Psychology professor detained by ICE over spring break
Adjunct professor Maryam Tahmasebi arrested with family after green card revoked
/ Roundup News
Pierce College Academic Senate President Margarita Pillado spoke to attendees at an Academic Senate meeting in Building 600 at Pierce College on Monday, April 13, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.
By James Mondares Reporter
OnSaturday, April 11, 2026 psychology professor Maryam Tahmasebi was arrested and detained alongside her husband and son after the federal government revoked her green card citing national security and foreign policy concerns.
Academic Senate President Margarita Pillado brought the news to the most recent Academic Senate meeting on Monday, April 13, in Building 600.
“It’s
“To our knowledge and public records, she has done nothing wrong as a citizen or as a scholar,” Pillado said. “There is no criminal action, no violation of her professional obligations or her conduct as a citizen.”
evaluations. She was our adjunct professor of the year last year. She is an active and quality member of our department.”
Moses also raised concerns following the incident.
“I think it’s important in a democracy that all actions taken by the government go through due process,” Moses said. “For Dr. Tahmasebi, there is no indication of any wrongdoing on her part or on the part of her husband. They’ve lived here for over a
care,” Aguiar said.
Chicano studies lecturer Stephanie Lemus said the situation raises concerns about academic freedom.
“We’ve seen in the last year with this current administration that faculty have been silenced and targeted for many different reasons, and so this is very dangerous for academic freedom,” Lemus said. “It’s dangerous, as we’ve seen in other examples, for freedom of speech.”
a very upsetting situation, and I feel it on a personal level because I was hoping to really see her today.”
Jess Tlatenchi
Psychology Major
decade and were permanent residents.”
Pillado was nearly brought to tears delivering the news to the rest of the Senate. She said the information was learned through established media outlets and that the Senate can do nothing other than express concern over the lack of due process.
“I know that our union is working to assist within the framework of responsibility,” Pillado said.
Academic Senate Secretary and Psychology Department Chair Jennifer Moses described Tahmasebi as a valued member of the department.
“Tahmasebi has taught psychology for many years,” Moses said. “She has always had excellent
Pierce College President Ara Aguiar said substitute instructors have been assigned to cover Tahmasebi’s classes.
“I can share that we have taken steps to ensure academic continuity, including assigning substitute instructors to the affected classes. Our focus will remain on supporting our campus community and maintaining a stable learning environment,” Aguiar said.
Aguiar also said the college is staying updated on the situation.
“The college is in direct communication with the district, which includes general counsel and our deputy chancellor, and is approaching this matter with
Lemus also questioned the broader impact on education.
“So when we talk about an equitable education for students, is it equitable that we’re limiting the types of ideas and events that we can talk about, critique and analyze?” Lemus said.
Students in Tahmasebi’s Introduction to Psychology class received an email Tuesday morning stating she would not be coming to class and that a substitute instructor would be assigned. The email did not provide additional information regarding her absence.
Psychology major Jess Tlatenchi said she was saddened to hear about Tahmasebi’s detention by ICE.
“I’m very upset about it. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard of people being detained by ICE,” Tlatenchi said. “It’s a very upsetting situation, and I feel it on a personal level because I was hoping to really see her today. I actually had no idea about what happened.”
Nick Crabtree / Roundup News
Lesa Greenfield/ Roundup News
Javier Ramirez / Roundup News
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Editorial: From the desk of the Roundup Pierce should boost awareness of Career Center services
PierceCollege Career Center offers many resources to help students advance their earlycareer job skills, a networking space, counseling for those unsure of their majors, and other benefits, such as resume, mock interviews and cover letter assistance. But a significant number of students are not familiar with the advantages that can help them find their career path.
The best way for Pierce to encourage students to seek help from the career center is for faculty to mandate that students visit the career center as part of their coursework, which can help them learn how it can assist and provide more information about available job opportunities, especially in the local market.
An Inside Higher Ed (IHE) article found that community college students lack information about their field’s jobs, skills and earning potential, citing reports from the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE).
