OUR SOLUTIONS
Eliminating corruption, intimidation, and discrimination from our community college system to protect student resources.
Establish robust internal controls to prevent undue influence from administrators with a history of sexual violence or corruption. For instance, a $125 million security contract was awarded to the LA Sheriffs due to the unethical actions of an administrator who had previously been dismissed by a prior district and later terminated by LACCD for sexual assault.
Ensuring safety involves achieving equity between instructional and non-instructional faculty. It is imperative that non-instructional faculty receive the same respect and opportunities as instructional faculty. Additionally, LACCD should prioritize racial equity in faculty hiring, ensuring that the faculty composition reflects the demographics of the community and campus. Research indicates that student success improves when students are taught by professors who understand and share their racial and social experiences. By aligning faculty hires with student demographics, we can enhance student success and foster a more inclusive educational environment.
Improved transfer pathways. Fund youth careers in teaching, transportation infrastructure, technology, and the Arts
Eliminate budgetary excuses that hinder necessary investments in student success and equity. LACCD should allocate funding for one full-time Foundation Director and one full-time Grant Writer at each of the nine campuses to secure grants dedicated to racial equity and social justice.
Ensure consistent racial equity programs across all campuses by institutionalizing and funding Umoja and Puente-type programs at each site, with a minimum annual budget of $400,000 per campus. Additionally, match campus budgets for student tutors to enhance support for all LACCD students. Our goal is to ensure that every LACCD student has the resources and support needed to achieve their academic aspirations and succeed.
Fully Fund Student Basic Needs
We need actionable solutions with measurable outcomes. Statements, symbolic gestures, and grand rhetoric are no longer sufficient. Our focus must be on tangible improvements in student support.
To address food insecurity, LACCD should establish well-stocked food banks or pantries on every campus, providing healthy food at no cost throughout the year. Implement weekly Farmers' Markets on all nine campuses that accept SNAP/EBT to offer fresh food options.
Additionally, we need emergency response funds to support students and part-time employees facing financial difficulties. I propose allocating $1.8 million, with $200,000 per campus, to create fast fund/direct aid and need-based mini-grant programs for students and part-time staff.
Furthermore, I advocate for tripling funding for gateway housing programs to ensure that no LACCD student faces homelessness. These actions will ensure we meet the needs of our students and support their academic success.