Message to the College Community

Dear faculty, staff and students:

Community College of Philadelphia is committed to the development of a campus environment that welcomes, celebrates and promotes respect for all. In our commitment to build a more inclusive campus community—one that understands, accepts and embraces the value of diversity among students, faculty and staff—we seek to include knowledge and values from many cultures through comprehensive and broad initiatives. As the city's College, we must continue to create environments where Philadelphians can come together with both experts and peers to hold dialogue about systemic racial inequity. 

In fulfilling this commitment, we have created the Enough is Enough Teach-in Series. This series seeks to eliminate discrimination and promote diversity, equity and inclusion within the College community. The series works toward creating an environment that understands and values diversity. From recommended strategies, methods of prevention, applied practices and a direct call to action, we are educating and demanding justice while learning how we can hold our leaders accountable.  

Enough is Enough began as a four-part series created in direct response to the atrocities and civil unrest in our communities that occurred immediately following the death of Mr. George Floyd in May 2020. It was our goal to create a safe space for people to receive valuable information and hear firsthand assessments of systemic racism. Topics focused on police reform, privilege vs. injustice, the transgender community and allyship. The series has grown tremendously, reaching more than 4,000 people and receiving positive media attention. This resourceful website includes recommended readings, a video library, and information about past and upcoming sessions. It has transitioned into a full College-wide initiative that supports the College’s goals of being an institution that champions diversity and equity across every facet of the College. 

We strive to exhibit a sense of community and solidarity that includes impartiality among all systems and institutions we encounter. Solidarity is not sympathy; it is a conscious decision to effect change. Since May 2020, we've seen small bouts of justice for those like George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery, but the fight continues. We understand the work does not end here. We still recognize the need to educate and deescalate situations where we see the trepidations of racism. In 2022, we will be adding a sixth pillar to the College’s Strategic Plan. For many years, innovative work in this area has taken place throughout the College community, however, adding this pillar to the Strategic Plan signals the College’s uncompromising commitment to diversity, equitable outcomes and inclusion. This pillar will seek to address ways we can equitably grow and impact the work taking place throughout the College and the city at large.  

We stand to eradicate racial discrimination, callousness, xenophobia, myopic thinking and unwarranted hatred. Through this series and all of our DEI initiatives, we will continue to amplify our voices as we remember and say the names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland, Michael Brown, Philando Castile, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Freddie Gray and far too many others on this appalling list of the murder victims of racism. None of us can breathe until we are all allowed to breathe freely from the horrors of racism.  

Community College of Philadelphia stands in continued solidarity with you. 
 

Sincerely,

Donald Guy Generals, Ed.D.
President

Save the dates! Zoom links will be provided in advance of each session. Sessions will be held at 11 a.m. We encourage you to join us and spread the word.

Reproductive Freedom: Whose Choice Is It?

Tuesday, September 27, 2022 | 11 a.m.

Join us on Zoom

Bans. Rights. Facts. Myths.

Please join Community College of Philadelphia in a discussion about reproductive justice and abortion care. As a response to the overturn of Roe v. Wade and legislation around reproductive rights, we will examine the impact of these policies on a local and national level, and through a racial justice framework. Concerns and long-term effects about the abortion ban strongly linger and are especially unclear for marginalized communities. How can we differentiate fact vs. myth when it comes to making informed decisions about this topic?

Experts from Community College of Philadelphia, New Voices for Reproductive Justice, Apiary for Practical Support, and Women’s Law Center will unpack the implications of these policies and steps for action. Learn how to be empowered and educated enough to navigate a health care system filled with rhetoric, ideologies and inapplicable scenarios. Community College of Philadelphia stands together in solidarity, and we stand together with you.

Co-sponsored by the Women's Outreach and Advocacy Cente

Hosted by: Dr. Donald Guy Generals, President, Community College of Philadelphia

Co-Moderated by:

Melissa Fogg, Director, Women's Outreach and Advocacy Center, Community College of Philadelphia 

Malika Rahaman, Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice, Department of Social Science, Community College of Philadelphia

Featured Speakers:

• Céshia Elmore, Organizer, New Voices for Reproductive Justice
• Marisa Falcon, Founder and Executive Director, Apiary for Practical Support
• Tara Mulrtha, Director of Communications, Women's Law Project