PCC Safe Zone Coalition Holds End-of-Year Celebration

The Pasadena City College Safe Zone Coalition – a network of college faculty and staff trained to support the unique issues faced by LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning) and undocumented students – will be marking the end of its first year on campus with a celebratory event on April 16, from noon-1 p.m. in the PCC Circadian. PCC Superintendent/President Dr. Mark Rocha will attend the event to sign a declaration of ongoing support for Safe Zones and an open letter that calls on President Obama and Congress leaders for rational immigration reform.

“For us, the biggest accomplishment has been the overwhelming support we have received on campus and the great turnout for our workshops,” said Juan P. Carreon, PCC Student Affairs advisor and Safe Zone Coalition committee member. “We would like to continue to train more faculty and staff, with the goal being that eventually there won’t be a need for the coalition; that all students on campus feel comfortable no matter what their status may be.”

The PCC Safe Zone Coalition, formed in May of 2012, holds workshops for faculty, staff, administrators, managers and students who want to ensure that all students on campus feel welcome and encouraged.

The open letter Rocha will be signing is a collaborative effort by presidents of leading American colleges and The Partnership for a New American Economy – a bipartisan group of mayors and business leaders raising awareness on the economic benefits of immigration reform. The letter calls for a bipartisan solution that will provide international graduates with a clear path to a green card.

The presidents for the student organizations Queer Alliance Club and United Without Boundaries will speak at the event. The event is open to everyone who attended the workshops.

For more information, call (626) 585-7386 or email jpcarreron@pasadena.edu.