Dear Pirate Crew,

As an institution of higher education, I look forward yearly to learn more about Black culture and history

at our annual celebrations during Black History Month. Students and employees diligently collaborate

to create Black History Month events in a safe environment for black leaders and presenters to share

their experiences and stories every Thursday this month at noon.

Sadly I am devastated to have to report that the safe space we intended to create was violated today by

a zoom bomber using Hitler recordings, writing hate-speech on slides, and showing offensive pictures.

The behavior of this individual is hateful and ignorant and will not be tolerated. We have employees

who are working behind the scenes to identity the IP computer address to try to identify the

perpetrator.

Ventura College is diligently making efforts to transform our institution, counteract racism, and support

our students and employees of color. Incidents such as the zoom bombing today highlight the dire need

for continued work to empower and support our Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). Myself and

many others were visibly distraught by this horrific act of hate perpetrated against our community.

Please join me in speaking out against these types of vicious actions, which are a daily occurrence for

many of our colleagues of color. We must acknowledge that we as a community have much work to

do to combat racism and become an institution that is antiracist.

Please join me, and help me, in making antiracism a reality at VC.

Sincerely,

Kim Hoffmans

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