Name Kemper Development Company Kemper Holdings LLC Kemper Freeman Kemper Freeman Kemper Holdings LLC Kemper Freeman Kemper Holdings LLC Gift Date 1/24/2020 6/7/2019 9/25/2018 4/28/2017 4/21/2017 5/1/2013 2/7/2013 Gift Amount $250.00 $10,000.00 $500.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 Megan Balka From: Sent: To: Subject: Donna Sullivan Wednesday, August 8, 2018 7:58 AM Gayle Barge; Rebecca Chawgo FW: Please Reply - RE: Bellevue College - President Weber meeting request FYI – Kemper Freeman is coming to meet Dr. Weber, August 14, at 3:30 pm.    From: Barbara Catt    Sent: Tuesday, August 7, 2018 1:55 PM  To: Donna Sullivan   Subject: RE: Please Reply ‐ RE: Bellevue College ‐ President Weber meeting request    Donna,  Kemper will come out to the college for the meeting.  Please provide parking/directions to office.    Thank you,  Barb      From: Donna Sullivan    Sent: Monday, August 06, 2018 6:46 PM  To: Barbara Catt   Subject: RE: Please Reply ‐ RE: Bellevue College ‐ President Weber meeting request    Hi Barb,    Checking back in.  Would you please let me know where Mr. Freeman would like to meet President Weber on August 14  at 3:30 pm?    Thank you so much.    Donna she/her  425‐564‐2302    From: Donna Sullivan   Sent: Thursday, August 2, 2018 9:35 AM  To: Barbara Catt   Subject: RE: Please Reply ‐ RE: Bellevue College ‐ President Weber meeting request    Thank you, Barb.  August 14 at 3:30 pm would work well for a meeting in the President’s Office at Bellevue College or  anywhere that is convenient for Mr. Freeman.      Please let me know what is best and I will send a calendar invitation.    Thanks again.    Donna 1 Donna Sullivan  she/her  President’s Office  425‐564‐2302  donna.sullivan@bellevuecollege.edu      From: Barbara Catt    Sent: Wednesday, August 1, 2018 10:46 AM  To: Donna Sullivan   Subject: RE: Please Reply ‐ RE: Bellevue College ‐ President Weber meeting request    Donna,  Kemper is available on August 9th any time between 10:00 AM & 4:00 PM.  After 2:00 PM on the 14th.  At 1:00 PM on the 15th.    Barbara Catt  Executive Assistant  Kemper Development Company  The Bellevue Collection   Bellevue Square  Lincoln Square  Bellevue Place  425‐460‐5822 office 425‐460‐5823 fax  barbara.catt@kemperdc.com  www.bellevuecollection.com           From: Donna Sullivan    Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2018 10:40 AM  To: Barbara Catt   Subject: FW: Please Reply ‐ RE: Bellevue College ‐ President Weber meeting request    Good morning Barbara,    I am just checking back in on this request from President Weber to schedule a meeting with Mr. Freeman.  Would you  please let me know Mr. Freeman’s availability over the next two weeks or so and we will work around his  schedule?  President Weber is open to early mornings or after business hours.    Thank you,    Donna Sullivan she/her  Executive Assistant to the President   Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue, WA 98007  425‐564‐2302  donna.sullivan@bellevuecollege.edu  2     From: Donna Sullivan   Sent: Monday, July 23, 2018 8:55 AM  To: 'bcatt@kemperfreeman.com'   Subject: Bellevue College ‐ President Weber meeting request    Good morning Barbara,    President Weber of Bellevue College asked me to reach out to you to coordinate a meeting with Mr. Freeman.    Following are some dates/times that might work well, but I can reschedule meetings on the calendar as needed to  accommodate Mr. Freeman’s availability.  President Weber would be willing to meet early morning for breakfast, after  business hours or even on a Saturday if that would be more convenient for Mr. Freeman’s schedule.    Monday, July 30, anytime 7:30 am – 11:00 am or after 5:00 pm  Tuesday, July 31, 7:30 – 9:00 am or anytime after 3:30 pm  Wednesday, August 1, 11:00 am – 1:30 pm or 3:00 – 5:00 pm  Thursday, August 2, OPEN  Friday August 3, anytime after 10:00 am    Please let me know if any of these will work for Mr. Freeman’s schedule, or provide some alternative dates/times and I  will try to make it work for President Weber.    Thank you so much for your kind assistance.    Donna Sullivan Executive Assistant to the President and Board of Trustees  Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue, WA 98007  425‐564‐2302  donna.sullivan@bellevuecollege.edu      3 From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Brenda Ivelisse President"s Cabinet Fw: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced Thursday, February 20, 2020 5:15:07 PM Outlook-cid_image0.png Outlook-1pfismin.png FYI Dr. B __________________________________________________________ Brenda Ivelisse, Ph.D. Associate Vice President for Student Affairs (she/her/hers/ella) Academic and Student Affairs 425-564-2206 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, B231B Bellevue, WA 98007 b.ivelisse@bellevuecollege.edu     Report a concern at www.bellevuecollege.edu/reportconcerns This email and any files transmitted may contain confidential information as protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. §1232g and/or Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2510-2521.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution is prohibited. Furthermore, if you are not the intended recipient, please notify me immediately by telephone or return email and completely delete this message from your system.  Chat with me! From: Blaise Mitsutama Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2020 4:10 PM To: Leslie Lum ; Diversity Caucus Subject: RE: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced Sadly, we’re living in a time that shows there is no guaranteed permanence to the principle of accepting all people as equal “with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” A few years ago, I had complacently believed we had moved closer to this ideal as a nation. Every day now I see that we can never be complacent.   “Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. When change is absolute there remains no being to improve and no direction is set for possible improvement: and when experience is not retained, as among savages, infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”  -- George Santayana, Vol. I, Reason in Common Sense.   Blaise   From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2020 3:55 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   A part of the art installation “Never Again is Now” was defaced. The whited-out words are: “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.”   The role that Miller Freeman played in driving the Japanese out of Bellevue and the Pacific Northwest was well documented in David Neiwert’s book Strawberry Days.   