Hello Community Members,
I’d like to share some reflections and highlights from recent Palomar College Governing Board meetings, particularly regarding an issue that’s deeply personal to me.
At our April 2025 meeting, the Board voted to eliminate the reading of the Palomar College Land Acknowledgement. Trustee Judy Patacsil and I opposed the decision, but we were outvoted by the Board’s conservative majority. While board members are generally expected to support official decisions once a vote is taken, I felt compelled to take a stand. At our May meeting, during the public comment period, I chose to read the Land Acknowledgement aloud. You can watch my statement below, courtesy of The Telescope, our student newspaper.
I recognize this may be seen as unconventional, but for me, it’s a matter of principle. When the Land Acknowledgement was first adopted, we made a promise to the tribal communities who helped shape it. I believe we have a responsibility to honor that commitment, and I will not be part of breaking that promise to the First Peoples of our region.
Meeting Highlights:
Opening: The meeting commenced at 4:01 PM with a quorum. Closed session discussions covered litigation and the superintendent's evaluation. A correction was also made regarding the release of a probationary employee number.
Recognitions: We honored Tracy Johnston (Math professor) for her 22 years of service and Dennis Greenhill (Athletic Trainer) for his 19 years of dedication to our student-athletes.
Public Comment: Community members voiced strong opinions on the removal of the Land Acknowledgement. There was also advocacy for hiring a full-time ASL interpreter and concerns about the mischaracterization of DEIA efforts.
Reports: ASG President Sophia Swearingen discussed student elections and campus climate concerns. The Faculty Senate emphasized shared governance. We also heard reports on bond projects, labor relations, and post-education metrics.
Actions: The consent agenda was passed, and a contract for audits was awarded. We approved various partnerships including a crosswalk safety project, new CCAP agreements, and grants for UMOJA and AI tutoring. International travel for a faculty member was also approved, and student trustee privileges were expanded.
Thank you for staying informed. I welcome your thoughts and feedback.
Roberto Rodriguez