Colleagues –

The conclusion of the Derek Chauvin trial resulting in a guilty verdict on all three counts reminds us that while there was a just outcome, there is still much work to be done in order to achieve true justice, especially for people of color. That we braced ourselves for a verdict we hoped for, but dared not expect, signals the pervasiveness of structural racism and its damaging impact on all of us. The verdict represents a profound moment in time because it delivered accountability that is so often denied in cases like these. Every step marched and voice raised created the environment and the imperative for action and accountability this week.

However, it does not relieve us of our responsibility to progress towards a justice system that works every time and for every individual. We still have work to do to address a system that allows excessive use of force in policing, to eliminate implicit bias that plagues our society and systems, and to ensure that the deaths of Black and Brown people at the hands of law enforcement are no longer a daily occurrence in our communities.

Solano Community College commits to being a partner in eradicating unjust systems that perpetuate hate and violence.  As public educators, we are committed to teaching compassion, dismantling bias, and prioritizing equity. We have work to do in higher education to abolish inequality and to create a system where respect for human dignity is evident through our curriculum, that resources meet fundamental needs of all students, that our campus safety policies are just and equitable, and that we teach the history and culture that belongs to all of us, not just to a few.

Solano Community College commits to being an institution where everyone can feel included and safe. We commit to diversifying our faculty, staff, and administration so that our students – the leaders of today and tomorrow – will see themselves represented and their voices lifted. We must stand together in the struggle for justice and equality.

Dr. Celia Esposito-Noy, Superintendent-President