With the COVID-19 pandemic and the deliberate actions of some political leaders, inflammatory and xenophobic rhetoric has put Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) persons, families, communities, and businesses at risk. Despite public outcry, and increasing racism against AAPI persons, some of our nation’s leaders continue to choose nomenclature for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), such as the “Chinese Virus” and the “Kung Flu,” which adversely impacts and endangers the lives of the most rapidly growing ethnic group in the country. Accordingly, this has led to increasing rates of bullying, harassment, assault, and other hate crimes (including killings) against AAPI persons.
There has been a surge of xenophobic violence against Asian American and Pacific Islanders, with 3,795 documented anti-AAPI hate incidents across the country between March 19, 2020 and February 28, 2021. We recognize that many more go unreported. We further recognize that these issues are not entirely new, as AAPI communities have been subjected to violence, discrimination, and stereotyping throughout U.S. history.
The Coalition recognizes that anti-AAPI prejudice is one form of systematic racism that continues to permeate our nation, and in all its institutions. Together, we will work to activate every member of our organization to take a stand against the structures that perpetuate and fuel discrimination and assaults on Asian American and Pacific Islander persons, and to identify actionable ways to address this and all forms of prejudice, stigmatization, and racism.
We hereby recommend the following as a start:
Holding space at each campus for AAPI classified professionals, faculty, administrators and students, and to include other POC and co-conspirators
Disaggregate AAPI data and challenge the Model Minority Myth
Interrogate White Supremacy and speaking out against hurtful rhetoric against AAPIs
Save the date (March 27, 2021) for The Coalition presents “Silence is Violence: Unpacking and Addressing Anti-AAPI Violence.” Free webinar – zoom link will be forthcoming via www.apahenational.org
Send college teams to learn more about these issues at the 2021 APAHE national summit on April 15, 2021 – www.apahenational.org
The Coalition stands united against racism, and together, we will take all necessary action to stop it. Silence leads to violence.
THE COALITION, is the coming together of African American Male Education Network and Development (A2MEND), Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE), and California Community College Organización de Latinx Empowerment Guidance & Advocacy for Success (COLEGAS). These three higher education organizations came together with the purpose of addressing conditions of inequity within the California Community College system.
The Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that the Trump Administration’s attempt to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was “arbitrary and capricious”. COLEGAS (California Community Colleges Organización de Latinx Empowerment, Guidance, Advocacy for Success) is thrilled with the ruling and celebrates the victory for the thousands of Dreamers we serve and represent. We are in solidarity with them during this time and vow to continue fighting for social justice in higher education. Our students and their loved ones should not have to live with the uncertainty that comes from being undocumented. In order to provide a permanent and meaningful solution to this issue, COLEGAS will continue to advocate for transformative systemic change. A comprehensive immigration policy that provides a path to citizenship for the thousands of Dreamers in our country is the only solution. Only then will our students be able to live, work and study without the fear of being separated from their families through deportation. Lasting systemic change can only come from supporting policies that embrace Dreamers and provide them a way forward. Our organization will continue to empower the Latinx community to be represented in the highest levels of the higher education system to continue to eradicate oppressive policies. We will also continue our advocacy efforts in support of comprehensive immigration reform. We vow to continue to support voter registration amongst our students so that the Latinx voice is represented in determining who serves in the highest levels of government.While we celebrate this victory, we know that our fight and struggle is not over. This decision, while important, does not provide a path towards U.S. citizenship for our Undocumented Students and their families. COLEGAS is deeply committed to the success of our Latinx students and will continue to use our voice and power to support comprehensive immigration reform. Si se puede! We also acknowledge that today is Juneteenth and in 1865 our Black Community Members in Galveston Texas were informed of their freedom-nearly two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Thus reflecting-while the laws may change in this land-we know the other change that must occur is in the hearts and minds of the people who live here. We continue in solidarity with our Black hermanxs in the fight for social justice.
In solidarity,
Dr. Cynthia Olivo, Pasadena City College
Dr. Angélica Garcia, Berkeley City College
Dr. Mark Sánchez, Cuesta College
Ulises Velasco, Mendocino College
Dr. Mike Muñoz, Long Beach City College
Michelle Batista, Skyline College
Luis Chávez, Career Ladders Project Compañer@s
Our Herstory
Spring 2018
Informal meeting after conference
Summer 2018
Cuesta College Summit
Fall 2018
Pasadena City College Summit
Spring 2019
Skyline College Summit, Mission and Vision is drafted
Summer 2019
Southwestern College Summit, COLEGAS name and logo are developed
Fall 2019
Presentation to NCCHC to become an affiliate member
Fall 2019
Santa Rosa Junior College
Spring 2019
Skyline College Summit, Mission and Vision is drafted
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