Bias-Based Incident on Campus

Bias-Based Incident on Campus

Issued: August 15, 2017

Dear LCC Community

This morning, our campus experienced a derogatory symbol scratched into an exterior campus door. Campus Services promptly removed the graffiti, and Security is conducting an investigation. If you have any information about the incident, please contact Jason Arrowsmith, Manager of Safety and Security, at jarrowsmith@lowercolumbia.edu or call (360) 442-2911 immediately. We are treating this as a bias-based incident, and convened the Bias Response Team this morning to discuss an appropriate course of action.

I want to emphasize that Lower Columbia College does not and will not tolerate any form of speech or behavior that violates our commitment to safety and diversity.

In the wake of this incident, I want to remind the campus community of our deep and abiding commitment to the shared LCC Values: integrity, respect, collaboration, cooperation, inclusion and innovation.

I also want to remind you of our Freedom of Expression Policy (420.5), which states:

“Students, faculty, administrators and staff shall be intellectually free to express their scholarship and reasoned conclusions by orderly means which do not disrupt the regular and essential operations of the College. We honor the right of expression as a hallmark of learning, and we treasure intellectual freedom even when individual or group points of view are controversial or out of favor with prevailing perspectives.”

A complete explanation of freedom of expression can be found in Policy 440 Code of Student Conduct, and in WAC 132M-126.

In addition, our Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy states that

“Lower Columbia College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. Students, employees and guests of the college are expected and required to adhere to this policy while on campus.”

I strongly encourage anyone who has experienced harassment, discrimination, bias, misconduct or threatening behavior to make a report. If you have observed this type of behavior happening—including acts of vandalism motivated by bias—it is your responsibility to report it. For immediate threats to yourself, others or college property, call 911 or contact Campus Security at (360) 442-2911.

All reported incidents will be addressed. In many cases, the Bias Response Team will convene to determine the best course of action. The purpose of the team is to provide rapid and effective responses to incidents of bias, and offer broader prevention and educational strategies that fit with the mission and commitment to diversity and equity at LCC.

For students, additional resources include our Counseling Department (call (360) 442-2330 to make an appointment or visit our Counseling Services web page for more information) and the Code of Student Conduct.

For faculty and staff, the Employee Assistance Program ((855) 789-5915) is also available in addition to the resources noted above.

Thank you for being part of the LCC community, and for helping to maintain a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment.

Sincerely,

Chris Bailey, President