Here is the exhibit in the LMC which shows his writing and Dave Neiwart’s analysis that it led to Washington State Alien Land Laws which prevented noncitizens from owning land. This coupled with the national exclusion laws which prevented Asians from becoming citizens effectively precluded Asians from participating significant economic activity.     “It is my personal view, as a citizen, that the time has arrived for plain speech on this question. I am for a white man’s Pacific coast. I am for the Japanese on their own side of the fence. I not only favor stopping all further immigration, but believe this government should approach Japan with the view to working out a gradual system of deportation of old Japanese now here.” Miller Freeman – July 26, 1919   Freeman’s campaign fueled passage of several pieces of anti-immigrant legislation on the state level, primarily an “Alien Land Law,” prohibiting property ownership by “aliens ineligible for citizenship.” (Asian immigrants were forbidden from naturalization at the time.)—David Neiwert   Leslie Lum Professor Business Transfer Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue WA 98007   From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Jerry Weber A thought Friday, February 21, 2020 5:12:57 AM Dr. Weber, Do you think that an alternative could be to delete the name, keep the intent of the sentence and have that reinstalled? Sorry for the early morning message. Thank you. Gayle Sent from my iPad From: To: Subject: Date: ChrisP Anderson Nicole Beattie; Gayle Barge Cover Story: Kemper Freeman Jr. Seattle Business Magazine Friday, February 21, 2020 9:46:31 AM Dr. Barge, Here is a link to the Seattle Business Mag article mentioning Miller Freeman: https://seattlebusinessmag.com/article/cover-story-kemper-freeman-jr Here is the quote from the article: “Miller Freeman was a controversial man who railed against Japanese immigrants and organized associations as early as 1916 that targeted Japanese Americans. But David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days, says there is no evidence to support the belief that Freeman benefited from the relocation of Japanese Americans to internment camps during World War II. It was from a prominent white landowner that Freeman bought the 10 acres of land that his son, Kemper Sr., used to build a shopping center in 1946.” Additionally, excerpts in the book Strawberry Days (link: https://seattle.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2289679030_strawberry_days), include the following about Miller (Strawberry Days is a sympathetic telling of how internment destroyed a Japanese American Community) : Passage discusses Miller Freeman purchasing property from James Ditty. “Kemper Freeman, the second son of Miller Freeman and, by 1945, chair of the Overlake School District board, spearheaded those plans. He had begun buying property along Main Street in the 1940s, but what he had in mind was a major development. He traveled to other cities in the West and Midwest, looking over the new brand of large shopping centers that were springing up in suburbs elsewhere. He obtained the key property for his idea through his father, Miller Freeman. James Ditty, the city father who had first envisioned Bellevue as a city, offered in writing to sell Miller Freeman a tract of land on the southwest corner of 104th Avenue and Northeast 8th Street for $40,000, but Freeman thought the price was too high and turned him down. Before the 30-day limit on the offer expired, though, Kemper persuaded his father to proceed with the deal, figuring that the price would only go up in negotiations. Ditty apparently realized his mistake and tried to back out of the offer, but was bound by the letter. Kemper Freeman took over the property, and by mid-June 1945, excavation began on his envisioned shopping center. He obtained expedited approval for the center, despite a shortage of wartime building materials, because federal officials thought the center plans, which included a movie theater, would provide entertainment for soldiers and workers at the nearby shipyard in Kirkland.” (pg. 215)   Passage discusses property being leased to Japanese farmers, not owned. “The Japanese farmers who had cleared the land actually owned very little of what they farmed, since laws and economics prohibited them from doing so. Of the 60 or so families in Bellevue at the time of the evacuation, only 13 were landowners. As they trickled back to the Puget Sound area, beginning in early 1945 and through mid-1946, only those lucky enough to have bought property before the war found the door still open in Bellevue. Many of the white landowners who had leased to Japanese farmers before the ware decided, after watching the land sit fallow for four years, not to put the lands back to use as farms. They had other plans. "If we didn't own the land, then we couldn't come back," said Alan Yabuki, whose family owned a greenhouse in the Yarrow Point area. "They had designs on the property; they probably knew it was going to be developed. There was no sense in trying to come back." (pg. 216)   All of this is done not to mitigate how terrible Japanese internment was or how much it affected, and continues to affect, Japanese-Americans and the Japanese community in the area. This is done to make sure that, as an institute of higher education, Bellevue College present facts, not opinions or beliefs.   Please let me know if you need anything else,   Chris Anderson   Digital Marketing and Communications Manager Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2777 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, A101 Bellevue, Washington 98007 www.bellevuecollege.edu www.facebook.com/bellevuecollege   From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge ChrisP Anderson; Nicole Beattie RE: Cover Story: Kemper Freeman Jr. Seattle Business Magazine Friday, February 21, 2020 10:17:00 AM Thank you very much.   Best, Gayle   From: ChrisP Anderson Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 9:46 AM To: Nicole Beattie ; Gayle Barge Subject: Cover Story: Kemper Freeman Jr. Seattle Business Magazine   Dr. Barge, Here is a link to the Seattle Business Mag article mentioning Miller Freeman: https://seattlebusinessmag.com/article/cover-story-kemper-freeman-jr Here is the quote from the article: “Miller Freeman was a controversial man who railed against Japanese immigrants and organized associations as early as 1916 that targeted Japanese Americans. But David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days, says there is no evidence to support the belief that Freeman benefited from the relocation of Japanese Americans to internment camps during World War II. It was from a prominent white landowner that Freeman bought the 10 acres of land that his son, Kemper Sr., used to build a shopping center in 1946.” Additionally, excerpts in the book Strawberry Days (link: https://seattle.