A Message from Chancellor Dr. Paul Parnell

State Center Community College District joins with millions of people across our nation to condemn the violent and needless death of George Floyd. We send our condolences and hopes for justice to George Floyd’s family and friends. This act of violence must rally us to unite in a clear voice to condemn racism and discrimination of all kinds.

Cities across America are experiencing justified protests, as well as unfortunate rioting and chaos. All of this is happening during COVID-19, the worst global pandemic in over one hundred years, and the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

We support the right to protest against institutionalized racism, especially the unjust treatment of our underrepresented populations. It is time for change and community colleges will play a key role.  We have been change-agents since our inception.  We educate students that go on to lead successful and productive lives that ultimately move entire families out of poverty.

At State Center Community College District, we will continue to provide a safe, inclusive environment for everyone. Through education we will fight racism and inequality while developing caring human beings. Imagine a society where everyone is respected and treated with dignity and has an equal opportunity at life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

For our students, faculty and staff, who are feeling the weight of these tragedies, know that your SCCCD family is here to support you.  If you’re a student, we have people you can talk to about these difficult times. Our staff has done a great job engaging students remotely. You can reach someone on our campuses.  SCCCD employees have access to confidential resources through the Employee Assistance Program, free of charge.

At SCCCD, we are blessed with our own police force that is diverse and focused on community policing. We want to thank them for their participation and support during these difficult times.

This is a time for all of us to increase our dedication to making a significant difference right here in our community.  We can do better as a society to protect all members of our communities, and higher education plays a vital role in educating and leading this work.  Below are just a few of State Center’s efforts.

We are in the midst of bringing higher education to some of our most disadvantaged communities. SCCCD, in partnership with the city, county and state, is building educational centers in Southwest and Southeast Fresno. Our hope is that by utilizing our Measure C funds in these areas, we will bring about lasting change to the racial disparities that exist.

All of our colleges have instituted the Guided Pathways framework which has a concentrated focus on equity and a structured approach to student success, especially for our most disadvantaged students, including our African American students. Our partnership with the Economic Opportunity Commission is focused on providing this same type of equity for our citizens as they train for careers. We are also heavily involved in developing a regional inclusive vibrant economy (DRIVE) initiative, a large community wide effort that centers on equity in our community.

Our relationships with the African American, Latino, Asian, and specifically Hmong communities have been strengthened by our partnerships with the Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce, Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, and the Fresno Center, to name a few.  Student success and equity are paramount to our Fresno and Reedley African American Faculty Associations and our African American Advisory Board. Through our relationships with Fresno State, Fresno Pacific University, Fresno County Office of Education, Madera County Office of Education as well and the Fresno Business Council we are working to build a better future for our students and the community. In addition, the Valley Community Small Business Development Center located at Clovis Community College is assisting entrepreneurs in starting and expanding local businesses.

As a District, we will continue to encourage our students, staff and community to learn the issues that are before us and vote in our democracy. In addition, we will encourage our community to participate in the census, so that we will receive the resources to make the changes that our communities need.

At a time when we rely on social distancing to save lives, we need social solidarity as well. We must stand together to condemn the systemic racism that enables such tragedies to occur. Our community will be better for it.

Thank you for all you do to make our colleges, our state and our nation a stronger and more inclusive environment.