June 4, 2020
Dear College Community:
The members of the departments of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are saddened by the tragic killing of George Floyd and the continued systemic racism that has adversely and disproportionately impacted Black humans. We swiftly and unequivocally reject racially motivated brutality in all its forms.
Scientific and technological advances have only been made possible because of the diverse collective of scientists, mathematicians, engineers, designers, makers, and thinkers from a panoply of cultures, ethnicities, gender identities, and sexual orientations. However, too often, disciplines within STEM fields have fallen short of being truly diverse and inclusive.
We MUST do better. At this pivotal time, turning our current raw emotion into action is the only way change can happen. We open our hearts and minds to listen to Black students and colleagues to better understand their struggle and how we can be proactive as both allies and agents for change. We are prepared to have uncomfortable and difficult conversations and work to strengthen the thread that connects us as humans in order to stop injustice. We commit ourselves to being engaged in diversifying the students, staff, and faculty who walk through the doors of SRJC - just as the MESA and STEM MILES programs have strived to do. We are committed to being a part of the solution, understanding the fight will be long.
We will be active participants in this work. We will march in solidarity with the Black community, students, and colleagues. We will be partners in this critically needed change.
Because Black Lives Matter.
Committed,
Department of Biological Sciences
Department of Chemistry & Physics
Department of Earth & Space Sciences
Department of Engineering & Applied Technology
Department of Mathematics
MESA Program
Office of the STEM Dean
Victor K. Tam, Ph.D.
Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Santa Rosa Junior College
1501 Mendocino Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA. 95401