FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals
Contact: Matthew Hardy, 510-703-5291

Sanat Maria, CA –  CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals, on behalf of President Jeff Freitas and Allan Hancock College Part-Time Faculty Association President Patricia Sanchez-Koivisto, issued the following joint statement following an ICE incident on the college’s Santa Maria campus on Monday, October 5.

“We are deeply concerned by the recent ICE incident on the Santa Maria campus of Allan Hancock College. Our community college must remain a welcoming, supportive environment where students and their families can pursue educational opportunities without fear or intimidation.

“In response, members of the campus community are taking an active, collaborative role in helping students and families feel safe and welcome. Through the voluntary Walking Watch initiative, full-time and part-time faculty, classified professionals, and other campus employees are contributing their available time to maintain a visible presence throughout campus, observe activity, and report concerns through appropriate college channels.

“Part-time faculty are an active and valued part of this collective effort, working alongside colleagues across the college to support our students and their families. These volunteer efforts reflect our shared commitment to looking out for one another and helping maintain a campus environment where everyone feels welcome and supported.

“We stand firmly with our students and their families. Together, we will continue to support one another and work toward a campus where every student can learn, participate, and pursue their educational goals with confidence.”

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CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals represents 120,000 teachers, faculty, and school employees in public and private schools and colleges, from early childhood through higher education. It is the statewide affiliate of the AFT. More information at www.cft.org.