Statements/Messages from President Starr

We write to provide an update on the ongoing conversations between members of the Black Student Union and members of the administration concerning anti-Black racism on campus. We also write to share next steps and additional community resources.

We are very pleased to share news about our progress toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Thanks to a new agreement alongside our partners in The Claremont Colleges, we will soon be transitioning to 100% zero-emission renewable electricity.

I write to share news about a transition at the Rick and Susan Sontag Center for Collaborative Creativity (“the Hive”) this summer. Fred Leichter, the Hive’s founding director, has decided to step back from leading the Center, effective June 30.

As we move through this key stretch of the academic year—recitals, exhibits, presentations, the gubernatorial debate, Alumni Weekend, finals and Commencement—I want to take this opportunity to share some updates from on and off campus.

It is my pleasure to share with you that our Board of Trustees formally approved investing in the creation of the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) when they met last week.

I am pleased to announce that on Tuesday, April 28, Pomona will host a live debate featuring the top candidates to be the next governor of California.

A brief update on a few major institutional initiatives underway.

Today, we formally launch our campus climate survey—now open to all students, faculty and staff through March 6. I encourage you to make your voices heard by completing the survey.

Thank you to the more than 180 students, faculty and staff who attended the open campus forum last Tuesday to discuss the potential partnership between the College and Claremont Graduate University.

As the spring semester gets underway, it is wonderful to experience the fresh energy of campus life. I share here some of the major developments ahead.