After the Elections: An SMC Statement

Dear SMC Community:

Like the rest of the nation, the Santa Monica College community is undoubtedly experiencing a range of emotions related to the presidential election results. At Santa Monica College, we remain unflinching in our commitment to serving every student who seeks a better life through higher education—irrespective of immigration status, sexuality, gender, race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, disability, age, or socio-economic background. We also join the California Community Colleges Chancellor Dr. Sonya Christian—who issued a joint statement alongside the leaders of the University of California and California State University today—in reaffirming that SMC remains proud to welcome students, faculty and staff from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

The past few months leading up to the elections have been an incredibly divisive time in this nation, with intolerance and discord featuring prominently in public conversations and platforms. I urge us all to stand united in creating an inclusive, safe, and equitable educational environment here at the college. Whatever emotion you might be feeling, please make a conscious effort to comprehend what others might be going through, and to do so with grace and compassion.

In addition to election-related events, SMC has a number of resources to help our community through this time. Please do not hesitate to make use of these:

• This Election Stress Toolkit provides tips and resources to help you manage stress around current events.

• The SMC Civic Engagement Webpage has resources on ways for students & others to stay engaged in advocacy, in addition to election resources.

Emotional/Mental Health Support

• Students: Please take advantage of the 24/7 emotional support hotline: 1-800-691-6003 if you need immediate support. And reach out to the SMC Center for Wellness and Wellbeing for information on short-term counseling, and many other support services.

• SMC Colleagues: The EASE Program provides free, short-term counseling, phone consultations and community referrals to any college employee facing emotional distress, anxiety, stress, grief, and more. Call EASE at 800-882-1341.

Additional Resources Including to Help Facilitate Productive Conversations in the Classroom

• In the Spotlight: Managing Stress During the Election | Student Affairs

• Election Resource Guide | Center for the Advancement of Teaching | Center for the Advancement of Teaching

Upcoming Events

• 11/12: Post Election Debrief: What this can mean for immigrants, 1 to 2 p.m., Register for the Post Election Debrief, Facilitator: CARECEN.

• The SMC Student Equity Center, among others, is planning upcoming events—please monitor your SMC email and SMC’s official social media channels for more information.

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Remember that we have persisted through times of division and difficulty. Finding a way forward is possible, despite likely challenges, if we work together. Please take care of yourselves and each other. Santa Monica College will continue to stand strong as a beacon of inclusivity and equity.

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