Board of Trustees Condemn the Killing of George Floyd in AntiRacism Resolution; Reaffirms its Commitment to Diversity and Justice

At its June 3 meeting, the Cerritos College Board of Trustees adopted a resolution to condemn the killing of Mr. George Floyd and affirmed its commitment to stand against systemic oppression. Mr. Floyd, an unarmed black man, was killed on May 25, 2020 by a white Minneapolis police officer while handcuffed and subdued. Mr. Floyd’s death has sparked ongoing protests in all 50 states and in several countries around the world.

In its resolution, the Board recommitted to combating institutionalized racism by providing resources/training that confront anti-blackness, systemic oppression, privilege, and the role that organizations and higher education institutions play in upholding systemic oppression within societal institutions. The Board highlighted its intent to serve as [resources for] activities at the College, including, but not limited to, professional employee development, campus events, and employment processes to the degree that doing so is feasible.

The resolution amplifies the District’s official mission and core values to: provide its diverse student population with high-quality, comprehensive instructional programs and support services through clear, equity-minded pathways to their educational goals. In doing so, the college develops culturally competent students with the knowledge, skills, and values that prepare them to be productive members of their local and global communities.

The Board resolution further affirmed that Cerritos College:

  • Is committed to fostering a campus culture in which all members of the community 1) feel safe, respected and valued; 2) are invited to participate fully, can share their unique gifts, talents and backgrounds; (3) increasingly recognize the value of perspectives that differ from their own; and (4) understand that diversity and inclusion are key priorities of the College as stated in its mission
  • Calls upon the faculty to assess, revise, and develop curriculum that embeds educational resources confronting anti-blackness, systemic oppression, privilege, and the role and our communities play in upholding systems of systemic oppression
  • Will work together to create a “new normal” in which the legacy of bigotry and unequal treatment no longer infects our institutions, systems, and values


“The death of George Floyd is another appalling display of rampant bigotry and racialized violence that exists at the highest levels of our country that has plagued society for too long. We can no longer act as bystanders to anti-blackness and discrimination toward any protected group. We must stand for justice and do our part to dismantle institutional racism in every form at Cerritos College,” said Marisa Perez, president, Cerritos College Board of Trustees.

“We cannot normalize hate and structural racism. We must continue to confront and dismantle historical systems of discrimination and prejudice. Together, we must be intentional about confronting systemic racial inequities with clear actions. To this degree, colleges and universities must embrace a shared sense of responsibility toward humanity, equity, and respect for all people,” said Dr. Jose Fierro, president/superintendent.