Whereas, Fostering a safe, inclusive, equitable, nonviolent, and discrimination-free educational environment is important for all students, faculty, administrators, and staff at California community colleges;
Whereas, The prevalence of sexual harassment and discrimination, as well as inadequate institutional responses to such incidents, is still an ongoing concern at some college campuses [1]; and
Whereas, All forms of sexual harassment and discrimination erode a culture of respect, undermine social justice, interfere with the mission of colleges, are incompatible with Vision 2030 goals, and jeopardize the well-being of all members of the college community;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges urge local academic senates to advocate to their district governing boards to improve their efforts to prevent sexual harassment and discrimination, including but not limited to professional development, responding decisively to reported incidents, and ensuring a survivor-centered approach to responses, with support provided to survivors throughout the process;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges urge local academic senates to call upon their college and district administrations to conduct timely, thorough, and impartial investigations into allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination and to take appropriate disciplinary actions if violations are found;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges urge the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to ensure local community colleges regularly review their policies and procedures regarding sexual harassment and discrimination to ensure their effectiveness and compliance with changing legal standards and best practices and solicit recommendations for policy improvements from all stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and administrators; and
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges work with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to engage in advocacy to ensure that California community colleges commit to ongoing collaboration with external organizations, experts, and advocacy groups to continually enhance their efforts to combat sexual harassment and discrimination on campus.
Acclamation
1. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-10-16/inside-a-los-angeles-community-college-professors-sexual-harassment-fight