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2289679030_strawberry_days), include the following about Miller (Strawberry Days is a sympathetic telling of how internment destroyed a Japanese American Community) : Passage discusses Miller Freeman purchasing property from James Ditty. “Kemper Freeman, the second son of Miller Freeman and, by 1945, chair of the Overlake School District board, spearheaded those plans. He had begun buying property along Main Street in the 1940s, but what he had in mind was a major development. He traveled to other cities in the West and Midwest, looking over the new brand of large shopping centers that were springing up in suburbs elsewhere. He obtained the key property for his idea through his father, Miller Freeman. James Ditty, the city father who had first envisioned Bellevue as a city, offered in writing to sell Miller Freeman a tract of land on the southwest corner of 104th Avenue and Northeast 8th Street for $40,000, but Freeman thought the price was too high and turned him down. Before the 30-day limit on the offer expired, though, Kemper persuaded his father to proceed with the deal, figuring that the price would only go up in negotiations. Ditty apparently realized his mistake and tried to back out of the offer, but was bound by the letter. Kemper Freeman took over the property, and by mid-June 1945, excavation began on his envisioned shopping center. He obtained expedited approval for the center, despite a shortage of wartime building materials, because federal officials thought the center plans, which included a movie theater, would provide entertainment for soldiers and workers at the nearby shipyard in Kirkland.” (pg. 215)   Passage discusses property being leased to Japanese farmers, not owned. “The Japanese farmers who had cleared the land actually owned very little of what they farmed, since laws and economics prohibited them from doing so. Of the 60 or so families in Bellevue at the time of the evacuation, only 13 were landowners. As they trickled back to the Puget Sound area, beginning in early 1945 and through mid-1946, only those lucky enough to have bought property before the war found the door still open in Bellevue. Many of the white landowners who had leased to Japanese farmers before the ware decided, after watching the land sit fallow for four years, not to put the lands back to use as farms. They had other plans. "If we didn't own the land, then we couldn't come back," said Alan Yabuki, whose family owned a greenhouse in the Yarrow Point area. "They had designs on the property; they probably knew it was going to be developed. There was no sense in trying to come back." (pg. 216)   All of this is done not to mitigate how terrible Japanese internment was or how much it affected, and continues to affect, Japanese-Americans and the Japanese community in the area. This is done to make sure that, as an institute of higher education, Bellevue College present facts, not opinions or beliefs.   Please let me know if you need anything else,   Chris Anderson   Digital Marketing and Communications Manager Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2777 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, A101 Bellevue, Washington 98007 www.bellevuecollege.edu www.facebook.com/bellevuecollege   From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Kristen Jones Jerry Weber; Gayle Barge; Gilbert Villalpando Alicia Keating Polson FW: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced Friday, February 21, 2020 11:53:54 AM Hi, all, I would like us to consider sending an email to the Diversity Caucus that includes information about what was approved by Cabinet and why the sentence was removed.  I believe sharing some additional information and context will be helpful in calming the dialogue that is happening as a result of Leslie’s email.  If you’d like me to draft something, please let me know Thanks.   Kristen Jones, Ed.D. (she/her/hers) Provost for Academic and Student Affairs 425-564-2260 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue, WA 98007 kristen.jones@bellevuecollege.edu       From: David Spataro Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 9:55 AM To: Blaise Mitsutama Cc: Leslie Lum ; Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Defacing this art installation is an absolute travesty - the individual or individuals who did this want to whitewash the history of white supremacy in our region.     On Feb 20, 2020, at 4:10 PM, Blaise Mitsutama wrote:   Sadly, we’re living in a time that shows there is no guaranteed permanence to the principle of accepting all people as equal “with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” A few years ago, I had complacently believed we had moved closer to this ideal as a nation. Every day now I see that we can never be complacent.   “Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. When change is absolute there remains no being to improve and no direction is set for possible improvement: and when experience is not retained, as among savages, infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”  -- George Santayana, Vol. I, Reason in Common Sense.   Blaise   From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2020 3:55 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   A part of the art installation “Never Again is Now” was defaced. The whited-out words are: “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.”   The role that Miller Freeman played in driving the Japanese out of Bellevue and the Pacific Northwest was well documented in David Neiwert’s book Strawberry Days.   Here is the exhibit in the LMC which shows his writing and Dave Neiwart’s analysis that it led to Washington State Alien Land Laws which prevented noncitizens from owning land. This coupled with the national exclusion laws which prevented Asians from becoming citizens effectively precluded Asians from participating significant economic activity.     “It is my personal view, as a citizen, that the time has arrived for plain speech on this question. I am for a white man’s Pacific coast. I am for the Japanese on their own side of the fence. I not only favor stopping all further immigration, but believe this government should approach Japan with the view to working out a gradual system of deportation of old Japanese now here.” Miller Freeman – July 26, 1919   Freeman’s campaign fueled passage of several pieces of anti-immigrant legislation on the state level, primarily an “Alien Land Law,” prohibiting property ownership by “aliens ineligible for citizenship.” (Asian immigrants were forbidden from naturalization at the time.)