October 11, 2021
Dear Pitzer Community:
I am writing regarding recent reports of an unknown individual who yelled a racist, anti-immigrant and xenophobic statement outside Atherton Hall last Friday. My leadership team and I are appalled by this incident and strongly condemn this behavior on our campus. Such words are meant to stoke fear and make people feel as if they don’t belong in our community. To anyone made to feel unsafe or unwanted by this event, please know we stand in support and alongside you. You are an invaluable part of our community.
On November 30, 2016, Pitzer College was declared a Sanctuary College regarding immigration, and I reaffirm our commitment to that pledge. Our undocumented and DACA students are quintessential representatives of Pitzer, embodying in their courageous actions the spirit of our shared values. They truly make a difference in our community.
The conduct reported is antithetical to our core values and our community values. Pitzer is deeply committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and belonging. We are committed to celebrating the diversity of our community and expanding our campus-wide initiatives and resources to ensure that every member of our community is safe, seen, and heard on our campus.
The Office of Student Affairs (Scott 120) and Chicano Latino Student Affairs (Tranquada Student Building 2nd Floor) will continue to provide direct support to students and will host open office hours this week in Scott Hall 120 for students needing support. We will work with the Office of Student Affairs, Office of the Dean of Faculty, Chicano Latino Student Affairs, Presidential Racial Justice Initiative, Pitzer Diversity Committee, and student leaders on identifying our next steps.
I want to thank the Student Senate for its powerful message on this matter and for being a partner as we continue to do the day-to-day work of living our core values.
A single action by a single person can carry the weight of history and leave a deep wound. We recognize the need to take time to heal. I urge anyone in need of immediate support to utilize the resources listed at the end of this letter.
Today, we stand in solidarity against intolerance and embrace our core values of social responsibility and intercultural understanding.
Provida Futuri,
Melvin L. Oliver
Laura Troendle
Sandra Vasquez
Yvonne Berumen
Allen Omoto
Kimberly Shiner
Jim Marchant
Ulysses Sofia
Pitzer College
Campus Life / GSC 200
Office of Student Affairs: 909-621-8241 / Scott Hall 120
Pitzer 24/7 On-Call Dean: 909-621-8241
Claremont Colleges Resources
MCAPS
7C Health (24/7 therapist on call)
Chicano Latino Student Affairs
Community Resources for Students
Latinx Student Union (LSU)
Immigrants Rising
Support Groups
Mental Health and Self Care
Latinx Therapy
Crisis Lines
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741
Students of Color crisis text line: Text STEVE 741-74124/7 Peer-Run Warmline
