About the MAS Symposium
The Mexican American Studies (MAS) Symposium is an event intended to promote dialogue, workshops and provide resources for educators and community members interested in advancing Mexican American Studies in San Antonio and the United States. It is held every other spring.
Established in the summer of 2019 by Margaret Cantú-Sanchez, Ph.D., Visiting Assistant Professor of English at St. Mary’s University, with the support of the University’s Department of English, Literature and Language, the MAS Symposium’s goal is educating and sharing scholarship pertaining to Latinx/Chicanx cultural studies with the St. Mary’s and larger San Antonio community.
2021 Symposium
In 2021, the focus was twofold. First, three noted, local activists and scholars shared their work and advice via a moderated question and answer session. Second, students from various, diverse disciplines presented research projects regarding antiracism work they are currently engaged in.
Scholar/Activist Panel
Student Presentations
Past Events
2023 Symposium: Negotiating and Resisting Texas’ Culture Wars in MAS and Literature Classrooms.
Stay tuned for more details.
History of MAS
The inaugural symposium was inspired by Cantú-Sanchez’s desire to encourage dialogue regarding Mexican American Studies in the classroom and her passion for the subject. The event addressed the passage of the Texas State Board of Education’s Mexican American Studies/Ethnic course at the secondary levels. During the symposium, attendees participated in a variety of workshops and lectures on Mexican American history, cultural studies, literature, pedagogy and activism facilitated by St. Mary’s faculty, Mexican American studies experts and community activists.
To view a list of helpful resources from the inaugural symposium, visit lib.stmarytx.edu/mas. View a video recording of the event.
In the News
In celebration of the inaugural symposium, Cantú-Sanchez penned an op-ed based on the topic of the symposium, Mexican American Studies fills the gaps of our history, which was featured in the San Antonio Express-News.
Volunteer and Sponsorship Opportunities
The symposium is made possible by our amazing sponsors and volunteers. If you are an expert in Mexican American Studies and are interested in volunteering your time to speak at our next symposium, we would love to hear from you.
Without our sponsors, the Mexican American Studies Symposium would not be possible. Sponsorship funds help support funding for keynote speakers, workshop supplies, free food and beverages for attendees at this all-day event and more.
For more information on volunteering to be a speaker or sponsorship opportunities, contact Margaret Cantú-Sanchez at 210-431-5027 or mcantusanchez@stmarytx.edu.