Statement on Tyre Nichols Tragedy

02/1/2023








We are deeply saddened by the tragic and wholly unnecessary death of Tyre Nichols. We offer condolences to the family of Tyre Nichols, as they lay him to rest today, and to all those suffering during this moment of outrage and grief. We are especially mindful of the impact of recent events on our Black and African American communities. This message arrives in your inbox today, marking both his funeral and the beginning of Black History Month, honoring the contributions and sacrifices of Black Americans to this country. 

 

We commend our Umoja Program, A2MEND Program, Black Student Union, and Mental Health Counseling teams for working quickly to provide support, comfort, and spaces for dialog throughout the week and to our Black Alliance for their ongoing work to support MiraCosta’s Black and African American communities.   

 

We condemn the actions of the officers involved. The actions of the officers and emergency personnel run counter to the mission of MiraCosta College and our commitment to creating a racially just campus climate. In 2002 MiraCosta College intentionally created the Student Conduct and Police Advisory Committee, made up of students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community partners to focus on an inclusive, trauma-informed policing approach, emphasizing transparency, open communication and community engagement at all levels. We are holding ourselves accountable to creating change, starting with our own campus.

 

January has been marked with incidents of violence and death. As a community, we acknowledge that many may be struggling as we grapple with the impact and visual imagery of such violent and tragic events. The identities we hold mean some of us carry a heavier burden than others and having supportive and inclusive spaces is important both for coping and for healing. MiraCosta’s Bias Education Support Teamis working with our North County community partners and organizations such as NAACP WIN (Women in NAACP), Oceanside Sanctuary, North County LGBTQ Resource Center, and Equity and Justice Center to provide a community space for unity, reflection, and healing (see attached flyer). This event is open to all in the community.

 

As we head into week three of the semester, please take time to practice self-care and continue to support one another as a community.  

 

In Unity, 

 

Sunita “Sunny” Cooke, Ph.D., Superintendent/President

Tim Flood, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Administrative Services

Charlie Ng, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Human Resources

Denée Pescarmona, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction

Wendy Stewart, Ed.D., Chief Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Officer

Valencia “Val” Warner-Saadat, Chief of College Police and Campus Safety

Alketa Wojcik, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services

 

MiraCosta College has made a commitment to welcome, nurture, and validate individuals and their identities and diverse cultures. MiraCosta will continue to serve our constituents with values rooted in equity, diversity, inclusion, and community.


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