Programs and services on campus encourage inclusion and offer support
KENTFIELD, CA—The College community, along with Bay Area residents, the nation, and the world were stunned and saddened by news of the mass shooting in Orlando this past weekend. Superintendent/President Dr. David Wain Coon urges everyone to stand in solidarity against this horrific act of violence.
“Our thoughts go out to the victims and our condolences to their families and their friends in the wake of this tragedy,” said Coon. “We are reminded of the importance of the Safe Space program and other efforts to ensure all members of our diverse community feel included and welcomed here on our campuses.”
The College is committed to diversity, equity, and making the campuses a welcoming environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex, transgender, and queer/questioning students, faculty, staff, and community members. Part of that effort entails doing what community colleges do best—educating and supporting students. The Safe Space program identifies, educates, and supports allies who are committed to building a community space that does not tolerate physical, verbal, or sexual violence.
Through a partnership with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the Foundation for California Community Colleges, COM employees and students have access to free training on best practices in supporting LGBTQ+ students struggling with psychological distress due to harassment or exclusion.
Funding for this training is provided through a grant from the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA), which is an organization of county governments working to improve mental health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. More information about the training, and COM’s Diversity and Equity Advisory Committee, is available on the Safe Space and Diversity website.
Extending the College’s commitment to diversity beyond its campuses is also crucial. Communities must work together to share their knowledge, address these issues, and work toward solutions. Late last year Dr. Christina Leimer, executive director of planning, research, and institutional effectiveness, was appointed by the Marin County Board of Supervisors as one of seven human rights commissioners. The charge of the Human Rights Commission is to “…promote a community based on social justice, with equality for all, and to eliminate discrimination based on race, religion, color, age, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, place of birth, national origin, or disability,” as noted on the County of Marin website.
Students, faculty, and staff, are reminded that COM offers on-campus support services for individuals that need to talk to someone, especially during this difficult time. Students can schedule a personal counseling appointment at the Kentfield or Indian Valley Campus by calling (415) 485-9432. Faculty and staff can contact the Employee Assistance Program at (800) 999-7222 for information 24 hours a day, every day.
About the College—90 Years of Transforming Lives Through Education and Training
College of Marin is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, 10 Commercial Blvd., Suite 204, Novato, CA 94949, (415) 506-0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at: www.accjc.org
College of Marin is one of 113 public community colleges in California and approximately 13,000 credit, noncredit, and community education students enroll annually.