According to CCSSE, community college
graduates are more likely to stay local after graduation than four-year students, highlighting the importance of understanding local job opportunities.
“One recent study found that 72% of two-year college graduates stayed within the same metro area after completing, compared to 47% of public four-year college graduates (Conzelmann et al., 2023).” Therefore, when community college students choose a career path, knowing which jobs are most in demand in their local job market is quite important. But only one-fifth of survey respondents who had chosen a career path reported that their college contributed very much to their knowledge of the local job market.”
Every semester, Pierce organizes a career fair and a professional headshot workshop to encourage students to participate and explore career options in their areas of study, but sometimes a large group may not be helpful, as it serves a broader student community.
An article by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE),
“USC’s Career Connections Maximizes Impact of Networking Events,” states that networking on a personal level with recruiters can help students more effectively than at larger-scale events.
“Large-scale events like career fairs and information sessions provide valuable, albeit brief, interactions and may not delve deeper into these important subjects like company culture, work-life balance, benefits, and other key areas that guide a student in finding an opportunity that is the right fit for them.”
Apart from that, conducting a survey each semester to understand what students would like to see more of from the career center, and whether they are familiar with its sources, can help Pierce navigate student needs at the college.
Another important aspect of the Pierce Career Center’s support for students is that it provides links to online networking sites, such as Boba Talks, which offer mentorship from professionals. Promoting Boba Talks or creating an application that provides oncampus career guidance can help students connect with
people beyond LinkedIn and other job-posting websites.
According to the IHE article, “Students Sound Off on Career Centers,” more than 50% of students want help with resume development, career exploration and internship opportunities that Pierce already offers.
The (NACE) survey states that using a career center helped students find paid internships.
“Students who use the career center’s help to find an internship are 2.2 times more likely to get a paid internship than an unpaid internship or no internship at all.”
The career center’s involvement and the search for new ways to engage with students are necessary, but this also requires the entire school community to help each other prosper, and students’ willingness to participate. This can only happen if both parties are on the same page and adopt an inclusive approach that accounts for both curricular and extracurricular factors to help each other.
A look into the archives: 70+ years of the Roundup
On April 15, 1971, in the Pierce College Roundup, approximately 1,500 students attended a campus event where Jane Fonda and two other antiwar speakers advocated for the “People’s Peace Treaty.”
Fonda, representing the Entertainment Industry for Peace and Justice, criticized U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War and described the conflict as a violation of war crimes. She spoke about the Lt. Calley case, POW treatment and alleged political manipulation by the Nixon administration.
Speakers argued that U.S. military policy contributed to violence in Southeast Asia and called for troop withdrawal and negotiated peace.
David Ifshin and other speakers also promoted support for the treaty through activism and petitions. The event concluded with calls for students to support the peace movement and encourage political change through public engagement and organized mobilization efforts.
Copy by Daisy Aguinada
Should petitioners be allowed on college campuses?
PRO: Allowing petitioners encourages civic engagement and free speech.
By James Mondares Reporter
Allowing petitioners on college campuses can keep people more informed. These petitioners aren’t just at Pierce College, they’re also at other institutions like California State University, Northridge and the University of California, Irvine. Having these petitions span a wide variety of colleges and universities allows students to be more aware of movements and issues that are happening in their communities.
According to The Civics Center, “On average in this century, fewer than 30% of 18-yearolds are
with these petitioners goes beyond just the campus.
The Open Government Partnership states that, “Young people have historically been at the forefront of change— defending civil rights, showing up to vote, and actively shaping the world they want to live in. Yet in recent decades, youth engagement in formal politics has been experiencing a steady decline, with young people voting less, rejecting political party membership, and holding more radical or extremist views.”
CON: Petitoners create pressure and safety concerns for students
By Mia Greer Reporter
Wasthere ever a time you were rushing to your next class on the campus mall and you were suddenly stopped by someone stepping in front of you to ask, “Are you registered to vote? If you are, could you sign this petition?”
