Trustee Update - November Governing Board Meeting Re-cap
The Palomar College Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, November 5 for its regular monthly meeting. Normally, the Board meets on the first Tuesday of each month, but this meeting was moved to avoid Election Day.
📄 You can review the full agenda here: Board Agenda – November 5
Public Comment & Campus Climate
For the third consecutive meeting, public comment focused on the Board’s decision to delete Board Policy 3000: Anti-Discrimination.
Several students and staff spoke about a growing sense of insecurity on campus, especially among students of color. The Telescope, our student newspaper, recently published an OpEd entitled “Our Students Deserve Protection not Silence” expressing these concerns and connecting them to recent Board actions and social media statements. This fear isn’t new. Earlier this year, Dreamer students attended Board meetings, silently holding signs asking for support and protection. Today, that anxiety has only deepened.
I can only imagine the fear experienced by Dreamer students or those with undocumented family members. Living with the daily fear of your life being upended at any moment must be frightening and exhausting. At the very least, our students deserve compassion and reassurance from those elected to serve them.
With 52% of Palomar students identifying as Hispanic, we are — and must act as — a Hispanic-Serving Institution regardless of Federal Designation or funding. That designation must mean more than words; it should guide how we treat and support our students every single day. Because if our students feel like we are failing them, we are.
Farewell to Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey
The meeting also focused on the upcoming departure of Superintendent/President Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey, who will leave Palomar on November 30 to become Assistant Chancellor and Provost at Riverside Community College.
I’m the last remaining Board member who took part in her hiring in 2021. I still remember her authenticity, passion, and the way she connected with every group she met. The Board was unanimous in its decision — and she has more than delivered on every expectation.
During her tenure, Dr. Rivera-Lacey guided Palomar through extraordinary times — our return to campus post-COVID, strengthening financial stability, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, expanding enrollment, and keeping the college’s focus squarely on student success.
Leadership always invites criticism, but it’s essential to remember the years of dedicated service that have strengthened this college. Navigating a Board with diverse, often opposing values requires skill, integrity, and courage— qualities Dr. Rivera-Lacey has shown consistently.
I’m happy for Dr. Rivera-Lacey as she begins this exciting new opportunity — Riverside is fortunate to have her — and sad for Palomar, as we lose an exceptional leader, mentor, and friend.
Thank you, Dr. Rivera-Lacey, for your vision, compassion, and years of service to our students. It’s been a privilege to work alongside you. Gracias.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed on this blog are solely my own and do not reflect the official policy, position, or views of Palomar College, the Palomar College Board, or any other affiliated organization. All content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as representing the views of Palomar College or its governing board.
