Resolution Number: 2020-1
  
Contact: Dan Clark 
  
Academic Senate Resolution in Support of Black Lives Matter

Whereas, We have witnessed the violent assault and deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Sandra Bland, Botham Jean, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, Jacob Blake, Feras Morad, and too many other victims of racial violence to name; 

Whereas, Continued attacks on Black bodies are only the most recent examples of four hundred years of systemic racism and oppression against Black, Indigenous, and other people of color in the United States; that this legacy of white supremacy and terrorism continues to threaten the health and safety of our students; 

Whereas, The Ventura College Guiding Principles statement pledges a commitment to “create a campus environment that fosters collaboration, communication, and mutual respect” and affirms that the College will “embrace the strength of diversity”;

Whereas, Faculty have a responsibility to uphold the values expressed in the Ventura College Guiding Principles statement; we have a responsibility to ensure our campus maintains these values and we must embody them in our interactions with all members of our community; 

Resolved, That the Ventura College Academic Senate declares that Black lives matter and affirms that all people of color deserve to be treated with respect, dignity, and equality on this campus and in our community; 

Resolved, That the Ventura College Academic Senate condemns any behavior or practice that denigrates Black, Indigenous, and other people of color and rejects individual and institutional racism on campus and in our community; and 

Resolved, That the Ventura College Academic Senate supports behaviors and practices that promote anti-racism, freedom, equity, and justice on campus and in our community. 

First reading approved 10/15/2020
Second reading approved and adopted 11/05/2020