More than 60 students, faculty and staff joined a discussion, Tuesday, Nov. 25, on topics surrounding the events in Ferguson, Mo.
The Shoreline Community College Student Leadership Center, along with members of the Equity and Social Justice faculty members, hosted the event prompted by the Monday, Nov. 24 decision by a grand jury to not charge a police officer in the August shooting death of Michael Brown, an 18-year-old Ferguson resident.
Shoreline faculty member Ernest Johnson introduced the topic and focused remarks on systemic racism, violence against young black men and related concerns with the current law enforcement system. Although the event was brought about by what has happened in Ferguson, the main discussion was not about the grand-jury ruling, but rather where society can go from here.
After Johnson spoke, the event was opened for comments and dialogue and many of those in attendance shared thoughts, concerns and opinions with a number of emotional stories surrounding this charged topic.
College official are encouraging discussions to focus on feelings and what can be done to constructively support students and staff as the nation continues to struggle with difficult issues. For those in distress, assistance is available at Advising & Counseling in Room 5229, 206-546-4559 and www.shoreline.edu/counseling.