President's Office
February 21, 2025
(1) Keep Calm and Carry On.
I’m using the overused Churchillian catchphrase because of its undeniable relevance to the current moment. The national regulatory swirl, executive orders, and memos and letters aimed at higher education continue at a dizzying pace. The latest is referred to as a “Dear Colleague” letter, received by some colleges and universities on February 14th and issued by Craig Trainor, acting Assistant Secretary of Civil Rights. It conflates race-conscious programming with exclusionary programs and policies, arguing they violate federal statutes. Trainor offers this old canard, “Educational institutions have toxically indoctrinated students with the false premise that the United States is built upon ‘systemic and structural racism’ and advanced discriminatory policies and practices.” Moreover, it warns that compliance with the letter’s legal interpretation will begin in 14 days.
Leading educational organizations formed quick huddles. I waited to send this communication until after the robust discussion with community college Chancellors and Presidents ended this morning. The major takeaway: The “Dear Colleagues” letter is not the law. It’s information about how the current administration hopes to interpret the law. I will note that Foothill College is an open-access institution and does not exclude entry or participation to any program or organization based on protected categories. We comply with federal law and Prop 209. Also, our Strategic Vision for Equity and institutional position about structural racism does not invalidate our compliance.
The letter’s lack of clarity is meant to incentivize a response we are not legally required to provide. So, we will continue to take deep breaths and . . carry on.
That being said, the largest educational advocacy organizations see the interpretation of law as an existential threat to the core mission of California Community Colleges. The responses being formed–political organizing, organized written responses, and potential legal action–treat this interpretation very seriously. From my vantage point, this district, the system office, and the advocacy arms of higher education are neither passive nor panicked. They are also firmly resolute. More to come . . .
(2) MIPC meeting TODAY Friday, Feb. 21.
The fourth MIPC meeting of the Winter quarter will occur today from 1 – 3 p.m. in 1901 and online. The agenda includes discussions about campus safety, reviews a student proposal for an Open Gym, and hosts a discussion about the Classified Senate’s 13-55 project, which performs equity audits of current campus policies and practices. The focus: printing services. All are welcome to attend and contribute.
(3) Actions from the Feb 7th MIPC meeting.
At the Feb 7th MIPC meeting, the governing body endorsed naming the student services building after Jean Thomas. A resolution will go before the Chancellor's Council in March. The Pacific Dining listening session with MIPC also produced changes to the Dining Hall services. In sum, after hearing from staff and students and connecting with in-person class scheduling data, the folks at Pacific Dining agreed to extend dining hall hours. Starting this week, the Hilltop Grill will be open daily, Monday – Thursday, until 6 p.m. Please share these new hours with students. On behalf of the Mission Informed Planning Council, we thank Pacific Dining for their tremendous partnership. They heard concerns and made adjustments.
(4) Town Halls Scheduled.
The Chancellor, Vice Chancellors Dianna Rose and College Presidents will hold a town hall discussion on major topics related to the Trump Administration. Each college will host an in-person event, and the district will host a virtual Town Hall on March 21st from 1 – 2 p.m. The Foothill College Town Hall will be held in -person March 17 at 9 a.m., location TBD. A calendar invitation will be sent to the campus when a location is determined.
(5) League of Innovation Excellence Award.
Congrats to Ben Kaupp for receiving the 2025 League of Innovation “Excellence Award”
for stewarding high-impact changes to the Tools for Transition to Work program and
fostering an inclusive environment at Foothill College. Ben will be honored at the
League of Innovation conference in San Antonio, TX next month.
Speaking of the League of Innovation, a round of appreciation is well deserved for
all those who contributed to the League of Innovation reaffirmation process. This
process is required when a district changes Chancellors. At a virtual site visit,
Frank Cascarano, David Marasco, Sophia Kim, Lisa Schultheis, Falk Cammin, Charlie
McKellar, Allison Herman, Ben Kaupp, and Chris Allen all spoke to various innovative
programs and practices. Thanks to Teresa Ong for expertly leading the district as
our League of Innovation Lead.
Yours in service,
Kristina
Dr. Kristina Whalen
President, Foothill College
@prezfoothill on IG