As we approach summer, I am filled with immense pride and joy for the numerous milestones and celebrations that reflect our diverse and inclusive college community. This season, we commemorate Disability Pride Month, LGBTQ+ Pride Week, and honor the 21 lives lost in the July 18, 1984 McDonald’s Massacre. Each of these events emphasizes our commitment to fostering an environment where every individual can thrive and feel valued.
July is a time dedicated to Disability Pride Month, where we embrace and “honor each person’s uniqueness and promote visibility and mainstream awareness of positive pride felt by people with disabilities” (AmeriDisability: America’s Disability Community). Additionally, it marks the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) which protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination and ensures equal access in our communities.
Although this legislation has positively impacted the disability community, there is still growth needed to ensure equity is interwoven into the fabric of our educational systems to dismantle ableist structural and attitudinal barriers.
“This month is celebrated as an opportunity for our community to reclaim our identities and space as individuals with disabilities. In that process, it is important to honor the challenges and history of our community while also embracing its beauty through art and culture. Individuals with disabilities deserve the opportunity to show up as themselves, and unapologetically occupy spaces that were not intentionally created for us.” Director of Disability Support Services, Melinda Lara explained, “Access to education has historically been limited for our community and honoring Disability Celebration Month in a postsecondary setting demonstrates Southwestern College’s commitment to supporting and valuing individuals with disabilities.”
In a historic moment for our college, we will be holding A Day of Remembrance for the 40th Anniversary of the McDonald’s tragedy that occurred at what is now our Higher Education Center at San Ysidro (HECSY). Come and remember the lives who were lost on July 18th, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at HECSY, featuring powerful testimonies from the tragedy, music, along with a community and college resource fair.
At SWC, we honor our commitment to dedicating this land to education and to a means of enhancing the lives of the South Bay community. “Maintaining our relationships with those whose family members were left behind from the massacre is vital to the college…It honors the memory of the lost, fosters a compassionate community, and reinforces our commitment to supporting all members of our extended family during their time of need,” HECSY Director of Center Operations Patricia Bartow shared, “The outdoor memorial provides a place for community and family members to gather, bring flowers, and pay their respects. Indoors, we have created a space that details the tragedy, allowing students to understand the significance and purpose of this memorial.”
From July 13th to the 21st, we celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Week in San Diego, a time when we acknowledge the rich history, vibrant culture, and invaluable contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. SWC is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming space for all students, faculty, staff, administrators and community, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Join the SWC Contingent’s at the San Diego Pride Parade on Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. This event is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and pride, and it has profoundly impacted members of our community, including SWC student Penelope Inouye.
“SWC’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community allows students to know that this is a safe place for everyone,” Inouye expressed, “It is important because my sibling and friends who identify as LGBTQ+ should feel comfortable attending school and just being on campus.”
Mark your calendars for these amazing events as we come together to honor and celebrate our diverse cultures. For more information check out our events calendar at www.swccd.edu/calendar.
Mark Sanchez, Ed.D. is Superintendent/President Southwestern College.
