The Academic Senate of Skyline College has been in intense discussion about events and circumstances of racism on our campus, Skyline College faculty recommendations to the District Board of Trustees, and our responsibilities to support anti-racism. With multiple authorship and a first reading, a Resolution on Equity was passed unanimously. The Senate will now work with our College community, present it to the Board of Trustees, and begin the process of putting into action the “resolves” below. The Resolution below can be accessed on the Academic Senate web page http://www.skylinecollege.edu/academicsenate/minutesagendas.php
Resolution on Equity
Skyline College Academic Senate
19 October, 2017
Whereas Skyline College is a community of diverse faculty, staff, administrators and students;
Whereas Skyline College faculty, staff, and administrators work and serve in the context of an increasingly sophisticated society full of racial, ethnic, cultural, gender and class dynamics;
Whereas as educators we have a responsibility to fight to promote, protect, and ensure human dignity and equality in Skyline College and classrooms;
Whereas the Skyline College Academic Senate recognizes that despite the various equity efforts and professional development that is offered, racially insensitive acts against communities of color continue to occur on Skyline College’s campus and these acts have caused harm;
Whereas such intolerance and discrimination directly goes against our values and harms our community;
Whereas all faculty, students, staff and administration have the right to work in an environment free of hatred, bigotry, and intolerance;
Therefore, Be It Resolved, that Skyline College Academic Senate affirms its core values to
-a comprehensive diversity framework that promotes social justice throughout policies, procedures and practices in the context of all matters academic and professional of the College;
-a campus-wide climate that reflects mutual respect between all constituencies-faculty, students, staff and administrators- and appreciation for diversity;
-just, fair, inclusive and well-understood, transparent governance processes based on open and honest communication;
-ensuring diversity and equity at all levels of the institution so that Skyline College’s mission and strategic priorities will consistently align and be fully implemented in curricular content and pedagogical approaches, deepen critical thinking, enhance cultural fluency, strengthen campus community, and increase student success;
Be It Further Resolved, that the Skyline College Academic Senate affirms its intention to stand publicly and privately for justice and equality by supporting the creation of the following:
- Intentional insertion of curriculum on Race Relations in Skyline College courses.
- College-wide Forum and/or Flex Day workshops on Racism and Bias mandatory for all faculty and staff.
- A mandatory semester-length Equity Training Series for all faculty, staff and administration.
- A module on Equity in the New Faculty Academy.
- Ethnic Studies/Social Justice Program/Degree on Skyline College’s campus.
- Multi-cultural Center expansion to coordinate and facilitate campus-wide programming addressing cultural days, issues related to marginalized populations, and culturally-based student groups.
Be It Further resolved, that the Skyline College Academic Senate will engage in collegial conversations that remind all college constituents about our shared responsibility to eliminate racism and discriminatory acts within the campus community;
Be It Further Resolved, that the Skyline College Academic Senate calls upon the Skyline College and San Mateo Community College District communities to intensify efforts to combat intolerance, hatred, bigotry, and discrimination;
Be It Further Resolved, that the Skyline College Academic Senate urges the San Mateo Community College District Administration to mobilize resources in support of the creation of
- Intentional insertion of curriculum on Race Relations.
- College-wide Forum and/or Flex Day workshops on Racism and Bias mandatory for all faculty and staff.
- A mandatory semester-length Equity Training Series for all faculty, staff and administration.
- A module on Equity in the New Faculty Academy
- Ethnic Studies/Social Justice Program/Degree on Skyline College’s campus.
- Multi-cultural Center expansions to coordinate and facilitate campus-wide programming addressing cultural days, issues related to marginalized populations, and culturally-based student groups.
Be It Finally Resolved that the faculty of Skyline College commits to being influential and impactful leaders in advancing equity at Skyline College for students, faculty, staff, and administration.
Article by Kate Williams Browne
