Pierce College Community,
Understandably, many of us are concerned about the possible impacts on higher education with the transition to the new federal administration. While there are many uncertainties, our commitment to our mission is steadfast. We write today to share some thoughts and actions as we move forward together.
We must live with the reality that much remains unknown and unpredictable. That said, we know that public statements indicate there may be attempts to restrict our ability to use certain equity-related language to continue accessing federal resources, such as Title IV funding (i.e., student financial aid). We have also heard intentions to eliminate the Department of Education, which funds much of our work to support Black and Brown and low-income students.
However, we also know that these attempts will almost certainly be challenged through lawsuits and other actions. And where we have federal contracts, as in the case of Department of Education grants, the terms of those contracts are legally binding. While future federal funding is uncertain, we expect and will advocate that the terms of our current grants and contracts be met. And we will continue to engage our state and federal legislators on the importance of these funds to accelerate a strong, thriving workforce and community.
Additionally, we know that in other states, some limitations on equity-related language have already been implemented. While this presents harm and barriers, this has also created models for how institutions can work towards their commitments. We look to these institutions in those states for guidance as we move forward with our own commitments and care for all of our students and employees, especially those most marginalized by such laws.
The three of us, along with many others, are engaged in work nationally and statewide to combat anti-DEI policies and policies that limit the autonomy of higher education to do what we do best.
At the federal level, we meet regularly with our state representatives to Congress and advocate in Washington D.C. with our trustees and students for support for community colleges and our students. We are also members of Education for All, a network for higher education leaders providing professional development, guidance, and resources for colleges navigating the anti-DEI, anti-education movement. We will continue to use these avenues to remind the federal government how our mission and work benefits everyone in our communities, advocating for the continuation and highlighting of the ways federal investment in higher education benefits our public.
At the state level, we work closely with the Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges (WACTC) Board of Presidents and Chancellors and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) to advocate with our state legislators for funding to advance our system goals. For example, because of the collective work of these organizations, together with the system’s Diversity and Equity Officers, Washington state community and technical colleges complete an equity strategic plan and receive state funds to support this work. Our ability to work closely with our state leaders provides avenues for the three of us to further advocate. The incoming governor launched over 100 lawsuits – in his role as attorney general – against federal policies attempting to enforce limitations on state agencies.
While we cannot predict the future, there are mechanisms to combat actions and laws that seek to limit our ability to achieve our mission. We are well-positioned in Washington state to leverage these tools and we will not self-restrict in our commitments to equity and antiracism.
The creation of community colleges grew out of a greater social movement that amplified the importance of providing access to postsecondary education to a broader group of our community members. While we have much work to do to create equitable access, opportunity, and success for our students and communities, Pierce College has made many gains over our 57 years, doubling our graduation rate, increasing our performance in supporting Black and Brown students in accomplishing their goals, and diversifying our own workforce. We remain committed to accelerating racial, social, and economic justice, where all can belong, advance, and thrive.
We will continue to do this work in community and with as much transparency as possible. We know it won’t be easy, so the more collective innovation, care, and support we can muster, the better. Please reach out to us if you would like to share your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Julie A. White, Ph.D.
Chancellor and CEO
Maria “Chio” Flores, Ph.D.
President, Pierce College Puyallup
Matthew A. Campbell, Ed.D.
President, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
