Protests in response to the death of George Floyd, and more broadly to police violence against black people, quickly spread across the United States and internationally this spring. In immediate response, President Diana Z. Rodriguez gathered the campus’ staff and faculty for a vulnerable open discussion about Black Lives Matter, what that means for SBVC, and how we are moving forward with a call to action. The professional development team has worked to provide numerous workshops and modules that include trainings on unconscious bias, microaggressions, and how to connect with our students of color.

A district-wide forum, “An Open Conversation About Race, Healing and Action,” aimed to reimagine our districtwide culture so that our employees and students feel safe, respected, and valued. SBVC ‘s Academic Senate Committee completed an emergency resolution draft outlining its plan to infuse anti-racism/no hate education.

Necessary implementations include integrating an accurate portrayal of the roles and contributions of all groups throughout history across curricula, particularly groups that have been underrepresented historically, and actively recruiting, hiring, and promoting positive and diverse role models in our society and this educational community. SBVC also hosted a thought-provoking discussion of “How to Be an Antiracist” by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi (above). Webinar presenters emphasized the book as an essential work for anyone who wants to go beyond the awareness of racism to the next step: contributing to the formation of a just and equitable society.

SBVC is committed to helping each employee expand their personal and professional growth to best serve our most vulnerable students so that they feel welcome, included and seen by making space for diverse voices, connecting, listening and learning.