Nonprofit News

Scholarships Support Students Impacted by Recent Community Racism

April 28 event cultivates connections among students, faculty and staff of color
The College of the Desert Foundation is awarding $20,000 in
scholarships to students this month in a move to fight discrimination and stand in
solidarity with inclusion, equity and diversity.

Each of 20 selected students will receive $1,000 in funds. The scholarships are
intended to honor April as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Month and are being
awarded in response to recent events of external racism that have affected
students.

College of the Desert has a diverse population and is devoted to providing programs
and resources that lift, encourage and support people of all statuses. The College
provides educational, cultural, social and intellectual activities that broaden
perspectives and create an inclusive atmosphere where individual differences are
valued. Examples include the Black Student Success Center, the EDGE/plEDGE
program, and various campus events.

On April 28, 2022, as part of Community College Awareness Month, College of the
Desert will host a Faculty & Staff of Color Caucus Meet & Greet from 79 p.m. at the
Indio Campus, classroom 105. The evening is designed to give faculty, staff and
students of color the opportunity to engage, form supportive relationships and
foster a sense of community.

“There is no room for oppression or racism at College of the Desert or in the
broader community,” said College Superintendent/President Martha Garcia, Ed.D.
“We will not tolerate discriminatory behavior on our campuses or at College events.
We support all our students, faculty and staff, and we are dedicated to providing a
safe, open and welcoming environment for everyone to learn and work.”

Garcia issued a campuswide email this month denouncing racist comments made
in February and March by outsiders at two campus events and on the social media
site of a local TV news station. The students receiving the scholarships were directly
impacted by the conduct.

College of the Desert has strict policies and procedures around unlawful harassment
and takes swift action to investigate any reported incidents. The College is
committed to continuing to be an antiracist educational institution that examines
bias and implements strategies to eliminate racism, injustice and inequality in its
departments, programs and the communities its serves.
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