GHC Supports Our Students and Staff

Posted on: Dec, 5, 2016

Grays Harbor College Logo

Dear Grays Harbor College Students, Faculty, and Staff,

In the aftermath of the recent elections and the rhetoric heard during the embattled campaigns, it is little wonder that many of our students, as well as some of our staff, are dealing with feelings of anxiety as well as confusion as to what to expect.  Whether one is pleased with the election results or disappointed, no one should be ridiculed for how they voted.  The Board of Trustees and the College President want to make it very clear that Grays Harbor College will remain committed to our values:

  • Access to educational opportunities 
  • Success for students, faculty and staff
  • Excellence in programs, practices and principles
  • Respect for diversity of people, ideas, culture and the environment
  • Effective and efficient use of resources.

GHC will continue to offer access to educational opportunities in a safe learning environment for all students, regardless of immigration status, political affiliations, and as found in our equal opportunity employment statement: “this shall be provided to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, genetics or veteran status.”  No matter who you are, you belong here; it is safe to be you.  We stand together as a college community in this commitment to respect one another, even when we disagree.   

In our 86th year, GHC is committed to the success of all students, faculty, and staff, and will continue to provide a safe learning, teaching, and work environment respectful of every member of our college community.

In the pursuit of excellence in our programs, practices, and principles, GHC endeavors to prepare students to thrive in the diverse settings they will find when transferring to a university, entering the workforce, or serving their community in the rapidly changing world we find around us.  This commitment remains at the heart of our mission and directs everything we do.

As an institution of higher education we are committed to academic freedom and the First Amendment right of free speech.  We encourage and support the open examination and civil, respectful discussion of people, ideas, concepts, cultures, and the environment.   To achieve this as a college community, it is the personal responsibility of each and every one of us to respect both our differences and our similarities. 

GHC receives a significant amount of funding from state and federal sources and is committed to complying with state and federal laws; however, within the limits of the law we shall protect the privacy of our students and their right to have the opportunity to better their lives through quality education. 

GHC remains a college that has zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, bullying, or hate aimed at harming members of our college community.  If you experience discrimination or observe another member of our college community being victimized, please call the Diversity and Equity Center at 538-4247 or report it to a faculty or staff member as soon as possible.  We must be vigilant in supporting our students and staff in this or any other time.

Sincerely,
President Jim Minkler and Grays Harbor College Board of Trustees