President's Office
Dear Campus Community,
I have just returned from the Legislative Summit in Sacramento as part of the collective advocacy efforts on behalf of the students we serve in the California Community Colleges. As you might imagine, much of the analysis has delved into the implications of President Trump’s executive orders. Yesterday, passionate voices recounted the implications of rolling back many DEIA efforts, including civil rights bedrocks like Executive Order 11246. As the ACLU writes, it is “a cornerstone of equal opportunity policy for federal contractors that has been in place since 1965 under the Johnson administration.”
Moreover, Community Colleges awarded federal grants are receiving notifications to immediately cease all activities related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility under those awards, with further guidance to follow. The District is involved in state-wide conversations about these orders, as well as local consultation with legal experts.
You might be asking: what does this mean for our commitment to DEIA work at Foothill College? Despite the proposed and enacted changes coming from the federal government when it comes to the value and need for diversity, equity and inclusion work, college leadership STANDS STRONG by the work being done by so many folks across the campus and especially within the Office of Equity & Inclusion. Over the last several years the college has been working on implementing the strategic vision for equity plan, and this work will continue because all of our students, especially those from historically underserved populations, need our unwavering commitment to breaking down institutional barriers in support of creating a college community where student success is not predictable by race.
Thursday, January 30 from 11:45 a.m.– 12:45 p.m. we have planned a college-wide discussion on equity at Foothill College. This will take place in the Toyon Room or via Zoom. If you are able, we encourage you to show up and share your thoughts on how we can continue to center equity-advancing principles into our work. The RSVP is below.
Last night I was at the Black Educator Excellence Award’s Ceremony and took strength from the conviction in the room. Although the pace at which the demands for equity rollbacks is breathtaking, the courage in the room was the perfect antidote to rising anxiety.
I look forward to the same level of resolve emerging from our campus-wide discussion and the continued community we build together.
Yours in service,
Kristina
Please RSVP for the event.
Dr. Kristina Whalen
President