Dear Campus Community,   

As we begin the spring quarter, we do so amid deeply troubling events at home and abroad. In a recent public post, the President of the United States wrote, “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”  Rhetoric that anticipates or normalizes the destruction of a people, their culture, and their history, particularly amid escalating threats of violence against Iran, stands in direct opposition to who we are as an institution and to our commitment to provide educational opportunity while expanding, celebrating, and learning from all human cultures.  While this rhetoric has already changed to a “two-week warning” these words still have impact. 

We want to be unequivocally clear: this college is home to Iranian faculty, staff, students, and community members. Iran and Iranian culture are part of the human community we value, protect, and learn from. To our Iranian community members, and to all who are affected by this moment: this is your space to learn, to work, and to be. You belong here.   

In a related effort to marginalize and erase lived experiences, the U.S. Department of Education has rescinded key Title IX protections for transgender-identified people. While Washington State has continued to provide more proactive and affirming support, this reversal at the federal level represents a deeply troubling retreat from the obligation to protect access, safety, and dignity in educational spaces. Such actions undermine the inclusive purpose of public education and signal whose identities and lives are deemed worthy of protection. At Shoreline we support the rights of our transgender students and staff and will continue to strive to provide an inclusive and safe learning and working environment for all. 

People often ask, “What can I do when these things happen in my community”? Often, the most meaningful place to start is with simple acts of care; checking in with a colleague, reaching out to a student, or being present for someone who may need support. 

One of Shoreline’s greatest strengths is the compassion and humanity of this community. In times marked by violence, uncertainty, and grief, that care matters. Our college is not only a place of learning, but a place where we can also hold space for one another with empathy and understanding. 

Should you or someone you know need support, please do not hesitate to connect with the following resources located below.  

CAMPUS RESOURCES 

Employees

Employees Assistance Program: Employees may access services and support at any time through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 877-313-4455 (as provided by the Diversity Equity Officers Commission). Their service is confidential and free. We urge you to keep this number readily available in the event you or a colleague need to lean into this level of support.   

EAP is available and here for you, should you or a family member want or need support.   

As a reminder, EAP offers the following:  

• Problem assessment and short-term counseling     
• Referrals to providers and community resources     
• Webinars   
• Critical Incident Response       

Employees are also encouraged to contact Shoreline’s CARE team should you identify a student in need of support.    

Students

Students may access the following services for support:    

• If you are experiencing distress related to this, please reach out to the Counseling Center for support.    
• In addition, for emergency counseling, referral, or assistance 24-hours/day and 7-days/week, please call:
  • King County: Crisis Connections (Crisis Line) | 866-427-4747
  • Snohomish County: Volunteers of America Care Crisis Response Services (Crisis Line) 800-584-3578
  • Lifeline Crisis Chat: Go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
  • Crisis Text Line: Text 741741     
  • 911 (for immediate health-related emergencies)    

Yours, 

Jack 

Jack Kahn, Ph.D.

President

Shoreline College