Monday, February 3, 2025
Dear SRJC Community, 

The recent weeks have come with almost daily examples of how we are living in a time of heightened division. National and global events continue to fuel tensions, deepen ideological divides, and embolden acts of hate. Across the country, we are seeing a rise in discriminatory speech and actions, and unfortunately, our own community has not been immune. Recently, we have seen an increase in discriminatory and hate speech, both online and in physical spaces on our campuses.  

I want to be clear—SRJC condemns all forms of hate speech and intimidation. These acts have no place on our campuses nor in our communities. They go against the core values we uphold as an institution of higher education: inclusivity, respect, and opportunity for all. We stand firmly against discrimination and prejudice in any form. These acts are not just violations of policy—they are attacks on the sense of belonging and safety that every member of our community deserves. One of my top priorities is ensuring that our community remains open to all—without exception and without threats of exclusion or hate.  

We take incidents of hate speech very seriously. While we cannot always prevent them, we are actively monitoring, assessing and responding to each case. Every student and employee deserves to feel safe and supported, and we will continue working to uphold that commitment.

Reporting Hate Speech or Vandalism 

We encourage all members of our community to report incidents of hate speech or vandalism to District Police at (707) 527-1000. These reports allow us to track, investigate and respond effectively.  

Addressing Graffiti 

When graffiti occurs, SRJC’s custodial staff responds swiftly to remove it, and we investigate incidents as appropriate. If the graffiti contains hate speech, threats or discriminatory content, it is documented and reported for further review. While the District may not send a communication after every occurrence, please know that we assess and address these incidents as part of our ongoing commitment to campus safety. 

Support and Resources  

We recognize that these incidents can cause concern, frustration, and distress. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to:  

• Students: Contact Student Psychological Services at (707) 527-4445 or email studenthealthservices@santarosa.edu. Drop-in appointments are available on the Santa Rosa Campus (Bertolini Student Center, 3rd floor) and on the Petaluma Campus (Call Building).
• Employees: Access the Employee Assistance Program by entering “SISC” as the company name.

We must continue to stand against hate and support one another in fostering an environment where all students and employees feel valued and safe.  

Thank you for being a part of this collective effort.  

In Community,  

Dr. Angélica Garcia, Ed.D.
Superintendent/President
707-527-4431, angelicagarcia@santarosa.edu