—David Neiwert   Leslie Lum Professor Business Transfer Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue WA 98007   David Spataro (he/him) david.spataro@bellevuecollege.edu From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Attachments: Gayle Barge Kristen Jones; Jerry Weber Alicia Keating Polson RE: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced Friday, February 21, 2020 1:20:00 PM Art Installation Letter.docx Dr Weber and Dr. Jones,   I have attached a preliminary draft for your consideration and will work on any changes as deemed appropriate.   Best, Gayle   From: Kristen Jones Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 11:54 AM To: Jerry Weber ; Gayle Barge ; Gilbert Villalpando Cc: Alicia Keating Polson Subject: FW: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Hi, all, I would like us to consider sending an email to the Diversity Caucus that includes information about what was approved by Cabinet and why the sentence was removed.  I believe sharing some additional information and context will be helpful in calming the dialogue that is happening as a result of Leslie’s email.  If you’d like me to draft something, please let me know Thanks.   Kristen Jones, Ed.D. (she/her/hers) Provost for Academic and Student Affairs 425-564-2260 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue, WA 98007 kristen.jones@bellevuecollege.edu       From: David Spataro Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 9:55 AM To: Blaise Mitsutama Cc: Leslie Lum ; Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Defacing this art installation is an absolute travesty - the individual or individuals who did this want to whitewash the history of white supremacy in our region.     On Feb 20, 2020, at 4:10 PM, Blaise Mitsutama wrote:   Sadly, we’re living in a time that shows there is no guaranteed permanence to the principle of accepting all people as equal “with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” A few years ago, I had complacently believed we had moved closer to this ideal as a nation. Every day now I see that we can never be complacent.   “Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. When change is absolute there remains no being to improve and no direction is set for possible improvement: and when experience is not retained, as among savages, infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”  -- George Santayana, Vol. I, Reason in Common Sense.   Blaise   From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2020 3:55 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   A part of the art installation “Never Again is Now” was defaced. The whited-out words are: “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.”   The role that Miller Freeman played in driving the Japanese out of Bellevue and the Pacific Northwest was well documented in David Neiwert’s book Strawberry Days.   Here is the exhibit in the LMC which shows his writing and Dave Neiwart’s analysis that it led to Washington State Alien Land Laws which prevented noncitizens from owning land. This coupled with the national exclusion laws which prevented Asians from becoming citizens effectively precluded Asians from participating significant economic activity.     “It is my personal view, as a citizen, that the time has arrived for plain speech on this question. I am for a white man’s Pacific coast. I am for the Japanese on their own side of the fence. I not only favor stopping all further immigration, but believe this government should approach Japan with the view to working out a gradual system of deportation of old Japanese now here.” Miller Freeman – July 26, 1919   Freeman’s campaign fueled passage of several pieces of anti-immigrant legislation on the state level, primarily an “Alien Land Law,” prohibiting property ownership by “aliens ineligible for citizenship.” (Asian immigrants were forbidden from naturalization at the time.)—David Neiwert   Leslie Lum Professor Business Transfer Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue WA 98007   David Spataro (he/him) david.spataro@bellevuecollege.edu February 21, 2020 To: The Diversity Caucus Re: Art Installation “Never Again is Now” This message is intended to apologize for any misperceptions regarding the removal of a sentence from the “Never Again is Now” installation and to provide additional information. A proposal was presented to the President’s Cabinet for the “Never Again is Now” art installation. That proposal was comprised of two sections: the image of the two children and the title. That proposal was approved for installation. The installation on display includes copy that was not proposed to and approved by the President’s Cabinet. Providing the full proposal to the President’s Cabinet would have enabled all parties to work together on the messaging related to the installation. The additional section of the installation included information that was of concern from an overall accuracy and liability perspective. Based solely on these concerns, a sentence was removed. David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days, stated in an article in the Seattle Business Magazine (June, 2012), that there is no evidence to support the belief that Freeman benefited from the relocation of Japanese Americans to internment camps during World War II. It was from a prominent white landowner that Freeman bought the 10 acres that his son, Kemper Sr., used to build a shopping center.” This is further supported in his book via a passage on page 215 that discusses the purchase of property. This is one of the primary areas of concern with the sentence that was removed along with potential liability for the College. The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service throughout the country, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background that dates historically to Sierra Leone from which my ancestors were transported to South Carolina. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Again, please accept my apologies. Respectfully, From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Kristen Jones RE: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced Friday, February 21, 2020 3:01:00 PM Provost, Here’s the message of apology. Based on the meeting, it needs to be a pure apology. ******************************* February 21, 2020 To: From: Gayle Colston Barge Re: Art Installation “Never Again is Now” Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs. The artwork will be completely restored. Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle Barge   From: Kristen Jones Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 11:54 AM To: Jerry Weber ; Gayle Barge ; Gilbert Villalpando Cc: Alicia Keating Polson Subject: FW: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Hi, all, I would like us to consider sending an email to the Diversity Caucus that includes information about what was approved by Cabinet and why the sentence was removed.  I believe sharing some additional information and context will be helpful in calming the dialogue that is happening as a result of Leslie’s email.  If you’d like me to draft something, please let me know Thanks.   Kristen Jones, Ed.D. (she/her/hers) Provost for Academic and Student Affairs 425-564-2260 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue, WA 98007 kristen.jones@bellevuecollege.edu       From: David Spataro Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 9:55 AM To: Blaise Mitsutama Cc: Leslie Lum ; Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Defacing this art installation is an absolute travesty - the individual or individuals who did this want to whitewash the history of white supremacy in our region.     On Feb 20, 2020, at 4:10 PM, Blaise Mitsutama wrote:   Sadly, we’re living in a time that shows there is no guaranteed permanence to the principle of accepting all people as equal “with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” A few years ago, I had complacently believed we had moved closer to this ideal as a nation. Every day now I see that we can never be complacent.   “Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. When change is absolute there remains no being to improve and no direction is set for possible improvement: and when experience is not retained, as among savages, infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”  -- George Santayana, Vol. I, Reason in Common Sense.   Blaise   From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2020 3:55 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   A part of the art installation “Never Again is Now” was defaced. The whited-out words are: “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.”   The role that Miller Freeman played in driving the Japanese out of Bellevue and the Pacific Northwest was well documented in David Neiwert’s book Strawberry Days.   Here is the exhibit in the LMC which shows his writing and Dave Neiwart’s analysis that it led to Washington State Alien Land Laws which prevented noncitizens from owning land. This coupled with the national exclusion laws which prevented Asians from becoming citizens effectively precluded Asians from participating significant economic activity.     “It is my personal view, as a citizen, that the time has arrived for plain speech on this question. I am for a white man’s Pacific coast. I am for the Japanese on their own side of the fence. I not only favor stopping all further immigration, but believe this government should approach Japan with the view to working out a gradual system of deportation of old Japanese now here.” Miller Freeman – July 26, 1919   Freeman’s campaign fueled passage of several pieces of anti-immigrant legislation on the state level, primarily an “Alien Land Law,” prohibiting property ownership by “aliens ineligible for citizenship.” (Asian immigrants were forbidden from naturalization at the time.)—David Neiwert   Leslie Lum Professor Business Transfer Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue WA 98007   David Spataro (he/him) david.spataro@bellevuecollege.edu From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Kristen Jones RE: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced Friday, February 21, 2020 3:20:00 PM I also left a voice mail message of apology for the artist and shared that we will reengage her to do another installation of the copy. She has both my office and personal cell numbers.   Best, GAyle        From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 3:02 PM To: Kristen Jones Subject: RE: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Provost, Here’s the message of apology. Based on the meeting, it needs to be a pure apology. ******************************* February 21, 2020 To: From: Gayle Colston Barge Re: Art Installation “Never Again is Now” Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs. The artwork will be completely restored. Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle Barge   From: Kristen Jones Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 11:54 AM To: Jerry Weber ; Gayle Barge ; Gilbert Villalpando Cc: Alicia Keating Polson Subject: FW: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Hi, all, I would like us to consider sending an email to the Diversity Caucus that includes information about what was approved by Cabinet and why the sentence was removed.  I believe sharing some additional information and context will be helpful in calming the dialogue that is happening as a result of Leslie’s email.  If you’d like me to draft something, please let me know Thanks.   Kristen Jones, Ed.D. (she/her/hers) Provost for Academic and Student Affairs 425-564-2260 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue, WA 98007 kristen.jones@bellevuecollege.edu       From: David Spataro Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 9:55 AM To: Blaise Mitsutama Cc: Leslie Lum ; Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Defacing this art installation is an absolute travesty - the individual or individuals who did this want to whitewash the history of white supremacy in our region.     On Feb 20, 2020, at 4:10 PM, Blaise Mitsutama wrote:   Sadly, we’re living in a time that shows there is no guaranteed permanence to the principle of accepting all people as equal “with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” A few years ago, I had complacently believed we had moved closer to this ideal as a nation. Every day now I see that we can never be complacent.   “Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. When change is absolute there remains no being to improve and no direction is set for possible improvement: and when experience is not retained, as among savages, infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”  -- George Santayana, Vol. I, Reason in Common Sense.   Blaise   From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2020 3:55 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   A part of the art installation “Never Again is Now” was defaced. The whited-out words are: “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.”   