Luis P. Sanchez, JD, LLM
President
Oxnard College
As President of Oxnard College, I share the outrage and grief of so many about the senseless murders of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and so many other African-Americans. The monstrous evil of racism has marred our nation’s history and character since its inception and it must be eradicated if we wish to live in peace and if we are ever to truly claim our ideal of “liberty and justice for all.” Our college is determined to stand up against the ugly face of bigotry whenever we see it, and to defend the equal rights and dignity of our Black brothers and sisters at every turn.
This is not a defense of the looting and violence that has marred many of the demonstrations around the country the past few days. To the contrary, looting and violence serve only to discredit the legitimate message of the protests. But neither do we support sanctimonious appeals for endless patience, particularly from those who refuse to wholeheartedly denounce racism with the same vehemence, or who previously denounced the peaceful protests of Colin Kaepernick, among others.
The time to end the ugly voice of racism is NOW, and we all have a role in calling it out whenever we see it. My colleagues and I join in the spirit of the peaceful protesters and their demand for justice.
Finally, please know that free crisis counseling is available for OC students through our Student Health Center at 805-678-5832, ochealthcntr02@vcccd.edu.
Sincerely,
Luis P. Sanchez, JD, LLM
President | Oxnard College