Special Message: June 2, 2021

Office of the President

Good afternoon,

I am proud to share with you that last night at their meeting, the State Center Community College District Board of Trustees unanimously passed Resolution 2021.23,  which officially recognizes June, 2021 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month.  This is the FIRST time that State Center Community College District has publicly supported our LGBTQ+ community; however, it is not the first time Fresno City College has taken the lead in supporting our LGBTQ+ community.  As an openly gay woman, I admit this resolution is deeply personal.  I am extremely humbled and grateful to the many people who have helped our district get to this point of inclusivity.

Collectively, we recognize that our Valley has long been seen as a place where racist and homophobic ideals are the norm.  For too long many have been bullied into silence.  Well, NO MORE!   Last night, our board took a stand and fully supported the resolution that so many of you helped to create.  This resolution would not have happened if it were not for the work of individuals like communication arts instructor Jerry Thurston, who started the FCC Safe Space Ally Program more than a decade ago; engineering instructor, Dr. Liz Adams, who is the current Ally Program Coordinator;  Ray Ramirez, Director, Student Equity & Success; Cyndie Luna, Dean of the Fine, Performing & Communication Arts Division; Arien Reed, who serves as the President of the Allied Staff & Faculty Association; and to the countless faculty, staff and administrators who work to make our community and college a better place for everyone. 

Special thanks to SCCCD Board President, Annalisa Perea, for her steadfast support and leadership and for publicly drawing attention to the line in the resolution that states, “the colleges and centers of State Center Community College District are encouraged to support our LGBTQ+ students, staff, and community by flying the rainbow flag.” It is important to note that in a Valley where we don’t have a lot of symbols showing LBGTQ+ history or acknowledgement, it’s wonderful to have a Board of Trustee member who encourages us to show support by flying the Pride Flag. 

It is my distinct honor and privilege to invite all of you to attend the inaugural Pride Flag Raising ceremony on Friday, June 4, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. The event will take place at the flag pole in front of Building A, off of Maroa Avenue. This public ceremony will also honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, which served as a catalyst for the Gay Rights Movement.   June was declared “Gay & Lesbian Pride Month” by President Bill Clinton, on June 2, 2000, with President Barack Obama expanding the commemoration by declaring June as “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month” in 2011.  It will be my honor and privilege to share this moment with all of you either in person or in spirit on Friday morning.

Attached please see Resolution 2021.23 and a special FCC Pride Zoom background for your use this month.   My thanks and appreciation goes to the talented FCC Graphics Department for the wonderful design.

Sincerely,

Dr. Carole Goldsmith
President

Fresno City College