Good afternoon,
This is a difficult message to send, especially after all the hard work and unity we’ve shown during the challenges of the past couple of weeks. On Thursday, January 30th, a staff member was approached in our all-gender bathroom in the 9000 Building and was harassed by a community member who expressed statements that were rooted in hate towards our LGBTQIA+ and immigrant communities. Security was immediately contacted, and the individual was escorted, and issued a verbal no trespass order. Shoreline Police were contacted, but the individual had already left by the time they arrived.
It’s crucial to call this incident what it is—plain and simple, it’s hate speech. We stand in solidarity with our colleague and reaffirm that hate speech has no place on our campus. This type of hate speech is not in alignment with the mission and values of Shoreline Community College, and we denounce any such acts that we encounter both now and in the future. We will continue to work with our Safety & Security team on how we can ensure a swift response to incidents like this one.
We are a college comprised of educators and learners who deeply value one another. Our campus must be a place where everyone can thrive, work, and learn without fear of hate encroaching on our shared environment.
If you are ever made to feel unsafe by the actions of a community member, please contact Campus Public Safety at (206) 235-5860. Additionally, The Office of DEIA, in collaboration with HR, will be revitalizing our Bias Response Team. This team will be dedicated to reviewing incidents like these, recommending training and college responses that are in alignment with our values and the needs of the SCC community. You are encouraged to report any and all biased incidents using our online reporting form.
Campus Safety:
We appreciate the ongoing work of the Office of Safety and Security, and their commitment to being a supportive partner in reporting and addressing bias and incidents of hate. In response to this incident, they will do more frequent monitoring of all-gender restrooms to ensure they are a safe and welcoming space for all.
Office of DEIA:
As mentioned before, The Office of DEIA will be convening a regular monthly BIAS response team dedicated to reviewing incidents like these.
Our Office of DEIA will be working with our State Board Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Officer to create training on how to approach incidents like this one, giving our team the tools needed to better prepare and address hate speech.
College Community:
We ask all members of Shoreline Community College to stay aware of their surroundings and actively support efforts to report any observed or known bias.
Shoreline Community College remains committed to our LGBTQIA+ community, our Latinx/e Community, and all immigrant communities who are a vital part of our diverse campus.
Shoreline Community College is unwavering in its resolve to create an inclusive, diverse and welcoming community and incidents such as these will not deter us from this important work. We can and will work together to find the best in each other, to bridge our differences, and to treat each other with the respect and kindness that all people deserve.
If I can be of service to anyone who is impacted by this incident, please know that I am available to you.
Sincerely,
Brian
Brian Ramos
Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
