WHEREAS, It is already known and documented that there are inequities in the California community college students wherein marginalized identities face disproportionate barriers which negatively impact their education, as white California community college students have an approximately 40% completion rate, compared to approximately a 25% rate for African American and Hispanic students, and approximately a 20% rate for Native American students [3]; and
WHEREAS, To receive certain types of funding California community colleges must maintain student equity plans which “are focused on boosting achievement as measured by specific “success indicators” [4] and which “include” various demographic groups, [5]; however, it is clear that, at certain institutions, Student Equity Plans do not meaningfully analyze, or even mention certain marginalized demographic groups [6] — for example Ohlone College’s student equity plan does not meaningfully mention foster youth, [7] while Compton College’s does not meaningfully mention LGBTQ+ people [8]; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate of California Community Colleges advocate for the Chancellor’s Office to implement an institutional requirement, via avenues such as statutory change, an amendment to Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations, or some other system-wide binding regulation, that would require that every California community college must create a Student Equity Plan which includes substantial analysis concerning how to achieve or maintain equity for every demographic group enumerated in §78220 of California’s Education Code, [9] and where groups are large enough, data concerning the intersectionality of those who hold multiple marginalized identities.
The SSCCC supports the intent of this resolution to strengthen institutional accountability in advancing equity across the California Community College system. We will advocate for the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to explore avenues—such as statutory change, amendments to Title 5, or other binding system-wide regulations, that would require every community college to develop a Student Equity Plan with meaningful analysis and action steps to support equity for all demographic groups identified in Education Code §78220.
Additionally, the SSCCC supports the inclusion of intersectional data, where feasible, to ensure that equity planning addresses the unique experiences of students with multiple marginalized identities. We remain committed to elevating this issue through legislative, regulatory, and policy channels to promote long-term structural change in support of student equity.