Associate Imperial Valley College history professor Lisa Solomon has been designated as primary point of contact to address the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, faculty and other staff at the college, according to a press release.
Solomon was named to the voluntary, unpaid position by the IVC board in May as the result of state legislation (AB 620) implemented earlier this year that requested the California State University System, the University of California and the community college system to make such designations.
The intent of the new law, authored by Assemblyman Marty Block, D-Lemon Grove, was to ensure that gay and transgender students get the services they need in California’s higher education system.
Solomon said she offered to take to the role after noting a need on campus.
“Since my arrival at IVC as a member of the full-time faculty, several other faculty members have referred students who identify as part of the LGBTQ community to me to better discuss their issues and concerns,” Solomon said.
She said that a number of them had told her they had difficulty in finding who on campus they can speak to.
In addition to maintaining contact information on the IVC Web site and student portal, Solomon also will serve as the IVC’s community and media contact person regarding this issue.
She will look into reports of homophobic-based discrimination and/or harassment on campus and collect data regarding those instances. Solomon also will work with human resources to develop and present training on the subject as well as improve the level of understanding of the needs and concerns of the LGBTQ community on camps.
Solomon can be reached through June 22 at 760-355-6453 and at 760-604-8908 after that time.
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