Amherst College La Causa/Chicano Caucus Collection

La Causa was established in the early 1960s. One of La Causa’s primary goals is to increase recognition of students of color at Amherst College. Throughout its history, the group has aimed to represent the interests of these students by hosting a number of lectures, concerts, and celebrations. Some events, such as Cooking Night, P’alante and Voices for the Voiceless, occur on an annual basis. In addition to La Causa’s social interests, the group has advocated for the creation of a Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies department at Amherst College since the 1970s. Along with this initiative, La Causa has promoted the importance of ethnic studies across disciplines and campaigned for the College to hire faculty of color. La Causa has also been integral in the creation of other on-campus groups supporting Latinx student interests. Such groups include the Chicano Caucus, El Arco Iris, and the creation of the Latinx Culture Theme House, La Casa. La Causa looked to Latinx groups from within the Five College Consortium and beyond for support and collaboration in their efforts. Some years, the group reached out extensively to its alumni network as well. While the efforts of the group have been aided in some circumstances by faculty/administration, La Causa is primarily a student-driven and student-oriented organization.