PRESS RELEASE: PFF Denounces Palomar College Governing Board’s Decision Regarding the Land Acknowledgement at Meetings

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Palomar Faculty Federation, AFT 6161, Denounces Palomar College Governing Board’s Decision Regarding the Land Acknowledgement at Meetings

San Marcos, CA - April 11, 2025 - The Palomar Faculty Federation (PFF), AFT 6161, strongly condemns the Palomar College Governing Board’s recent decision to rescind the reading of a Land Acknowledgement at the beginning of meetings, a practice that recognized the Indigenous peoples and communities whose ancestral lands the College occupies.

On April 8, 2025, in front of a standing-room-only audience and following passionate public comments in favor of the Land Acknowledgement, Governing Board members Jacqueline Kaiser, Yvette Acosta, and Holly Hamilton-Bleakley voted to eliminate the practice of publicly acknowledging the land of the Luiseño, Cupeño, Cahuilla, and Kuméyaay peoples — the original stewards of the land on which Palomar College stands.

In response to the decision, Palomar College’s American Indian Studies Department issued a statement. The department reflected that “The Board’s decision is disheartening and contradicts many of the opinions expressed at the meeting. More than just regrettable, this non-courageous act sends an important message: even a symbolic gesture, like a Land Acknowledgement, can threaten a fragile sense of authority and control. These kinds of acts remind us that California Indians have endured centuries of erasure and dispossession in their homeland. The reluctance (in the name of “efficiency”) of a few elected officials to acknowledge that Indians were here first, perpetuates this embattlement but also spotlights the unwavering resiliency and continued presence of the Luiseño, Kumeyaay, Cupeño, and Cahuilla people who continue to call this place home.” 

PFF Co-President Will Dalrymple said, “When these new board members make their decision without any input from the tribes Palomar collaborated with to write the Acknowledgment; when students, faculty, staff, and Palomar’s tribal liaison speak unanimously in support of the Acknowledgment; it makes you wonder what community these board members are actually serving.”

“I agree with Trustee Roberto Rodriguez that the Governing Board's action here could be 'the tip of the spear' of attacks on Palomar College's inclusive policies,” said PFF Co-President Lawrence Hamilton Lawson. “It's up to all of us to stand up for our College's values, its students and employees, and our community.”

This is a concerning step backwards in the college’s commitment to Indigenous peoples. By rescinding the reading of the Land Acknowledgement, the Board disrespects the Native American community and undermines the college’s principles and mission statement. Truly inclusive institutions must reflect, respect, recognize, and be in solidarity with its community, as well as honor their own missions.

Contact:

Debbie Forward

Executive Director,

Palomar Faculty Federation

Phone: 760-803-4973

Email: debbieforward1@gmail.com

About Palomar Faculty Federation, AFT 6161

Palomar Faculty Federation, AFT 6161, has represented Palomar Community College’s full- and part-time faculty, together, since 2001.

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