​RANCHO SANTIAGO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Resolution Denouncing Xenophobia and Anti-Asian Sentiment Due to Fears of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic and Affirming RSCCD’s Commitment to the Well-Being and Safety of Asian American and
International Students at RSCCD and in our Orange County Community

Resolution No. 20-06

Whereas, Asian American communities are suffering acts of discrimination, hate crimes, and microaggressions due to fears of COVID-19; and

Whereas, since the December 2019 outbreak of the COVID-l9 virus in Wuhan, China, the infection has grown to more than 2 million confirmed cases and more than 139,000 confirmed deaths worldwide; and

Whereas, according to the World Health Organization, more than 632,000 cases have been reported in the United States as of April 17, 2020; and

Whereas, derogatory comments and divisive and inflammatory rhetoric have been used in many documented public instances; and

Whereas, such rhetoric is inaccurate and stigmatizing, and tends to incite fear and xenophobia, and may put Asian Americans at risk of retaliation; and

Whereas, scientists have confirmed that the COVID-l9 disease does not respect borders and is not caused by ethnicity, and the World Health Organization has cautioned against using geographic descriptors because they can fuel ethnic discrimination; and

Whereas, as the COVID-l9 virus has spread, according to news sources, numerous Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have reported experiencing microaggressions, racial profiling, hate incidents and, in some cases, hate violence; and

Whereas, in Orange County, where Asians make up more than 20 percent of the county's population; and

Whereas, the Rancho Santiago Community College District believes in equity and access, and is proud of our diverse student body comprised of over 4,600 Asian American and Pacific Islander students, 305 Asian International Students and 441 Asian American and Pacific Islander faculty and staff; and

Whereas, the Rancho Santiago Community College District Board of Trustees wishes to affirm its commitment to the well-being and safety of its Asian American and International students, its faculty and staff, and ensure they know they are not alone and that they can speak out to help stop the spread of bigotry.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Trustees of Rancho Santiago Community College District that:

Rancho Santiago Community College District denounces xenophobia and anti-Asian sentiment and does not support derogatory comments nor divisive and inflammatory rhetoric regarding the COVID-19 virus. The District joins cities, counties, and states across the country in affirming its commitment to the safety and well-being of Asian Americans and in combating hate crimes targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Dated this 27th day of April 2020.

Ayes: 6 Trustees: Alvarez, Barrios, Hanna, Hernandez, Labrado, Mendoza
Noes: 0 Trustees
Absent: 1 Trustee: Yarbrough
Abstain: 0 Trustees

 
Marvin Martinez
Secretary to the Board of Trustees

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