Mission
The Racial Justice Center focuses on the success, completion, and retention of our students of color, specifically our Black, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native/Indigenous students, and students of two or more races. The Racial Justice Center will maintain, as part of its mission, the support of academic and cultural activities designed to promote and explore blackness, Latinx identity, equity, justice, and other progressive social change initiatives on campus and within the larger African and Latinx Diasporic communities.
- Centering student voices as a key part of the decision-making process.
- Empowering student voices by providing a safe space where community is encouraged.
- Promoting authentic dialogue within the campus community through the development of programming to improve race relations at SMC.
- Creating a space for students to organize, support, and promote social change initiatives on and off-campus.
- Fostering the exploration of intersectional identities.
- Encouraging participation, accountability, and commitment to action of allies.
- Identifying access to resources needed for academic achievement.
- Recognizing and challenging systemic and institutional inequities as it relates to race.
- Respecting the humanity of all people.
Find Your Community
We want to support everyone in our community by talking about what is important to you and by giving resources that can give you the help you need.
31st Annual Juneteenth
It's Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Solidarity Now & Beyond
SMC has put together resources to help students with financial relief during Covid-19
Not On Our Campus: No Hate SMC Campaign
As SMC’s Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery reminded us in a March 6 memo, this college is committed to inclusivity and diversity, and SMC prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment in any arena of college life. The fear and panic around the coronavirus have led to a spike in xenophobic, racist and discriminatory behavior, especially against individuals of Asian descent.
Social Media Activism
- Don't be silent on social media. Speak up. Use your platform to seek justice. If you are uncomfortable writing something yourself then repost someone else's words.
- When you donate, share the link on your social channels to inspire followers.
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Resharing photos or videos of protestors could get them in trouble with the law. Think carefully before reposting any video where law enforcement could I.D. someone.
Recordings From Past Events
The Room in the Corner: Finding Common Ground (Spring 2022)
The Room in the Corner: Sharing Your Story (Fall 2021)
Programs and Services
Processing the Verdict: Reflection, Healing, and Coming Together for Racial Justice
Response to the Derek Chauvin trial verdict handed down on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 20, 2021. These sessions are open to the entire SMC community: Students, Staff, Faculty, and Administrators are invited to join in this process.
Read more on resources and responses to the Derek Chauvin verdict
Ethnic Studies Programs
Programs in Ethnic Studies are designed to help students study different cultures and societies of the world. These programs include the study of the history, politics, religion, languages, and culture of different areas. The aim of Ethnic Studies programs is to broaden the awareness and understanding of one or more ethnic groups and their contribution to American culture.
Global Studies
Global Studies is a multi‐and interdisciplinary program designed to increase knowledge and understanding of the processes of globalization and their impacts on societies, cultures, and environments around the world. The Global Studies program provides the student with a knowledge of critical issues that affect their lives and community, as well as the affairs of other cultures, societies, and nations.
Student Support Services
Numerous student services are available at Santa Monica College to help students achieve their goals and add something extra to their college experience. These services and resources are designed to help students identify and move forward toward their personal, career, and educational objectives.
Contact the Racial Justice Center
Questions about the Racial Justice Center?
Contact: racialjusticecenter@smc.edu
Land Acknowledgement
The Student Equity Center's Racial Justice Center acknowledges our presence on ancestral
unceded territory of the Tongva or Gabrielino, Kizh, and Chumash peoples. We honor
the indigenous caretakers of these lands and their elders, past, present, and future.