Sunday, October 28, 2018

13 days and counting...

Our diverse campus at the student walkout for gun control last March. 
13 days after the first swastika appeared at the little college in the orange groves, denizens of Irvine Valley College received an unusual email this morning from the Irvine City Police department:

Sunday October 8, 2018
11:50 AM
Dear IVC Community,
The Irvine Police Department has been made aware of recent incidents of graffiti vandalism on campus, as well as the defacing of college club fliers. IPD is working closely with the Irvine Valley College Police Department to thoroughly investigate these incidents. The Irvine Police Department has long supported IVC campus police in the goal of providing a safe campus for students, staff and visitors. As partners in law enforcement, IPD provides additional resources in support of campus police whenever we are called upon, including these recent incidents.

The Irvine Police Department stands with President Roquemore, the Irvine Valley College Administration, Chief Meyer and IVC campus police in condemning any acts of vandalism or defacement on campus, especially those that may appear to be directed at specific groups. We recognize that Irvine Valley College is committed to providing an academic and work environment that respects the dignity of all individuals in the spirit of a diverse, vibrant and all-inclusive campus community.
I am committed to continuing IPD’s close collaboration with IVC campus police to maintain the highest levels of safety on campus. Remember that we rely on you, the members of the IVC community, to be our eyes and ears on campus. If you see something suspicious, please immediately report it to campus police at 949-451-5234. You can also call the Irvine Police Department at 949-724-7000. In an emergency, always dial 9-1-1.
The Irvine Police Department and IVC campus police will provide updates on these incidents in the event of any new developments that we are able to share. If you have further concerns about this case and wish to communicate with IPD directly, please contact Operations Commander Noelle Smiley at 949-724-7025 or nsmiley@cityofirvine.org.

Please rest assured that while these recent incidents are disturbing, we are not aware of any imminent danger to the IVC community or the City as a result of this activity.
Yours in partnership,
Chief Mike Hamel
Irvine Police Department

IVC commencement 2015.

This email appears to have been prompted by the efforts of concerned Irvine city councilperson Melissa Fox. From blog:
Irvine Police Respond Quickly to Anti-Semitic Graffiti and Other Hate Vandalism at Irvine Valley College


Members of the Rise Above Movement (RAM) in action. RAM trains in the Agua Chinon Wash, about two miles from our campus and at municipal parks in San Clemente.
While it's good to hear from the Irvine PD and city councilperson Fox, Rebel Girl wonders where our own college leaders are on this. Chief Hamel says that he stands with President Roquemore but the college has not heard from the college president. At last Monday's Student Equity meeting (10/22/18), the college PIO assured attendees that she was "working on something" in response to these events.

But how long does it take to denounce in no uncertain terms the appearance of swastikas at a public education institution?

Too long apparently.

Tree of Life synagogue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 
Meanwhile Rebel Girl has filed reports with the Orange County Human Relations Council, the Southern Poverty Law Center and The Anti-Defamation League.

What's he waiting for?

*

Roy's obituary in LA Times and Register: "we were lucky to have you while we did"

  This ran in the Sunday December 24, 2023 edition of the Los Angeles Times and the Orange County Register : July 14, 1955 - November 20, 2...