Dear Colleagues!
Hope you had a restful weekend after what already seems to be a long short year! One week into the semester, and we are already dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks, the possibility of a Public Safety Power Shutdown (PSPS), enrollment concerns, and a volatile political situation! Many of you have heard about the release of an incarcerated person who posed a threat to MJC in the past. On the positive side, we have heard that the preliminary budget from the Governor sounds good so far. We are already in for what looks like an eventful semester. In times such as these, we are showing grit and courage to come together and support each other. I am confident we will face all challenges this semester with the same positive outlook.
The attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, has left a deep scar on our democracy. Columbia College strongly condemns the attack on our democracy. Use of force and violence to disrupt democratic processes simply has no place in our country. In preparation for transfer of power on January 20, 2021, Washington DC looks like what we are accustomed to seeing at many places in the Middle East – guns, gates, and guards at every turn. None of us want to see our capital as a fortress.
As an institution of higher learning, we have the responsibility to prepare our students to be engaged citizens. I would urge all of you to contemplate how we can accomplish that goal. We have the option to bring curricular change, setting institutional learning objectives, creating safe space for exchange of ideas, and reject violence in strongest terms to accomplish our goal to be a diverse, equitable, and inclusive institution (DEI). While it is necessary to think how we can make our institution better with respect to DEI, let us remember we can accomplish it by using our established channels of communication in a professional, courteous, and respectful manner.
We have employees and students from both sides of the political spectrum who attend our institution daily. Let us not engage in political diatribe and try to condemn and convert other perspectives. While discussions regarding politics is appropriate in the classroom when required for pedagogical reasons and as a part of the curriculum, or in a forum created for such a dialogue, challenging one another for political affiliation is something we do not want to engage in randomly. Let us show respect, tolerance, and professionalism on our campus at all times.
On another note, you may be aware that a formerly incarcerated person who posed a threat to MJC has been released from the correctional system. It is a delicate balance to maintain safety of our campus and not infringe upon the rights of an individual who has served the time. We are taking every legal precaution possible to keep our campus and employees safe. If you have specific concern, please contact me directly.
Finally, although I am acting President of MJC, my commitment to Columbia College remains the same. I continue to remain as accessible as I have always been. For those of you who missed our in-service day, here is a link to the recording: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/rec/play/SQTh_0MuFMU9oIOCDlHgEgiPBOq6sWcECnprXQ0ipjru02nwmbsUpEDk4sm1805wypPYxtOObFz73ks8.jQRV8bGxYVHqMUEK.
Looking forward to another great semester!
Go Jumpers!
Santanu
