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More than 60 students, faculty and staff joined a discussion, Tuesday, Nov. 25, on topics surrounding the events in Ferguson, Mo.

The Shoreline Community College Student Leadership Center, along with members of the Equity and Social Justice faculty members, hosted the event prompted by the Monday, Nov. 24 decision by a grand jury to not charge a police officer in the August shooting death of Michael Brown, an 18-year-old Ferguson resident.

Shoreline faculty member Ernest Johnson introduced the topic and focused remarks on systemic racism, violence against young black men and related concerns with the current law enforcement system. Although the event was brought about by what has happened in Ferguson, the main discussion was not about the grand-jury ruling, but rather where society can go from here.

After Johnson spoke, the event was opened for comments and dialogue and many of those in attendance shared thoughts, concerns and opinions with a number of emotional stories surrounding this charged topic.

College official are encouraging discussions to focus on feelings and what can be done to constructively support students and staff as the nation continues to struggle with difficult issues. For those in distress, assistance is available at Advising & Counseling in Room 5229,  206-546-4559 and www.shoreline.edu/counseling.

The Student Leadership Center has raised more than 200 food items for students in need during this Thanksgiving week. If you know a student in need please pass along to them that they can visit the SLC on Wednesday, Nov. 26 and speak with someone about receiving food items.

Shoreline’s campus will be closed on Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday. The college will resume normal hours on Saturday.

The Library will be open at its normal hours on Saturday and Sunday. The Gym will only be open for the women’s basketball game on Saturday at 4 p.m.

Hayley Warren was recently voted Baden Women’s Soccer Athlete of the Year by the NWAC coaches.  Warren had recently been named Northern Region MVP for her conference-leading 26 goals.  She also had 8 assists while leading the Dolphins to a second round playoff appearance.

Read more on the sports news site.

In the wake of the grand jury decision in Ferguson, Missouri, our communities and our country are experiencing turbulence. Shoreline Community College students and staff will be impacted by this to varying degrees. Individuals may experience a variety of emotions as they process this event. It is critical to remember that the college supports ensuring a safe and respectful environment for learning and teaching. Discussions should be encouraged to focus on feelings and what we can do constructively to support students and staff as the nation continues to struggle with difficult issues. For those in distress, assistance is available at Advising & Counseling in Room 5229,  206-546-4559 and www.shoreline.edu/counseling.