Students at Edmonds College say that they are still healing from last month’s Monterey Park shootings in California. Meanwhile, campus safety wants to assure the college community that safety is a top priority, and students agreed that the college feels like a safe place to be.
Monterey Park’s massacre on Jan. 21 left 11 dead and nine others injured. All victims were part of the local Asian community celebrating the Lunar New Year festivities. The Monterey Park shooter was identified as 72 year old Huu Can Tran. The motive is still unclear but one consequence of this is that the Asian community fears for safety. This has raised many concerns and questions about safety for Asian celebration events in America. Cities and communities around the country are taking measures to ensure safety. Just at the New York Lunar New Year celebration, a heavy police presence was added to watch over the festivities. Edmonds College Student Panha Kaing, attended the Lunar New Year celebration in the International District in Seattle and noticed a heavy police and security presence.
After hearing the news of the shooting, Edmonds College Event Programmer, Kimberly Virando shares “The first thought that comes into my mind is Asian hate.” The effects of the Monterey Park shooting has made Asian hate a prevalent topic again. Rheka Narwatsu, who is from Indonesia, said that she and her friends were walking in downtown Seattle where, “People would come towards us and say something in Japanese even though we’re not Japanese.” Panha Kaing had a similar situation during his time in Mississippi, “They think all Asian must be Chinese.” Asian hate and racism can take many forms, such as misidentifying someone as another race, or even using harmful stereotypes.
Unanimously, students agree that the Edmonds campus is a safe space, Kimberly V. says that, “I feel safe here” and has not experienced any racism on campus. Rheka N. who is the Executive Officer of Student Relations within the Associated Students of Edmonds College agrees that, “I do believe that Edmonds College is a family friendly place” due to the inclusivity and respectful environment.
Now what makes Edmonds a respectful and inclusive environment? You can go by the Center for Student Cultural Diversity & Inclusion located in Brier Hall. There is a whole team that serves to listen and aid students of diverse cultural backgrounds. Assistant Director Eduardo Torres, invites students to stop by and ensures them to feel, “Welcome, Supported, and Celebrated.”
Students who feel threatened or feel that they have been attacked can reach out to Campus Security. Over the past few years, Edmonds campus security has done a lot to ensure inclusivity, and respectfulness on campus. Campus Security Director, Jade Jeter-Hill explained how the college has stepped away from police-like attire and gear to more of a campus friendly outfit with vests and low profiled pants. “We make it a point to hire highly qualified candidates that represent the diversity of our campus community,” Jeter-Hill said about hiring staff for security. “We also do deescalation training with our officers” so the officers are well trained. She also added that security works with the Bias Response Team led by Dr. Yvonne Terrell-Powell (Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging) and Dr. Jorge de la Torre (Interim Vice President of Student Engagement) to avoid biases in the training and hiring process. All in all, Director Jeter-Hill recommends in the event of trouble that “For personal safety there’s some simple things you can do. Either wear headphones that allow you to hear what’s happening around you. Or take one out.” and to “Have your head on a swivel.”
You can reach out to Campus Security through phone or email if you are dealing with any trouble.
