Equity Center at SMC Will Empower and Unite Diverse Voices
Maria Lebedev | Staff Writer
The new SMC center focused on supporting minorities on campus holds its grand opening.
On Thursday, October 5, Santa Monica College (SMC) held its grand opening of the Student Equity Center (SEC). The SEC is a space of alliance and inclusion. It consists of four separate centers: Racial Justice, Gender Equity, Pride, and Dream Resource. The SEC was designed to empower SMC students to explore, declare, and celebrate their personal and cultural identities, and to interpret their own individual success. Each section fosters a sense of belonging and teaches leadership skills to each of its members.
Originally, the SEC was set to launch in the Spring of 2021. However, because of a flood that occurred in the Cayton Center that winter, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the opening was delayed.
“I have no words because I’m so excited. This really is a momentous moment for SMC and our district,” said Thomas Bui, the Associate Dean of Student Life. “Students now have a space where they can come and create genuine conversation and learn about social justice and think about how they can advocate for equity.”
SMC President Kathryn Jeffery said, “The Student Equity Center represents a combination of several years of effort and activity on the part of a number of different groups. The faculties, who were a very big part of the gender equity program. Our students, who are very strongly involved with civil government projects. Administrators and classified personnel. And, our board, all of whom have been incredibly supportive.”
Graphic Design major Ariana Quintero and Political Science major Alejandra Gomez attended the event together. “I came for the food and because I felt like this would be an awesome place to meet new people and expand my network,” said Quintero. Gomez added: “It’s nice to be able to be a part of a community like this and support other [minority] groups.”
During the Grand Opening, the Lower level of the Cayton Center was packed with students and faculty members. Introductory speeches were made by Jeffery, Bui, Michael Tuitasi, the Vice President of Student Services, and Board of Trustees member Dr. Nancy Greenstein.
A mariachi band provided music, and attendees lined up for traditional Mexican food, including enchiladas, chips and salsa, rice, grilled chicken, and grilled potatoes.
The SEC is located on the lower level of the Cayton Center at SMC’s Main Campus.
