Co-sponsored by the Environmental Studies Program and the Department of Theatre.

The US Navy utilized the islands of Culebra and Vieques, Puerto Rico as training grounds for military exercises for a total of 101 years. These practices consisted of land-to-land, air-to-ground, and sea-to-ground bombardments that caused ear-splitting sounds as residents lived only a few miles away from the target areas. Although the Navy finished all operations in 2003, locals argue that the presence of the military is still strongly felt today as unexploded bombs are being detonated in the open air.

Environmental Studies and Theater double major, Jorge Rochet ‘25, is hosting a conversation regarding his research on the economic, social, environmental, cultural, and political impact of the US Navy and military on the island-municipalities of Culebra and Vieques, Puerto Rico. Let’s keep talking about stigmatized groups affected by environmental racism. Let’s listen to the stories of Culebrenses and Viequenses. Let’s do something about it at Colgate. We invite you to be a part in taking the initiative to promote awareness on such topics around campus.