Racial Justice Center

Mission

The Racial Justice Center at Santa Monica College is dedicated to building a campus committed to dismantling racism, affirming racial identity, supporting cultural narratives, and promoting equitable access and opportunity for racially minoritized students by:

• Centering student voices as a key part of the decision-making process.
• Empowering student voices by providing a safe space where community is encouraged.
• Promoting authentic dialogue within the campus community through the development of programming to improve race relations at SMC.
• Creating a space for students to organize, support, and promote social change initiatives on and off-campus.
• Fostering the exploration of intersectional identities.
• Encouraging participation, accountability, and commitment to action of allies.
• Identifying access to resources needed for academic achievement.
• Recognizing and challenging systemic and institutional inequities as it relates to race.
• Respecting the humanity of all people.

Find Your Community

We want to support everyone in our community by talking about what is important to you and by giving resources that can give you the help you need.

31st Annual Juneteenth

Read the campus message (opens in new window)  

It's Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Solidarity Now & Beyond

Read letter from SMC President Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D.

SMC has put together resources to help students with financial relief during Covid-19

See Covid-19 financial relief resources

Not On Our Campus: No Hate SMC Campaign

Social Media Activism

• This is an easy way to take action. Be intentional about posting authenticated news articles, petitions, websites, and more that help bring exposure to police brutality and anti-black violence. Here are a few tips:
  • Don't be silent on social media. Speak up. Use your platform to seek justice. If you are uncomfortable writing something yourself then repost someone else's words.
  • When you donate, share the link on your social channels to inspire followers. 
  • Resharing photos or videos of protestors could get them in trouble with the law. Think carefully before reposting any video where law enforcement could I.D. someone.

Recordings From Past Events

The Room in the Corner: Finding Common Ground (Spring 2022) (opens in new window)

The Room in the Corner: Sharing Your Story (Fall 2021) (opens in new window)

Programs and Services

The Racial Justice Center will have a robust programming model that supports interdisciplinary research and education on the physical, social, political, historical, cultural, and economic experiences of the Black, Latinx, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and other communities. 

Processing the Verdict: Reflection, Healing, and Coming Together for Racial Justice

Response to the Derek Chauvin trial verdict handed down on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 20, 2021. These sessions are open to the entire SMC community: Students, Staff, Faculty, and Administrators are invited to join in this process.

Read more on resources and responses to the Derek Chauvin verdict

Ethnic Studies Programs

Programs in Ethnic Studies are designed to help students study different cultures and societies of the world. These programs include the study of the history, politics, religion, languages, and culture of different areas. The aim of Ethnic Studies programs is to broaden the awareness and understanding of one or more ethnic groups and their contribution to American culture.

Read more about Ethnic Studies Program

Global Studies

Global Studies is a multi‐and interdisciplinary program designed to increase knowledge and understanding of the processes of globalization and their impacts on societies, cultures, and environments around the world. The Global Studies program provides the student with a knowledge of critical issues that affect their lives and community, as well as the affairs of other cultures, societies, and nations.

Read more about Global Studies

Student Support Services

Numerous student services are available at Santa Monica College to help students achieve their goals and add something extra to their college experience. These services and resources are designed to help students identify and move forward toward their personal, career, and educational objectives.

Read more about Support Services

Resources

There are a number of ways to take action in support of racial justice, as well as materials to educate yourself on racial justice and how to be actively anti-racist. If you aren't a person of color, consider it imperative to educate yourself on how to be actively anti-racist. Here are a few materials that will help you gain more knowledge on racial justice issues.​

NAACP

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

We are the home of grassroots activism for civil rights and social justice.

We have more than 2,200 units across the nation, powered by well over 2 million activists. 

Learn more about NAACP 

OHCHR.org

United Nations Human Rights Council

The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them.

Learn more about United Nations Human Rights Council (opens in new window)