Monday, June 9, 2025
Dear West Valley Community,
I hope this message finds you surrounded by support and strength during what I know are incredibly challenging days. Our hearts are heavy as we write to acknowledge the recent immigration enforcement operations that have taken place across Los Angeles (LA), and the deep pain and angst they have caused for many of us. Over the past weekend, protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement in LA have resulted in National Guard troops being called up against the wishes of our Governor. We have witnessed federal immigration raids followed by community protests that have brought both resilience and collective anguish into sharp focus. We recognize the profound impact these events have on friends, families, and everyone who calls the LA community home and/or their own.
For those directly affected by these operations—whether you are facing uncertainty about loved ones or feeling the weight of watching your community under siege—please know that you are not alone. Your presence here matters. Your families deserve safety, dignity, and peace.
We are stronger when we stand together, and that has never been more important than it is today. We choose to stand with our community. We choose to extend compassion to those who are afraid. We choose to believe that our shared humanity is stronger than the forces that seek to divide us.
Please take care of yourselves and each other. The district offers 24/7 Claremont EAP confidential assistance from licensed counselors to help resolve personal issues and enhance your well-being. Reach out if you need support and know that this difficult chapter does not define us—how we care for one another does.
With solidarity and hope,
WVC Executive Leadership Team:
Dr. Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, President
Dr. Tanya Anderson Jones-Bey, Vice President of Student Affairs
Anthony Djedi, Vice President of Administrative Services
Dr. Shusaku Horibe, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness & Research
Dr. Joshua Moon Johnson, Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs