Recent violent protests at UCLA are causing deep concern and raising pertinent questions about the sanctity of academic institutions.
Previously, I was the Executive Director of Autism Speaks, and my main motivation was my autistic niece. Despite suffering from severe developmental delays and a speech impediment as a child, he is now preparing to attend college at Northwestern University on a scholarship. I'm very proud of her, but she's also very nervous. I think many families with children in our universities are feeling similar tensions.
These issues and events that we are witnessing at UCLA, to be fair, are also seen at other institutions across the country, but they strike at the core of our educational values.
Students in education need a safe and respectful environment in which to learn. Unfortunately, recent events have highlighted the chaos, intimidation, and lawlessness orchestrated by fringe groups funded by extremist groups with troubled agendas. It is essential that these actions have consequences to ensure that freedom of speech and expression, a key pillar of our democracy, is protected for everyone.
During my time on the Higher Education Commission, I had many interactions with principals and leaders from various educational systems. It has become clear that our campuses and universities are more than just places of learning; they belong to all Californians and serve the common good. This recognition underscores the need for university leaders to be held accountable in the face of challenges such as unchecked extremism, suppression of free speech, and rising racist and anti-Semitic sentiment. Masu.
In light of recent events, you may be tempted to lose faith in higher education. But education remains the foundation of progress for families, communities, and future generations. Institutions like CalArts, College of the Canyons, Antelope Valley Community College, and Masters College play a vital role in shaping our intellectual landscape. Additionally, we advocate for the establishment of an independent California State University, High Desert, in line with the economic development of areas such as the Santa Clarita Valley and Antelope Valley. The university has been championed by Sen. Scott Wilk for many years and we are now grateful that he will support us in continuing his cause.
However, our focus on education is not limited to traditional methods. While K-12 education remains fundamental, career technical education must also be prioritized and strengthened. CTE provides young people with the practical skills and apprenticeships they need to succeed in a variety of industries, including film, technology, health care, and the trades. Community colleges, represented by institutions like COC, play a vital role in closing these skills gaps and promoting workforce readiness.
As a member of the California State Legislature representing this region, I am committed to improving community college access through legislation such as the College and Career Access Pathways Partnership, which facilitates a seamless transition for high school students to community college CTE programs. Voted to expand and develop. Assembly Bill 102 of 2022 received significant bipartisan support and was ultimately signed into law by the Governor. These efforts highlight the work that is important to me and many others: preparing students not only for college but also for meaningful careers that align with the demands of an evolving industry and economy.
As the debate over traditional four-year colleges continues, we must not overlook the vital role of community colleges and CTE programs in shaping the workforce. By investing in these educational pathways, we empower the next generation of workers and cultivate a dynamic and inclusive workforce that reflects California's diversity and innovation.
Suzette Martínez Validares is a former Santa Clarita congresswoman, wife, mother of a girl, and avid do-it-yourselfer, and a member of Signal's “Right”, which rotates among local Republicans on Saturdays. He is also a monthly contributor to “Here Right Now''.
