Dear CCA community,
As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the events of 2016—many of which have been tragic and difficult to comprehend and accept. At times like these I feel fortunate to be a part of a vital creative community that espouses strong, positive values such as social justice, community engagement, collaboration, compassion, and environmental responsibility.
The recent election has thrown into sharp relief issues of diversity and inclusion. Negative campaign rhetoric has been directed at many of those among us—immigrants, people of color, Muslims and other religious groups, women, the disabled, the LGBTQ community. This has caused much fear, anxiety, and anger.
Many individuals are viewing this as an opportunity to take action and speak out—to be seen and have their voices heard. Institutions are also stepping in and taking a stand.
As an institution, CCA promotes diversity by improving access and opportunities for underrepresented groups, and we see this endeavor as vitally enriching for everyone. Regardless of outside forces, we will continue to support and stand with our students, faculty, staff, and alumni regardless of their race, ethnicity, religious creed, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and ability.
Undocumented immigrants have been especially targeted by the incoming administration. I recently joined more than 500 college presidents in signing the Statement in Support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program and our Undocumented Immigrant Students. We believe that the DACA program should be upheld, continued, and expanded. We need to remember that these students have been raised and educated in the United States, represent what is best about our country, and are essential to our future.
Other CCA leaders have reinforced the college’s values by
speaking out on the issues before us. Here are some examples:
I am particularly pleased with the efforts of our Student Affairs staff, led by George Sedano. The staff has focused on helping students cope with and make sense of the events by providing safe spaces for them to gather and share their thoughts outside the classroom; offering counseling and other outreach; advising, mentoring, and empowering student organizations and student leaders; and making a special effort to reach out to our international students.
I hope that efforts such as these will
inspire other members of our community to contribute to ongoing conversations
at the local, regional, and national level. At CCA we strive to create an
environment that welcomes discussion, discourse, and debate—these are at the
heart of our nation’s ideals. And in doing so, we must support each other to
foster the values of our very special CCA community.
Sincerely,
Stephen Beal
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