As New University reported, petition pushing on campus risks creating poor political habits.
Beyond being an inconvenience to students, these encounters raise safety concerns. According to University Times, many students were followed and harassed into signing petitions on more than one occasion.
How do you feel about petitioners on campus?
registered to vote in midterms.”
This is an alarming statistic, especially given the volatility of today’s political landscape.
The United States’ global affairs cause much tension and anxiety among the younger generations.
With that being said, the 2026 midterm election is approaching and it’s important that the youth of today understand the power that their vote holds. This mindset change can start small.
Even if students don’t want to sign these petitions, it’s important that people hear them out on their causes and fully get a grasp of what’s going on around them. It won’t hurt to hear them out despite the inconveniences that could happen.
The way people interact
Allowing petitioners on campus acts as a way for students to be motivated. It allows students to be more politically involved in ways that they wouldn’t otherwise get unless they were previously informed. Along with informing communities, petitioning is a civil right. Change. org states that, “The right to petition is a fundamental pillar of democracy. It means that citizens don’t have to sit idly by while their concerns are unknown or ignored by the officials in power. They can use petitions to voice their needs and call on the government and other leaders to address them.”
While the presence of petitioners on college campuses often rubs people the wrong way, it is still a constitutionally protected practice under the 1st Amendment.
This fact is not something we can just ignore. Allowing petitioners on campus lets the people express their constitutional rights in a way that benefits everyone..
Change in general is a little uncomfortable, but in order to cause change it has to start small and local with petitions.
Scenes such as this have become increasingly common on college campusesacross California. Petitioners, often representing political groups, advocacy organizations or local initiatives, are popping up more at places such as the University of California, Irvine, Santa Monica College and even here at Pierce College.
While they might appear to encourage civic engagement, allowing petitioners on campus does more harm than good.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, petitioners are people who collect signatures to help place laws or initiatives on the ballot.
On college campuses, they feel more intrusive than informative.
Students have every right to worry about what information might be collected when they sign these petitions.
Petitioners are not always affiliated with the schools they appear in and their actions are difficult to track, so they’re harder to identify and report.
It’s an issue that challenges a campus’s
Petitioners are often paid per signature, which can lead them to prioritize quick signatures over meaningful conversations.
Instead of taking the time to explain what their petition is, they often resort to brief pitches that leave students with little to no understanding of what they are signing.
Petitioners tend to position themselves in high-traffic areas, such as the campus mall and step into students’ paths or call out to them as they rush to class.
This approach can make what should be a voluntary civic activity feel more like pressure, creating an uncomfortable and sometimes frustrating experience for students.
At UC Irvine, there was an uptick this semester in petitioner activity.
commitment to being a safe place.
What is intended to promote civic engagement instead turns into rushed, uncomfortable encounters that disrupt students’ daily routines and at times make students feel unsafe.
Students should not feel pressured, followed or guilted into participating in political activities, especially in spaces meant for learning.
Allowing petitioners to be on campus without clear boundaries undermines that goal, making it necessary for colleges to reconsider how much access these individuals should have in order to better protect their students.
“They don’t bother me too often but I definitely could see how it could be a problem for some people. Especially if they feel unsafe on campus by them not being a student.”
AngelSalvador-BusinessAdministration
“I sometimes feel bad telling them no. I say, ‘Sorry I can’t sign this.’ It can get kind of annoying when you’re in a hurry and they’re trying to stop you.”
& Humanities
“I know they’re just getting signatures so they can get paid. I respect that, but I feel like they kind of get a little out of control.”
JamesChulak-MusicMajor
Mia Rosas - Arts
Interviews and photos by Elizabeth Santana-Zavala
Vending machine provides discreet health products on campus
Machine supplies students emergency contraception and hygiene essentials
By Mia Greer Reporter
Ina quiet area of the library courtyard, Pierce College’s Student Health Center has placed a vending machine that provides quick and easy access to essential health items for students.
