Renegade Rip

Issue date: 3/12/04 Section: Opinion

Editor's note: This letter from Bakersfield College President Dr. Sandra Serrano was written as an e-mail March 3 to Shelley Rubin, assistant director of the Los Angeles office of the Jewish Defense League. Since The Rip published the JDL's letter to BC, it is publishing BC's official response in the interest of fairness.

Thank you for contacting me on Feb. 10 regarding your concerns over a student's alleged anti-Semitic behavior on campus. I am especially sensitive to allegations of discrimination and harassment, and immediately referred your concern for investigation to the dean of students and our associate director of human resources. I wish to underscore how seriously Bakersfield College takes such allegations.

The dean of students met with the student on Feb. 11 to discuss the alleged incident. The student emphatically contended that his political expression was directed at Israel's governmental actions, and his intent was not religiously motivated.

The dean discussed the student rights of expression as specified in California Education Code section 76210. The student acknowledged that he understood his rights. However, he affirmed his commitment not to wear that piece of garment/symbol again.

The dean did not find any evidence that the student's behavior and/or expression was obscene, libelous, slanderous or otherwise violated the limitations stated in California Education Code section 76210. The administration concluded that the student's actions furthermore did not violate the Kern Community College District board policies or the Bakersfield College Student Code of Conduct.

I assure you that Bakersfield College will not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination against any person based upon race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status or sexual orientation. In addition, Bakersfield College supports and protects the rights of speech and political expression as prescribed under the First Amendment, as well as Education Code 76120.

Thank you again for bringing this matter to my attention. Bakersfield College will continue to provide a harassment-free environment conducive to learning, while at the same time promoting tolerance and respect for the rights of others.

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