The role that Miller Freeman played in driving the Japanese out of Bellevue and the Pacific Northwest was well documented in David Neiwert’s book Strawberry Days.   Here is the exhibit in the LMC which shows his writing and Dave Neiwart’s analysis that it led to Washington State Alien Land Laws which prevented noncitizens from owning land. This coupled with the national exclusion laws which prevented Asians from becoming citizens effectively precluded Asians from participating significant economic activity.     “It is my personal view, as a citizen, that the time has arrived for plain speech on this question. I am for a white man’s Pacific coast. I am for the Japanese on their own side of the fence. I not only favor stopping all further immigration, but believe this government should approach Japan with the view to working out a gradual system of deportation of old Japanese now here.” Miller Freeman – July 26, 1919   Freeman’s campaign fueled passage of several pieces of anti-immigrant legislation on the state level, primarily an “Alien Land Law,” prohibiting property ownership by “aliens ineligible for citizenship.” (Asian immigrants were forbidden from naturalization at the time.)—David Neiwert   Leslie Lum Professor Business Transfer Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue WA 98007   David Spataro (he/him) david.spataro@bellevuecollege.edu From: To: Subject: Date: Kristen Jones Gayle Barge RE: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced Friday, February 21, 2020 3:38:43 PM Thank you, Gayle.  This is a very courageous message.   Kristen Jones, Ed.D. Provost, Academic and Student Affairs Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue WA 98007 425-564-2260   From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 3:02 PM To: Kristen Jones Subject: RE: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Provost, Here’s the message of apology. Based on the meeting, it needs to be a pure apology. ******************************* February 21, 2020 To: From: Gayle Colston Barge Re: Art Installation “Never Again is Now” Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs. The artwork will be completely restored. Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle Barge   From: Kristen Jones Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 11:54 AM To: Jerry Weber ; Gayle Barge ; Gilbert Villalpando Cc: Alicia Keating Polson Subject: FW: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Hi, all, I would like us to consider sending an email to the Diversity Caucus that includes information about what was approved by Cabinet and why the sentence was removed.  I believe sharing some additional information and context will be helpful in calming the dialogue that is happening as a result of Leslie’s email.  If you’d like me to draft something, please let me know Thanks.   Kristen Jones, Ed.D. (she/her/hers) Provost for Academic and Student Affairs 425-564-2260 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue, WA 98007 kristen.jones@bellevuecollege.edu       From: David Spataro Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 9:55 AM To: Blaise Mitsutama Cc: Leslie Lum ; Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Defacing this art installation is an absolute travesty - the individual or individuals who did this want to whitewash the history of white supremacy in our region.     On Feb 20, 2020, at 4:10 PM, Blaise Mitsutama wrote:   Sadly, we’re living in a time that shows there is no guaranteed permanence to the principle of accepting all people as equal “with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” A few years ago, I had complacently believed we had moved closer to this ideal as a nation. Every day now I see that we can never be complacent.   “Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. When change is absolute there remains no being to improve and no direction is set for possible improvement: and when experience is not retained, as among savages, infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”  -- George Santayana, Vol. I, Reason in Common Sense.   Blaise   From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2020 3:55 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   A part of the art installation “Never Again is Now” was defaced. The whited-out words are: “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.”   The role that Miller Freeman played in driving the Japanese out of Bellevue and the Pacific Northwest was well documented in David Neiwert’s book Strawberry Days.   Here is the exhibit in the LMC which shows his writing and Dave Neiwart’s analysis that it led to Washington State Alien Land Laws which prevented noncitizens from owning land. This coupled with the national exclusion laws which prevented Asians from becoming citizens effectively precluded Asians from participating significant economic activity.     “It is my personal view, as a citizen, that the time has arrived for plain speech on this question. I am for a white man’s Pacific coast. I am for the Japanese on their own side of the fence. I not only favor stopping all further immigration, but believe this government should approach Japan with the view to working out a gradual system of deportation of old Japanese now here.” Miller Freeman – July 26, 1919   Freeman’s campaign fueled passage of several pieces of anti-immigrant legislation on the state level, primarily an “Alien Land Law,” prohibiting property ownership by “aliens ineligible for citizenship.” (Asian immigrants were forbidden from naturalization at the time.)—David Neiwert   Leslie Lum Professor Business Transfer Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue WA 98007   David Spataro (he/him) david.spataro@bellevuecollege.edu From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Kristen Jones Jerry Weber; Alicia Keating Polson RE: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced Friday, February 21, 2020 3:45:00 PM Thank you, Provost. By this response, I am forwarding it to Dr. Weber and Alicia for his input.  As soon as I get his okay, I’ll send it to the Diversity Caucus. I appreciate your support.     Best, Gayle      From: Kristen Jones Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 3:39 PM To: Gayle Barge Subject: RE: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Thank you, Gayle.  This is a very courageous message.   