The machine is provided by testandgo, an enterprise that places Health Stations all across the United States, especially in Los Angeles.
On the testandgo website, you can locate the machine on the Pierce College campus, where it lists the kiosks stock and its hours, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Text reading “HEALTH PRODUCTS VENDING MACHINE” is plastered on the side of the red and white vending machine, along with help lines for mental health and substance use. On the front of the machine you can find the Student Health Centers number and their location on campus, as well as a QR code for their website.
Once you click on the little screen to the right of the machine with text above it reading “START HERE,” you are greeted with the options “Get started,” which lets you browse the selection of items in the machine, or “Retrieve reservation.”
Consumers should note that when you select your item, the machine is slow and will take a minute or two before
showing you the next screen.
When you click “Retrieve reservation,” you are asked to input a code. Though no website where you might be able to place an order before coming to the machine could be found.
When you click “Get started” the machine displays an online shop of $20 items. There are products such as a 5 Piece Hygiene kit ($4), Pregnancy tests ($10), Condoms ($7), different types of menstrual hygiene products, and even a hat and gloves ($11).
The most expensive item in the machine at the time of the review was a 1.5 mg pill of Levonorgestrel, which can be bought there for $30.
This is where the concern for pricing comes in, because Levonorgestrel generally costs between $10 to $50, with generic versions often available for under $15 at retailers like Walmart. The second most expensive item, a pack containing a single female condom, was priced at $21, when packs of 10-12 can start at $15.
While some products in the machine are name brand and higher quality with the prices to match them, it was noted that things like the pads, which were priced at $5 for a single one, could
be the same ones found for free in restrooms.
Once you select your item and click “Checkout,” you will be asked to complete a questionnaire for the college. Then, a QR code will appear on the screen and you have to scan it to make the purchase on your phone on the testandgo website. Being cashless also raises a concern, because there may be students who share a bank account with parents who otherwise would not want them purchasing things such as condoms or morning after pills.
After you have purchased, your order will drop down the chute, and you are able to pick it up from there. Though the machine seems simple enough, problems such as lag and high prices might deter students from making use of it. Despite these caveats, the Student Health Center Vending Machine is a discreet, private and safe way for students to have access to health products they would not be able to obtain otherwise.
New health product vending machine located at the entrance of the Library and Learn Crossroads at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on April 13, 2026.
Review: ‘The Drama’ tests the limits of love and forgiveness
By Chris Rubinstein Entertainment Editor
Dothe sins of our past define us, is it right to impose moral superiority over others when we have our own demons, and what decides whether we’ve been redeemed or not? These are the questions that Director Kristoffer Borgli’s “The Drama” asks its viewers.
The film follows the soonto-be-wed couple Charlie played by Robert Pattinson and Emma portrayed by Zendaya as they navigate their relationship in the week leading up to their wedding. Early on in the story, while the couple is talking with their maid of honor, Rachel played by Alana Haim, and best man, Mike played by Mamaoudou Athie, all four decide to share
with each other the worst thing they have ever done.
The entire crux of the movie falls on Emma’s answer, as she reveals that she came close to carrying out a very heinous act in her youth.
This film has garnered some controversy due to the sensitive subject matter it explores and the sometimes comedic framing in which it explores it. The film often pokes fun at the awkwardness of the situation that Emma’s revelation has put the couple in. However, Borgli’s courage to not shy away from such a serious topic gives the work an interesting edge that most modern movies lack.
The Drama goes back and forth between learning about Emma’s past and experiencing her and Charlie’s present as their dynamic changes. With this, we see Charlie slowly
start to unravel throughout the week as he doubts whether or not he can still see his wife the same way.
The film is unique in its presentation of these shifts as we experience Emma’s paranoia towards her husband, as we hear the whispers and judgmental comments that she keeps imagining her fiancé might be saying about her. At the same time, we experience Charlie’s distrust of Emma as he starts to blur the line between past and present, often seeing his fiancée’s 15-year-old self sitting across from him as she explains the events of her childhood.
