On November 6, 2024, members of BCAHE attended the Board of Trustees meeting to address administration’s decision to end the Diversity Caucus. The following is the BCAHE statement on the Diversity Caucus Listserv.

As the president of BCAHE, I’m here today with a number of faculty to ask for the immediate reinstatement of the Diversity Caucus listserv. On October 18, 2024, just four days after President May stated that “our mission is to foster an environment where every member of our community can think critically, share ideas, and develop their own perspectives,” the VP of DEI shut down the Diversity Caucus without prior notice or an opportunity for dialogue with its members.

Established 22 years ago in 2002 by BIPOC employees, the Diversity Caucus started as a grassroots initiative that was managed by BIPOC employees—not the administration. It predates the Office of DEI and the tenures of Dr. May and Dr. Grier, and is a vibrant community that is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus.

Our membership is diverse, and includes BIPOC, LGBTQIA, disabled, Jewish, and other marginalized communities, as well as allies and co-conspirators who seek to deepen their understanding of DEI issues. The Caucus serves as a forum for collaboration, advocacy, resource-sharing, and learning. It’s also a place where members celebrate each other’s accomplishments and provide support during challenging times. For many of those most marginalized on campus, the listserv is one of the few spaces where their voices are heard and valued.

Membership is voluntary, and the Caucus allows anyone interested to join or opt out if they choose. If any member violates Bellevue College policies, there are established procedures for addressing such issues without resorting to shutting down the entire listserv.

The Bellevue College administration states that it is committed to “restoring justice” on campus due to the many ways it has harmed members of the BC community, especially the BIPOC community. Silencing and censoring the voices of the Diversity Caucus members only perpetuates and deepens harm and mistrust. It also isolates and disconnects members of the Caucus during a time when community connection is greatly needed on campus.

We urge you to immediately reinstate the Diversity Caucus listserv and prevent similar censorship and unilateral decisions in the future.

Thank you to all the members who contributed and stood in solidarity by attending, encouraging others to attend, wearing a BCAHE scarf or shirt, and more.