Kristen Jones, Ed.D. Provost, Academic and Student Affairs Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue WA 98007 425-564-2260   From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 3:02 PM To: Kristen Jones Subject: RE: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Provost, Here’s the message of apology. Based on the meeting, it needs to be a pure apology. ******************************* February 21, 2020 To: From: Gayle Colston Barge Re: Art Installation “Never Again is Now” Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs. The artwork will be completely restored. Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle Barge   From: Kristen Jones Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 11:54 AM To: Jerry Weber ; Gayle Barge ; Gilbert Villalpando Cc: Alicia Keating Polson Subject: FW: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Hi, all, I would like us to consider sending an email to the Diversity Caucus that includes information about what was approved by Cabinet and why the sentence was removed.  I believe sharing some additional information and context will be helpful in calming the dialogue that is happening as a result of Leslie’s email.  If you’d like me to draft something, please let me know Thanks.   Kristen Jones, Ed.D. (she/her/hers) Provost for Academic and Student Affairs 425-564-2260 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue, WA 98007 kristen.jones@bellevuecollege.edu       From: David Spataro Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 9:55 AM To: Blaise Mitsutama Cc: Leslie Lum ; Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Defacing this art installation is an absolute travesty - the individual or individuals who did this want to whitewash the history of white supremacy in our region.     On Feb 20, 2020, at 4:10 PM, Blaise Mitsutama wrote:   Sadly, we’re living in a time that shows there is no guaranteed permanence to the principle of accepting all people as equal “with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” A few years ago, I had complacently believed we had moved closer to this ideal as a nation. Every day now I see that we can never be complacent.   “Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. When change is absolute there remains no being to improve and no direction is set for possible improvement: and when experience is not retained, as among savages, infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”  -- George Santayana, Vol. I, Reason in Common Sense.   Blaise   From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2020 3:55 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   A part of the art installation “Never Again is Now” was defaced. The whited-out words are: “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.”   The role that Miller Freeman played in driving the Japanese out of Bellevue and the Pacific Northwest was well documented in David Neiwert’s book Strawberry Days.   Here is the exhibit in the LMC which shows his writing and Dave Neiwart’s analysis that it led to Washington State Alien Land Laws which prevented noncitizens from owning land. This coupled with the national exclusion laws which prevented Asians from becoming citizens effectively precluded Asians from participating significant economic activity.     “It is my personal view, as a citizen, that the time has arrived for plain speech on this question. I am for a white man’s Pacific coast. I am for the Japanese on their own side of the fence. I not only favor stopping all further immigration, but believe this government should approach Japan with the view to working out a gradual system of deportation of old Japanese now here.” Miller Freeman – July 26, 1919   Freeman’s campaign fueled passage of several pieces of anti-immigrant legislation on the state level, primarily an “Alien Land Law,” prohibiting property ownership by “aliens ineligible for citizenship.” (Asian immigrants were forbidden from naturalization at the time.)—David Neiwert   Leslie Lum Professor Business Transfer Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue WA 98007   David Spataro (he/him) david.spataro@bellevuecollege.edu From: To: Subject: Date: Alicia Keating Polson Gayle Barge RE: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced Friday, February 21, 2020 3:50:05 PM As soon as he is done with his meeting I will have him review.   Alicia Keating Polson, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) Executive Assistant to the President & Board of Trustees (425) 564.2302 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue, WA 98007 alicia.keatingpolson@bellevuecollege.edu     From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 3:45 PM To: Kristen Jones Cc: Jerry Weber ; Alicia Keating Polson Subject: RE: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Thank you, Provost. By this response, I am forwarding it to Dr. Weber and Alicia for his input.  As soon as I get his okay, I’ll send it to the Diversity Caucus. I appreciate your support.     Best, Gayle      From: Kristen Jones Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 3:39 PM To: Gayle Barge Subject: RE: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Thank you, Gayle.  This is a very courageous message.   Kristen Jones, Ed.D. Provost, Academic and Student Affairs Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue WA 98007 425-564-2260   From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 3:02 PM To: Kristen Jones Subject: RE: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Provost, Here’s the message of apology. Based on the meeting, it needs to be a pure apology. ******************************* February 21, 2020 To: From: Gayle Colston Barge Re: Art Installation “Never Again is Now” Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs. The artwork will be completely restored. Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle Barge   From: Kristen Jones Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 11:54 AM To: Jerry Weber ; Gayle Barge ; Gilbert Villalpando Cc: Alicia Keating Polson Subject: FW: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Hi, all, I would like us to consider sending an email to the Diversity Caucus that includes information about what was approved by Cabinet and why the sentence was removed.  I believe sharing some additional information and context will be helpful in calming the dialogue that is happening as a result of Leslie’s email.  If you’d like me to draft something, please let me know Thanks.   Kristen Jones, Ed.D. (she/her/hers) Provost for Academic and Student Affairs 425-564-2260 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue, WA 98007 kristen.jones@bellevuecollege.edu       From: David Spataro Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 9:55 AM To: Blaise Mitsutama Cc: Leslie Lum ; Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Defacing this art installation is an absolute travesty - the individual or individuals who did this want to whitewash the history of white supremacy in our region.     