Both the film’s editing and directing are often quick, brash, and uncomfortable as most scenes are often intercut between conversations, paranoid looks, imagined scenarios and traumatic
memories being presented in different formats.
Composer Daniel Pemberton only adds to the discomfort with his subtle yet nervewracking score that sounds like a nervous tic translated to music. Adding an increasing level of angst as the film goes on.
All of these aspects build and play off of each other to an almost aggravating degree as the film continues until it eventually crescendos into one of the most cringe-inducing and nail-biting scenes of the year during its climax. With both Pattinson and Zendaya giving their all for the entirety of their performances.
“The Drama’s” greatest strength however, lies in its central message. As the audience spends more time with these characters trying to navigate through this
dilemma, the film gets you to stop and think about the situation yourself.
“What would you do if your lover almost carried out a terrible action? Would you still love them? Would you judge them? Do you have any right to judge them if enough time has passed?”
Emma and Charlie find their respective answers by the film’s end. But after the credits have rolled, it’s up to you to decide what your answer would be.
So if you have a loved one in your life that you trust with all your heart, watch this with them. And for good measure, it would behoove you to ask them “ What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?”
Josue Aguilar/Roundup News
Trail of Discovery & Adventure
By Javi Ramirez Photographer
TOP: Adventure Trails Club member John Olivar (left) leads the group across a log on Escondido Falls trail in Malibu, Calif., on April 4, 2026.\
RIGHT: James Navarrete makes his way down from Escondido Falls in Malibu, Calif., on April 4, 2026.
BOTTOM LEFT: President of the Adventure Trails Club Sophia Zambrano treads through a shollow creek while hiking to Escondido Falls in Malibu, Calif., on April 4, 2026
RIGHT: Members of Pierce College Adventure Trails Club follow Andre Bucag
and Landon Kenworthy on descent into Escondido Falls Trail in
Calif., on April 4, 2026.
BOTTOM
(left)
Malibu,
Baseball winning streak spoiled by Vaqueros
By Lesa Greenfield Photographer
The Santa Barbara City College Vaqueros ended the 14-game winning streak by Pierce College at the Joe Kelly Field on Thursday, April 9 with a score of 8-3.
The Brahmas led the Vaqueros 2-1 through the sixth inning before Santa Barbara went on to score seven runs in the top of the seventh to take control of the game.
Catcher Isaiah Chaves had two home runs and two runs batted in (RBI).
Chaves discussed his thoughts on the momentum shift in the seventh inning, when the Brahmas gave up seven runs to the Vaqueros.
“I can’t be frustrated. I’m like the guy who has to control the game behind the plate and be able to calm the pitcher down, make sure defense is where they need to be,” Chaves said. “So I did. I have to do my part and just be able to make sure everything’s in control and minimize the damage that we gave up.”
Chaves also shared his thoughts on the end of the Brahmas’ winning streak.
“We had a good run 14-0, but now we’ve got to try to create another win streak and continue on to just play as a team. Be able to pinch a better spot for us in conference and see if we can win.”
Delivering the Brahmas’ only other run of the game was center fielder Matteo Rodriguez with one run batted in (RBI) while shortstop Christian Santiago went 4-for4 at the plate.
After Thursday’s game, shortstop Christian Santiago expressed his feelings on the Brahmas loss and the end of their 14-game winning streak.
“It definitely sucks because we just wanted to chip away so we can get back in the game, but we fell short today. But good thing about it, we get another game tomorrow, maybe start another streak.”
Santiago further discussed his thoughts on the rest of the Brahmas’ season and the team’s playoff chances.
“I feel pretty confident you know, we’re in a good spot. I know we control our own destiny so we’ll see. I’m excited.”
Head coach Bill Picketts shared a similar mindset .
“I mean, they’re good. They beat us today. That’s all there was to it. It’s not like we gave them the game or anything. I thought we played fine. We came out ready. We ended up losing to a really good team. That’s the team that we’re battling for first place. At some point, you hate to say
it, but it’s going to come to an end. It’s frustrating, but like I said, we’ve played really, really well, and we’ve won some games during that streak that maybe we shouldn’t have won. So it all gets to even at some point in time, but I’m super proud of the players.”
