We are greatly saddened by the news of the death of Hacienda Heights Bishop David O’Connell and of the recent shooting of two Jewish men outside a synagogue in the Pico-Robertson district of Los Angeles.
We are greatly saddened by the horrific news of the mass shooting that took place in Monterey Park, CA on the night of Jan. 21. On behalf of the Río Hondo Community College District and our Board of Trustees, we offer our condolences and deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and send our deepest regards to those who have been injured.
Like many of you, I was concerned when I saw the news late last night about the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling regarding DACA. The first message I would like to communicate to you is that DACA protections remain in existence. The court’s ruling does not remove protections for current DACA recipients, nor does it stop current recipients from seeking extensions of their current DACA status.
Tragic incidents make me pause and reflect on what truly matters. Today, I write to honor the lives of those who were recently murdered in the massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. These 11 Jewish worshipers were targeted in the deadliest anti-Semitic violence in U.S. history. As the memorial services for these 11 individuals continue this week, I ask myself what I can do as Superintendent/President to console those among us who are troubled.
Rio Hondo College is a special place where we thrive on our sense of community, our unified mission and our commitment to providing an environment that supports our students as they pursue their educational goals. Our commitment is also to our employees, who are central to everything we do at Rio Hondo College and are the backbone for the strong educational opportunities we provide.
Letter to Campus Community Re: DACA
5 September 2017
In light of the White House announcement today to end DACA, we at Rio Hondo College reaffirm our unconditional commitment to immigrant, refugee, and undocumented community members, and those with DACA status. As we stated in our letter to the community on November 16, 2016, we stand strongly in support of our students regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity or national origin.
Letter to Students Re: Presidential Election & Undocumented Students
16 November 2016
We care about you. We understand how you are feeling. The Rio Hondo College family is here to support you. In response to last Tuesday’s presidential election — and the events and rhetoric that have followed it — we are writing to let you know that we care deeply about all of our students. We are especially concerned about students who are most vulnerable, including undocumented students.
