March 23, 2021

Support + Resources for Colleagues & Students of Asian Descent

Dear SMC Community:

This is an important follow-up to my remarks during the Flex Day event last Thursday, March 18, during which I acknowledged the devastating March 16 shooting in Atlanta that resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, six of them of Asian descent. This was the latest horrific example in a year that has seen violent incidents motivated by hate and racism against those of Asians and Asian-Americans skyrocket. To reiterate my message from March 3, 2021, Santa Monica College condemns these inexcusable acts of racism and discrimination against those of Asian descent, and we reaffirm our commitment to creating an equitable, inclusive environment where hate has no room.

Today, I write again to share with our colleagues and students of Asian descent: you are not alone in this. We feel your pain and grief. We are here to support you, to listen, to collectively find ways to dismantle and move past the xenophobia that causes such trauma. I have prepared an item for the Santa Monica College Board of Trustees agenda for their April 6 meeting that specifically acknowledges the harm that structural, systemic racism has caused our Asian, Asian-American and Pacific Islander students and colleagues, and to reaffirm at the highest institutional level the fact that Santa Monica College would not be the diverse, excellent college that it is without their presence, contribution, and the rich cultural legacy and histories they bring to the table.

Please read on for details on a virtual event to be held tomorrow, March 24, and a list of relevant resources. Thank you to the many allies—including the Pan African Faculty & Staff Alliance and the Latinx Staff & Faculty Collective—who have joined the SMC Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Alliance, rallying in solidarity. For ways that you can take an active stand against racism and discrimination, please see my March 3 message.

March 24 *Tomorrow*: Reflection & Healing Space hosted by The SMC Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Alliance (APIDAA)

Please consider participating in this event, and help spread the word:

APIDAA Reflection and Healing Space

Wednesday, March 24, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
APIDAA Reflection and Healing Space Zoom Meeting

The SMC Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Alliance (APIDAA) is holding space to reflect together on the recent violence and hate against APIDA communities.

  • All students, staff, and faculty are welcome.
  • Support APIDA communities. Stop anti-Asian hate.
  • Counseling and psychological services will be present. SMC Center for Wellness and Wellbeing's therapists Allison Brown and Danilo Donoso.

Mental Health Resources for Students & Employees

Other Relevant Community Resources

 

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At Santa Monica College, we stand against hate, racism, violence, and discrimination in all its insidious forms. We are with you to help navigate the pain and torment caused by racism.

Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D.
Superintendent/President