With the six games left, Picketts also shared his outlook on the rest of the season and the Brahmas’ playoff chances.
“I hate to say that we’re in, but, you know, we put ourselves in a good position by winning 14-0. So if we just keep playing, even if we play a game like today, we’re going to win a lot of games. You know, we’re in control, complete control of our own destiny. And so as long as we keep playing the way we’ve been, we’ll be fine.”
The Brahmas’ next home game is Tuesday, April 21 at 2 p.m. against Cuesta College.
Thursday, April 9, 2026.
BOTTOM: Pierce College
Catcher
and frames the ball in the strike zone in a game against Santa Barbara City College at Joe Kelly Field on the Pierce College Campus in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
TOP: Pierce College Utility Player Matteo Rodriguez (#38) rounds third base and heads to home plate in a game against Santa Barbara City College at Joe Kelly Field on the Pierce College Campus in Woodland Hills, Calif., on
Isaiah Chaves (#20) catches
Photos by Nick Crabtree
Volleyball finishes season with loss against top-ranked Vaqueros
By Elizabeth SantanaZavala Reporter
The season finale for the Brahmas got spoiled by the Santa Barbara City College Vaqueros with a score of 3-1 at the South Gym at Pierce College on Friday, April 10.
The game started off against the Brahmas, losing the first set to the top team in the conference, 25 -14.
Brahmas head coach Joseph Arechiga said Santa Barbara came in very strong, which caused the Pierce team to feel overwhelmed. Toward the end of the first set, he told the team to slow down and stop paying attention to the scoreboard.
“We just stopped paying attention to the big picture, and we just took it one point at a time, knowing this is the last game for my sophomores,” said Arechiga. “I told them, ‘Control what you can control and let’s have some fun. Leave something you’re going to remember for the rest of your lives and your volleyball careers.’”
Arechiga said the conversation helped turn things around, which made the second set close.
The team won the third set after several minutes of back-and-forth play. There were many close calls, including a moment when the ball bounced off Armando Gamez’s stomach, allowing Pierce to recover it and send it flying back to Santa Barbara, adding a point that helped them win the set.
Pierce College was quick to shake off missed points and often regrouped to refocus and discuss strategies. The team kept cheering each other on to help keep the momentum up.
Brahmas Team captain, Sam Henry, said the key to their high in the game was believing in themselves.
“We started finding our confidence because I told everyone, ‘This is our last game of this season. Let’s play like winners, like who we are,’” said Henry. “We turned it around, figured it out somewhere in there, and we all started playing to our identity as winners.”
The Vaqueros showcased strong blocking and serving throughout the game. But Vaqueros head coach Bridget Kulesh said the match also highlighted areas the team needs to focus on before heading into the playoffs.
“Having to deal with potential bad calls, dealing with fans and the other bench were things that most of
the season have been fairly tame,” said Kulesh. “And so I think Pierce did a really good job with bringing their own energy, and I think that’s something we realized we need to work on a little bit, because I think it took some of them by surprise.”
Marcus De Vera has been with the Brahamas for three years, making this his final game. He said the match was one of their best battles of the season, and he is proud of how it ended.
“It was something very special to me, and I appreciated it a lot,” said De Vera. “Even though we walked out with a loss, it doesn’t feel like a loss. It feels like a win.”
Santa Barbara City College moves on to the playoffs, while Pierce College closes its season with an 8-14 record.
#33 Steven Whalen and #25 Ryder Tafoya checking on #2 Marcus De Vera after getting injured during their game against Santa Barbara Community College at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on April 10, 2026. Photo by Jake Gregory
Pierce College Outside Hitter #33 Steven Whalen attempting a bump after stopping an attack from the opposition in their game against Santa Barbara Community College at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on April 10, 2026. Photo by Jake Gregory