February 18, 2025
Dear SRJC Community,
On Friday, February 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) issued a “Dear Colleague” letter (DCL) declaring the OCR’s broad-based interpretation of the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (SFFA). Notably, there was no consistency in which colleges received the DCL, and SRJC did not receive an official communication. Over the weekend, I exchanged numerous phone and Zoom calls, emails, and texts with college presidents across the state and country to share our collective understanding of how this guidance may impact our colleges.
Earlier today, the American Council on Education hosted a webinar on the 2/14/2025 DCL. Several cabinet members joined to ensure a shared understanding of the impact on SRJC. In short, there are two key takeaways:
- “Dear Colleague” letters do not carry the force of law. Footnote 3 of the DCL explicitly states that the “guidance does not have the force and effect of law and does not bind the public or create new legal standards.” Instead, the letter reflects the current administration’s position and how it intends to enforce its interpretation of the law. As a result, any enforcement based on this interpretation is likely to face legal challenges.
- SRJC remains in compliance with Proposition 209. SRJC was fully compliant before the letter was issued on Friday morning and remains so today. As an open-enrollment institution, we accept all students who apply. Our programs are designed to support student success equitably and do not violate existing or newly articulated definitions of discrimination.
Chancellor Sonya Christian communicated earlier today that, “While the letter implies that a policy may be unlawful even if consistent with Proposition 209, it is important to remember that Proposition 209 already prohibits the California Community Colleges from “discriminate[ing] against, or grant[ing] preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting.”
Our mission to “transform the lives of our culturally rich student body, employees, and community by cultivating a welcoming and antiracist environment, centered on social responsibility and cultural awareness” remains unchanged. We provide exceptional teaching and learning through associate degree, certificate, transfer preparation, workforce preparation, and community education programs—integrated with comprehensive student support services.
The leadership team will stay informed as new communications and guidance are released. In consultation with our legal counsel, we are actively participating in webinars and meetings on the matter to understand the implication of this letter statewide. As the DCL specifically calls out for institutions to review its policies and actions, further discussion will take place in College Council as it pertains to the review of policies and procedures.
I do not take lightly the impact that this DCL may have on our college community. I am aware of the fear and anxiety that arise from concerns about the potential loss of federal funding. However, I am confident that we will remain vigilant, well-informed, and proactive in supporting students and our community. I will continue to provide timely updates as new guidance or information becomes available.
Thank you for how you show up for students during these uncertain times.
In Community,
Dr. Angélica Garcia, Ed.D.
Superintendent/President
707-527-4431, angelicagarcia@santarosa.edu
