Dear SDCCD Community:
The heartbreaking violence taking place in Israel and Gaza over the last week is directly impacting many students, faculty members, classified professionals, administrators, and members of our community. We are beginning to hear about planning for public events across the U.S. in response to the violence.
As higher education institutions, our purpose is the safety, wellbeing, and success of our students, employees, and communities. Our district and colleges are critical spaces for civic engagement, reasoned discussion, and collegial debate. The Board of Trustees adopted Board Policy 7150, Civility and Mutual Respect, to help us create and maintain a culture of civil discourse and respectful interactions. The Policy is our guide in times when we are experiencing intense emotions, anxiety, and disagreement.
It is understandable to feel sadness, anger, fear, and anxiety in these moments. Let us come together to ensure these feelings do not overwhelm and harm us. It is critical that we carry ourselves with empathy and compassion to ensure every member of our community is and feels safe.
Please join me in embracing this moment as a time to strengthen our relationships with each other, learn about the ways we are experiencing this extremely difficult time, and better understand how we can support each other.
Each of our colleges have support and resources available for you and our students. Communications have been sent out via email, social media, and on our websites. Please use these services. Our full capacity for grace and humanity will be necessary in the days, weeks, and months to come. I am certain our community will rise to the moment and serve as a model for others to emulate.
Gregory Smith
Acting Chancellor of the San Diego Community College District