Statements from President Starr

Pomona College will adhere to this latest court ruling surrounding affirmative action; we also remain committed to our values of diversity, equity and inclusion. The College will continue to seek applicants from all backgrounds.

This academic year, we at Pomona College have seen incidents of vandalism that raise deep concern, with a student’s Israeli flag cut in two and, most recently, a map in Oldenborg where the name of the state of Israel was removed.

Friday’s news of the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and eliminate federal protection of abortion rights is a critical moment for this country.

I am pleased to give you an update on the process for selecting Pomona’s next vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college.

I’m writing with an update on our response to the Campus Climate Survey conducted last year.

The Associated Students of Pomona College leadership voted to stop “categorical spending on items that knowingly support the Israeli occupation of Palestine or contributes to any companies on the aforementioned United Nations list.”

Let’s acknowledge the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd has been a painful experience for so many people across the world, no more so than for Mr. Floyd’s loved ones.

We are writing with good news: Construction of the new athletics, recreation and wellness center will begin in February, with completion expected in time for the Fall 2022 semester.

This isn’t over, not by a long shot. Jan. 6, 2021 was not the day time stopped; even though it may have felt that way. But it was a day when we were called to recognize something.

At this tense moment, while we are watching and waiting for the outcome of the US. election, I’m writing to connect with you about the days ahead.