Statement from the Pima Governing Board
To the Pima Community College family,
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Last night, June 3, in a rare action, the Pima County Community College District Governing Board unanimously passed a resolution condemning the death of George Floyd and systemic racism and discrimination in America. The Resolution concludes with a challenging goal to build “a community that is culturally engaged, globally aware, safe for all points of view, and actively involved in supporting civil liberties and equal access to education, healthcare and other fundamental needs.” I am resolute in my confidence of Pima’s ability to make the difference that many people only talk about. Education is a key ingredient of the American experiment and each of us has a role in delivering this aspect of our democracy. The College’s equity agenda is an important path to strengthen our community and improve the lives of every resident of Pima County, from every walk of life. However, it is only the most recent step in a long road. We have a long way to go and we will succeed only when we go it together. Thank you for the role you play in education and support for our community, our state and our nation.
Pima Governing Board Resolution on the death of George Floyd Whereas, our country has lost more than 100,000 Americans to COVID-19, and more than 40 million people are without jobs. Whereas, millions of us have complied anxiously for several weeks with stay-at-home orders. Whereas, minority communities in this country have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Whereas, in this already difficult and unprecedented time, we received the news of the cruel and repugnant slaying of Mr. George Floyd in police custody, and other acts of brutality against members of our black community. Whereas, the Pima County Community College Governing Board stands in wholehearted support of Chancellor Lee D. Lambert’s May 31 condemnation of the murder of Mr. Floyd and his demand for justice. Whereas, since the founding of this country systemic racism and discrimination have created canyons of inequity. Whereas, Black Lives Matter. Whereas, the Board supports Pima Community College’s commitment to social justice through policies and practices that further diversity, equity and inclusion in our classrooms, offices and throughout the community and for these policies and practices to move the College forward and compel us to demand better. Whereas, the College is committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for our students and employees of African descent. Whereas, the College will take the lead in breaking barriers that reinforce racial division and social injustice Whereas, the Board applauds and endorses College efforts to proactively create curriculum and extracurricular activities that give our students the opportunity to hear a multitude of voices discuss and debate critical issues of social justice. We support the Provost’s outreach to Arizona State University regarding pathways to its bachelor’s degree program in Social Justice and Human Rights. We welcome the Collegewide reading and discussion of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's book "How to be an Antiracist” led by the Teaching and Learning Center and Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We acknowledge the ongoing work by the Ethnic, Gender and Transborder Studies/Sociology Department to break down cultural barriers of all kinds, including the creation of two new African-American studies courses and related activities, which began earlier this year. We applaud the long-planned efforts to engage the African-American community in a dialogue about education. We encourage the work of a task force to break down College barriers of all kinds. Whereas, the Board recognizes that this message of support and solidarity in and of itself is inadequate in addressing the sadness and rage felt by Pima students and employees as well as by the community, and that it must be followed by comprehensive, consistent, sustained and focused action by the College to bring about change in communities affected by racism and oppression. Be it resolved, the College will engage in an ongoing program of social equity advocacy designed to create a dialogue of compassion and understanding that brings to life the College vision for a community that is culturally engaged, globally aware, safe for all points of view, and actively involved in supporting civil liberties and equal access to education, healthcare and other fundamental needs. Further, the Governing Board recommits itself to support faculty, staff and administration in their stalwart pursuit of quality higher education for all who seek it in our community, knowing that education empowers a citizenry that can respond effectively to the challenges that confront them, and is the most powerful tool for changing the world. Passed unanimously by the Pima Community College Governing Board. April 3, 2020 Demion Clinco Chair, PCC Governing Board |