 2024:
“MECHA de LCC (Meh-ch-UH) is a social justice organization that aims to unite, educate, and empower nuestra raza and Lane students. We take responsibility for promoting the Latinx experience within the campus and community. We aim to provide personal, social, and academic support while encouraging leadership skill development to serve the needs of the growing Latinx community in Lane County. Our MECHA chapter strives to ensure the presence of nuestra raza at Lane Community College through positive interaction not only with Latinx students but with all Lane students. Membership is open to all Lane students and community members who wish to join us in our movimiento. We implement our mission and vision through leadership trainings, cultural events, community outreach, engagement with high school students, student activities, and student conferences.”
Weekly meetings occur Tuesdays at 3 pm in the Multicultural Center Bldg 1 Rm 206
