Pain in our community: a message from the Cabinet Leadership Team

May 29, 2020

As members of the Cabinet Leadership Team at Anoka-Ramsey Community College and Anoka Technical College, each one of us is deeply saddened and concerned for our community following the death of George Floyd and the aftermath that continues in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The enormity of this moment is painful and traumatic for our entire state, especially our communities of color. The news coverage and horrific images leave us feeling grief, anguish, and anger. It is difficult to put words to the intensity of these emotions and to the deep sorrow that echoes across our community, but we want to remind you that you are not alone in this time of tragedy. Let us stand alongside one another to reaffirm our values of caring, mutual respect, and of equity and inclusion.

As an institution of higher learning, we have an obligation and a responsibility to educate our community to dismantle racism and racial inequality in our society. This calls for us to provide and implement a curriculum that explores and addresses the issues of systemic racism, equity, and inclusion. It also obligates us to confront practices and policies within our own institution that fail to promote equity and inclusion.

We are also committed to creating an environment of inclusion where everyone is valued and has a sense of belonging. We will work to confront and eliminate the systemic and systematic barriers racism has created, and to earn the trust of our community in order to re-shape and re-create a culture of accountability. This work of equity and inclusion will be challenging. It will require each of us working together.

We believe it is important for us to create safe spaces for dialogue and connection. In the coming days, we will be organizing virtual conversations for our students, faculty and staff. More information will be sent via official college email as these events are scheduled. Students, faculty and staff should check their email for information about additional resources.

As colleges, we will continue to offer support, advocacy, and resources to our entire Anoka-Ramsey Community College and Anoka Technical College Communities. As a Cabinet Leadership Team, we stand as One Voice, committed to providing a welcoming and safe environment for all, while showing mutual concern and respect for one another. Each member of our college community is valued and respected. Please take good care of yourselves, and of one another.

Take care and be safe,

Kent Hanson President Anoka-Ramsey Community College Anoka Technical College		Elaina Bleifield Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Anoka Technical College
Steve Crittenden Interim Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Anoka-Ramsey Community College		Don Lewis Vice President of Finance and Administration Anoka-Ramsey Community College Anoka Technical College
Jamie Barthel Executive Director, Professional and Workforce Training, Foundations Anoka-Ramsey Community College Anoka Technical College		Mary Jacobson Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Anoka-Ramsey Community College Anoka Technical College
Richard Malott Interim Chief Information Officer Anoka-Ramsey Community College Anoka Technical College		Jay Nelson Director of Human Resources Anoka-Ramsey Community College Anoka Technical College
Marsais Broadway Interim Dean of Student Affairs, Cambridge Anoka-Ramsey Community College		Lisa Harris Dean of Student Affairs, Coon Rapids Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Sean Johns Dean of Student Affairs Anoka Technical College		Jessica Medearis Special Assistant to the President Anoka-Ramsey Community College Anoka Technical College