Dear CCA faculty and staff,
August 12, 2017 was a dark day for our country. The hate-filled, violent white supremacist rally in Charlottesville and its aftermath have left us reeling. For me, it is deeply disturbing and frightening to watch the hate and racism that is on public display in our country.
As an academic institution, as a nation, and as individuals, we must unequivocally reject hate speech and violence as incompatible with our mission and values. At CCA, we strive to build a diverse and inclusive community where people of all races and religions, immigrants, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities have a voice and are respected and valued.
As you are probably aware, two upcoming far-right rallies are planned for this weekend in the Bay Area. On Saturday the Patriot Prayer group has a pending permit for a rally at Crissy Field. On Sunday a No to Marxism rally, planned by right-wing organizers, will take place at Berkeley’s Civic Center Park. There are several counter-protests planned at various locations on both sides of the Bay.
This is only the beginning of what no doubt will be a number of public events around these issues. However you choose to participate, I strongly advise you to do all you can to stay safe. Keep in mind that there are many ways you can effectively protest without putting yourself in danger. The organization A Force More Powerful offers examples of nonviolent protest and activities that can help you relieve stress, stay active, and make a difference. Here are some additional resources:
To be most effective in our roles as faculty and staff, we must remember to take care of ourselves. I’d like to remind you that our Employee Assistance Program provider Claremont has resources for benefits-eligible employees that may be helpful, including free, confidential in-person counseling sessions and online resources.
In challenging times like these I feel fortunate to be a part of a creative community that espouses strong, positive values such as social justice, community engagement, collaboration, compassion, and environmental responsibility. Stay strong. Stay safe. Our values will prevail.
August 12, 2017 was a dark day for our country. The hate-filled, violent white supremacist rally in Charlottesville and its aftermath have left us reeling. For me, it is deeply disturbing and frightening to watch the hate and racism that is on public display in our country.
As an academic institution, as a nation, and as individuals, we must unequivocally reject hate speech and violence as incompatible with our mission and values. At CCA, we strive to build a diverse and inclusive community where people of all races and religions, immigrants, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities have a voice and are respected and valued.
As you are probably aware, two upcoming far-right rallies are planned for this weekend in the Bay Area. On Saturday the Patriot Prayer group has a pending permit for a rally at Crissy Field. On Sunday a No to Marxism rally, planned by right-wing organizers, will take place at Berkeley’s Civic Center Park. There are several counter-protests planned at various locations on both sides of the Bay.
This is only the beginning of what no doubt will be a number of public events around these issues. However you choose to participate, I strongly advise you to do all you can to stay safe. Keep in mind that there are many ways you can effectively protest without putting yourself in danger. The organization A Force More Powerful offers examples of nonviolent protest and activities that can help you relieve stress, stay active, and make a difference. Here are some additional resources:
- 21 Things To Know About Your Right To Protest And How To Do It Safely
- SPLC: Ten Ways to Fight Hate
- City of Berkeley: With Rally Promoted, Stay Away from Conflict
To be most effective in our roles as faculty and staff, we must remember to take care of ourselves. I’d like to remind you that our Employee Assistance Program provider Claremont has resources for benefits-eligible employees that may be helpful, including free, confidential in-person counseling sessions and online resources.
In challenging times like these I feel fortunate to be a part of a creative community that espouses strong, positive values such as social justice, community engagement, collaboration, compassion, and environmental responsibility. Stay strong. Stay safe. Our values will prevail.
Sincerely,
Stephen Beal
