June 3, 2020

The ESL Department stands in solidarity with colleagues, students, and community members who are ready to take bold action against anti-blackness and racism. Shameful systemic racism exists and persists in our community and at Santa Rosa Junior College. We are outraged by the status quo, and we commit to collaborating with our SRJC colleagues and students to honestly assess, self-reflect, and take deliberate action to address discrimination and transform SRJC into a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable learning community.
 
James Baldwin wrote, “There are so many ways of being despicable it quite makes one's head spin. But the way to be really despicable is to be contemptuous of other people's pain.” To respect each other’s pain and grief is the least we can do. We encourage those of us who may not be ready to contribute to this discussion to listen with open hearts. We honor, respect, and thank our colleagues – each and every one of you – who have been courageous enough to contribute to this conversation. What happens next is up to all of us.

In solidarity,

Jessica Pardoe, outgoing ESL department chair
Dr. Luz Navarrette Garcia, incoming ESL department chair
Holly Vettori, ESL faculty
April Oliver, ESL faculty
Daniela Kingwill, ESL faculty
Dr. Bita Bookman, ESL faculty
Deborah Paggi, ESL instructional assistant
Claudia Gray, ESL administrative assistant
Yajayra Bedolla, ESL administrative assistant
Marina Arguello-Barahona, testing technician
ESL Department adjunct faculty and classified staff