Thursday, March 4, 2021
Dear Colleagues,
In the past few weeks, we have seen troubling reports of violence, bullying, and harassment aimed at the Asian and Pacific Islander communities, both across the nation and in our own state and county.
As a qualifying Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI), Orange Coast College honors and values the contributions of our Asian American and Pacific Islander students, and employees. Additionally, OCC is proud to serve the educational needs of a diverse international student population, including many who come from countries located in the Asian continent. Racist and xenophobic attacks against Asian American communities are antithetical to our values and our mission as a College, and we must stand together to condemn them.
This week, the Coast Community College District Board of Trustees passed a resolution condemning anti-Asian racism, as well as a commitment to action that includes a rejection of discriminatory language around the current COVID-19 health crises, and a recommitment to equitable access to education and resources for underrepresented and vulnerable student populations.
During these troubling times, I am reminded that our efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive campus environment are more important than ever. As Mahatma Gandhi once said “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. We need not wait to see what others do.” The work of dismantling structural racism requires our collective effort as a campus community.
