Chancellor Greg Smith, center, poses with SDCCD district office staff at the district’s flag raising ceremony during June’s Pride Month, Thursday, June 1, 2023. Photo courtesy of SDCCD Flickr

Officials: Presidential election overshadows local ballot victories; emphasize unity, focus

SDCCD, state education leaders acknowledge election results, prepare community for potential battles

Marco Guajardo, Managing Editor

November 12, 2024

The new tagline for the San Diego Community College District that was rolled out in September aimed to create a district-wide environment where diversity and individual identity are celebrated.

“Be. Belong. Become,” reads the slogan.

In the aftermath of the 2024 elections, however, larger societal and political forces may put the district’s mission to the test.

Though the elections produced some local victories for stakeholders of the SDCCD, the outward mood throughout the district was somber.

“This is certainly not the morning-after Election Day message I was hoping to write,” said Jim Mahler, president of the American Federation of Teachers Guild, Local 193, in an email to the union’s faculty members, “On the national front … what lies ahead for us as educators, unionists and public sector workers appears foreboding.”

Compelled by the implications of the rightward swing in the national political landscape, leaders across the district expressed their concerns about the district’s ability to address systemic inequities and protect its most vulnerable students in the future.

SDCCD Chancellor Greg Smith, San Diego City College President Ricky Shabazz and other district administrators were among those who issued statements to the district community acknowledging the potential challenges that lie ahead

A common thread in each of the communiques was to reassure constituents of each of the institutions’ determination to continue supporting any affected groups.

“I am feeling the gravity and importance of my role in our district more profoundly than I have at any other moment,” Smith wrote in an email. “I am prepared to do what is necessary to fulfill my responsibility to every student, employee and community member across our District.”

Shabazz included in his statement the mental health services available for students and employees at City through the Mental Health Counseling Office and Employee Assistance Program, respectively.

Below are excerpts from the statements issued by five district and state leaders and administrators. City Times Media will continue tracking district announcements as they are made available.

San Diego Community College District Chancellor Greg Smith, left, speaks to the public at the San Diego City College Academic Senate, March 4, 2024. Smith attended the meeting to clarify the SDCCD’s position on the removal of a Palestine solidarity poster from City’s campus and to understand the public’s position on free speech and academic freedom as it relates to Palestine solidarity expression. Academic Senate President-Elect Mona Alsoraimi-Espiritu sits to his right. Photo by Susana Serrano/City Times Media

Greg Smith, Chancellor, San Diego Community College District:

“Any threat to the safety, well-being, and humanity of any student, employee, or community member diminishes our ability to fulfill our mission and undermines our purpose.”

“I am prepared to do what is necessary to fulfill my responsibility to every student, employee, and community member across our district”

“I will use my voice and position to oppose and defy attempts to marginalize, harm, or deny access to our communities. I will value the well-being of every member of our community as much as I value my own. I will do what is right and necessary even if it will cost me personally. Our diversity is our strength and we are only strong when we are all safe.”

To read the complete statement by Greg Smith, click here.

San Diego Community College District Chancellor Greg Smith, left, speaks to the public at the San Diego City College Academic Senate, March 4, 2024. Smith attended the meeting to clarify the SDCCD’s position on the removal of a Palestine solidarity poster from City’s campus and to understand the public’s position on free speech and academic freedom as it relates to Palestine solidarity expression. Academic Senate President-Elect Mona Alsoraimi-Espiritu sits to his right. Photo by Susana Serrano/City Times Media

Student keynote speakers receive scholarships from City president

Ricky Shabazz, President, San Diego City College:

“The outcomes of this election are likely hitting many women a little harder than usual. The same may be said for others who were the targets of political rhetoric during this election season.”

“We are committed to understanding how best to support all students affected by this election’s outcomes. In the past, we saw a significant decrease in undocumented student enrollment following the previous administration’s election. I have asked Marciano and Magali to lead a task force, in collaboration with the AFT Immigration Student Support Committee, to address the concerns of our undocumented students. Similar support will be extended to our LGBTQ+ and other students impacted by these events.”

“The election results prove that most of the country continues to be divided on key issues such as immigration reform, education, women’s reproductive rights, support for gender identity and more. Despite these differences, we are stronger when we come together.”

To read the complete statement by Ricky Shabazz, click here (part 1) and here (part 2).

Student keynote speakers Julio Cedillo and Marisol Ruthenberg each receive a surprise scholarship at the ceremony podium from City College President Dr. Ricky Shabazz on behalf of Costco founder and City College alumnus James Sinegal at the Chicano Latina Graduation on May 19, 2023. Photo by Nathaly Alvizures/City Times Media (Nathaly Alvizures)

Vice President of Student Services Marciano Perez, Jr discusses how the recent escalation in conflict can impact City College students. Image by Kevin Ouellette/City Times Media

Marciano Perez, Jr., Vice President, Student Services, San Diego City College:

“This election, like many historic moments before it, calls on us to acknowledge the healing needed within ourselves and in our community. We have bridges to build and systems to dismantle, and I am confident that we will do this together—with compassion, with patience, and with a shared commitment to progress.”

“We will instead use this as an opportunity to provide stability and hope for our students and each other. Let’s embrace the discomfort of the unknown, continue to cultivate an environment where everyone feels safe and create a haven from any uncertainties and fears.”

To read the complete statement by Marciano Perez, Jr., click here.

Vice President of Student Services Marciano Perez, Jr discusses how the recent escalation in conflict can impact City College students. Image by Kevin Ouellette/City Times Media (Kevin Ouellette)

Jim Mahler, President, AFT Guild, Local 1931:

“On the national front, with Trump’s re-election, Republican control of the Senate, the House of Representatives up for grabs, and a stacked ultra-conservative Supreme Court, what lies ahead for us as educators, unionists and public-sector workers appears foreboding.”

“With the national electoral results in stark contrast with our local efforts, it’s imperative that we not lose sight of the good work that we will collectively continue to do locally. We can’t allow lies, hatred, abuse, and disrespect of the rule of law to become normalized. We must continue to treat each other with kindness, respect and compassion.”

To read the complete statement by Jim Mahler, click here.

Photo courtesy of AFT Guild website

Sonya Christian, center, speaks at a California community colleges board meeting next to Board of Governors President Amy Costa, left, and Board of Governors Vice President Hildegarde Aguinaldo, right, Feb. 23 2023. Photo courtesy of the California Community Colleges photo library

California Community Colleges Chancellor Dr. Sonya Christian, University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D. and California State University Chancellor Dr. Mildred García:

“Following the presidential election results, we understand that there is a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety within California’s higher education community. The University of California, the California State University and the California Community Colleges remain steadfast and committed to our values of diversity and inclusivity. We are proud to welcome students, faculty and staff from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, and we will continue to support and protect all members of our communities. California represents a beacon of hope for so many, and we stand ready to support our state and its people as we all move forward together.”

To read the complete statement, click here.

Sonya Christian, center, speaks at a California community colleges board meeting next to Board of Governors President Amy Costa, left, and Board of Governors Vice President Hildegarde Aguinaldo, right, Feb. 23 2023. Photo courtesy of the California Community Colleges photo library

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