By Dr. Jose Fierro
Every year, Cerritos College serves over 1,800 Black or African American students who come here to build their futures. Ensuring these students have equitable access and opportunities is not only our responsibility but also our mission. We proudly support Senate Bill 1348, landmark legislation that seeks to establish a state-level designation for Black-serving institutions of higher education.
With 86% of our students identifying as people of color, advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is essential for increasing success rates among Black, first-generation, and underrepresented students. Our faculty, staff, and administration are dedicated to supporting Black students through equity-minded practices, learning communities, and advocacy groups.
In the 2021-22 academic year, we took a significant step forward by eliminating remedial education courses, thus increasing access to transfer-level coursework. This change ensures that all students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, have the opportunity to succeed at the college level. The Campaign for College Opportunity recognized this effort by naming Cerritos College a 2023 Equity Champion.
Programs like the Umoja Success Program, the Black/Africana Studies Department, and the Black Excellence Collaborative are cornerstones of our commitment. They provide academic support, foster personal growth, and advocate for equity. The Falcon’s Nest, our basic needs center, exemplifies our dedication to holistic student support. For instance, Ebony Lewis, who moved her family from Victorville to Lakewood to pursue her education at Cerritos College, received rent assistance and affordable on-campus childcare through our support services. Today, she holds associate degrees in business management and real estate, a certificate of achievement in business essentials, and is a licensed realtor.
Senate Bill 1348 is a crucial step toward recognizing and supporting institutions that excel in serving Black students. By endorsing this bill, we advocate for increased resources and visibility for Black-serving institutions, which will benefit our students and set a precedent for other institutions.
I urge readers to support SB 1348 and champion similar initiatives that drive equity in education. Together, we can create environments where Black students are not only welcomed but truly thrive and belong.
Dr. Jose Fierro is the president/superintendent of Cerritos College in Norwalk, California.
1 Comment
What a load of crap. Everybody has always had the opportunity to excel in higher learning regardless of race. Those WHO chose to APPLY themselves with a GOAL of achieving higher learning. If black, brown, or whoever had a lower level of people not filling those seats it’s because they didn’t put in the work to achieve it. There are MANY very successful people of color and heritage in this country. Alot actually. But those are the ones that worked VERY hard and from the beginning determined they were gonna be something, nothing was handed to them, they had to work hard and show up. They made it and became successful from that hard work. Those that don’t make it are the ones that give up when work gets too boring or tedious and things are not happening as fast as they want it to. The ones that don’t push themselves to these standards fall off. It’s no secret that our people (yes I’m a minority as well) Don’t take education as serious as other communities, some even less than others. But If we don’t instil in our kids the importance of education and let them run the streets bcuz our family runs the streets then we curse them to be the same. And black communities, well mostly poor black communities I should say are all about that thug life. They don’t give a crap about school or no education and that’s why they don’t succeed. They don’t care about it. Alot of poor brown communities are exactly the same. Giving handouts and more opportunities isn’t the answer, you don’t appreciate what u don’t work hard to achieve. The opportunities are already there, but u gotta get off your but and go get it and that’s where the issue with them lay. The want handouts and they will abuse it if they get it. Nobody wants unqualified people working important jobs. And those who don’t work hard to get those jobs don’t deserve to work. You aren’t owed a living just because your alive. Your owed a living because you worked to get the skills that make you an asset to that field. Taking opportunities away from those who worked hard to get there just to give it to someone who didn’t work as hard is ridiculous, outrageous and in some fields outright dangerous. And has no place or business In a functioning society. Perhaps an island with tribes living in the wilderness is more suited for those people who still choose to live like animals.