Scholarships Support Students Impacted by Recent Community Racism
PALM DESERT, CA – The College of the Desert Foundation is awarding $20,000 in scholarships to students this month in a move to fight discrimination and stand in solidarity with inclusion, equity and diversity.
Each of 20 selected students will receive $1,000 in funds. The scholarships are intended to honor April as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Month and are being awarded in response to recent events of external racism that have affected students.
College of the Desert has a diverse population and is devoted to providing programs and resources that lift, encourage and support people of all statuses. The College provides educational, cultural, social and intellectual activities that broaden perspectives and create an inclusive atmosphere where individual differences are valued. Examples include the Black Student Success Center, the EDGE/plEDGE program, and various campus events.
On April 28, 2022, as part of Community College Awareness Month, College of the Desert will host a Faculty & Staff of Color Caucus Meet & Greet from 7-9 p.m. at the Indio Campus, classroom 105. The evening is designed to give faculty, staff and students of color the opportunity to engage, form supportive relationships and foster a sense of community.
“There is no room for oppression or racism at College of the Desert or in the broader community,” said College Superintendent/President Martha Garcia, Ed.D. “We will not tolerate discriminatory behavior on our campuses or at College events. We support all our students, faculty and staff, and we are dedicated to providing a safe, open and welcoming environment for everyone to learn and work.”
Garcia issued a campus-wide email this month denouncing racist comments made in February and March by outsiders at two campus events and on the social media site of a local TV news station. The students receiving the scholarships were directly impacted by the conduct.
College of the Desert has strict policies and procedures around unlawful harassment and takes swift action to investigate any reported incidents. The College is committed to continuing to be an anti-racist educational institution that examines bias and implements strategies to eliminate racism, injustice and inequality in its departments, programs and the communities its serves.
