Fall 2021 
Resolution Number: F21-01 
Contact: Preston Pipal 
  

Resolution in Support of the Ventura College LGBTQ+ Community

Whereas, the Ventura College Academic Senate is committed to fostering a campus culture that values diversity, equity and inclusion;

Whereas, the Ventura College Academic Senate acknowledges that freedom of speech is a fundamental American right and that faculty members are held to a rigorous standard because of the harm, disruption, and influence teachers have on the public and the institution, 

Whereas, the right to explore significant and controversial topics carries with it a responsibility to ground one’s arguments in the best available evidence and respectful communication;

Whereas, the Academic Senate has a responsibility to challenge views which promote the discrimination and/or marginalization of the LGBTQ+ community or which devalue the lived experiences of the LGBTQ+ community; therefore be it

Resolved, that the Ventura College Academic Senate explicitly condemns and rejects all hurtful and offensive actions regarding members of the LGBTQ+ community including those that were promulgated by a faculty member during a professional development event on Tuesday, August 10th;

Resolved, that the Ventura College Academic Senate encourages all faculty to respect the dignity and lived experiences of our LGBTQ+ students, staff, faculty, administrators, and community members, and to participate in tangible activities such as respecting pronouns, using inclusive language in their courses, and/or attending professional development events; 

Resolved, that the Professional Development Committee will plan and schedule a series of Spring 2022 Flex events that focus on 1) the experiences and issues faced by LGBTQ+ students, staff, and faculty in the community college setting, and 2) techniques and strategies to help faculty speak in uncomfortable situations in order to become better allies; 

Resolved, that the Academic Senate President will work with the College Administration to celebrate, honor, and acknowledge the contributions of our LGBTQ+ community.

First Reading Approved 9/2/2021
Second Reading Approved 9/16/2021