On Feb 20, 2020, at 4:10 PM, Blaise Mitsutama wrote:   Sadly, we’re living in a time that shows there is no guaranteed permanence to the principle of accepting all people as equal “with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” A few years ago, I had complacently believed we had moved closer to this ideal as a nation. Every day now I see that we can never be complacent.   “Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. When change is absolute there remains no being to improve and no direction is set for possible improvement: and when experience is not retained, as among savages, infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”  -- George Santayana, Vol. I, Reason in Common Sense.   Blaise   From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2020 3:55 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   A part of the art installation “Never Again is Now” was defaced. The whited-out words are: “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.”   The role that Miller Freeman played in driving the Japanese out of Bellevue and the Pacific Northwest was well documented in David Neiwert’s book Strawberry Days.   Here is the exhibit in the LMC which shows his writing and Dave Neiwart’s analysis that it led to Washington State Alien Land Laws which prevented noncitizens from owning land. This coupled with the national exclusion laws which prevented Asians from becoming citizens effectively precluded Asians from participating significant economic activity.     “It is my personal view, as a citizen, that the time has arrived for plain speech on this question. I am for a white man’s Pacific coast. I am for the Japanese on their own side of the fence. I not only favor stopping all further immigration, but believe this government should approach Japan with the view to working out a gradual system of deportation of old Japanese now here.” Miller Freeman – July 26, 1919   Freeman’s campaign fueled passage of several pieces of anti-immigrant legislation on the state level, primarily an “Alien Land Law,” prohibiting property ownership by “aliens ineligible for citizenship.” (Asian immigrants were forbidden from naturalization at the time.)—David Neiwert   Leslie Lum Professor Business Transfer Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue WA 98007   David Spataro (he/him) david. spataro bellevuecollege.edu From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Alicia Keating Polson Gayle Barge Jerry Weber; Kristen Jones RE: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced Friday, February 21, 2020 4:01:05 PM Gayle,   Dr. Weber reviewed and said to send out the message.   Alicia Keating Polson, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) Executive Assistant to the President & Board of Trustees (425) 564.2302 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue, WA 98007 alicia.keatingpolson@bellevuecollege.edu     From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 3:45 PM To: Kristen Jones Cc: Jerry Weber ; Alicia Keating Polson Subject: RE: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Thank you, Provost. By this response, I am forwarding it to Dr. Weber and Alicia for his input.  As soon as I get his okay, I’ll send it to the Diversity Caucus. I appreciate your support.     Best, Gayle      From: Kristen Jones Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 3:39 PM To: Gayle Barge Subject: RE: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Thank you, Gayle.  This is a very courageous message.   Kristen Jones, Ed.D. Provost, Academic and Student Affairs Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue WA 98007 425-564-2260   From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 3:02 PM To: Kristen Jones Subject: RE: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Provost, Here’s the message of apology. Based on the meeting, it needs to be a pure apology. ******************************* February 21, 2020 To: From: Gayle Colston Barge Re: Art Installation “Never Again is Now” Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs. The artwork will be completely restored. Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle Barge   From: Kristen Jones Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 11:54 AM To: Jerry Weber ; Gayle Barge ; Gilbert Villalpando Cc: Alicia Keating Polson Subject: FW: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Hi, all, I would like us to consider sending an email to the Diversity Caucus that includes information about what was approved by Cabinet and why the sentence was removed.  I believe sharing some additional information and context will be helpful in calming the dialogue that is happening as a result of Leslie’s email.  If you’d like me to draft something, please let me know Thanks.   Kristen Jones, Ed.D. (she/her/hers) Provost for Academic and Student Affairs 425-564-2260 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue, WA 98007 kristen.jones@bellevuecollege.edu       From: David Spataro Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 9:55 AM To: Blaise Mitsutama Cc: Leslie Lum ; Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   Defacing this art installation is an absolute travesty - the individual or individuals who did this want to whitewash the history of white supremacy in our region.     On Feb 20, 2020, at 4:10 PM, Blaise Mitsutama wrote:   Sadly, we’re living in a time that shows there is no guaranteed permanence to the principle of accepting all people as equal “with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” A few years ago, I had complacently believed we had moved closer to this ideal as a nation. Every day now I see that we can never be complacent.   “Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. When change is absolute there remains no being to improve and no direction is set for possible improvement: and when experience is not retained, as among savages, infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”  -- George Santayana, Vol. I, Reason in Common Sense.   Blaise   From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2020 3:55 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: Art Installation "Never Again is Now" Defaced   A part of the art installation “Never Again is Now” was defaced. The whited-out words are: “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.”   The role that Miller Freeman played in driving the Japanese out of Bellevue and the Pacific Northwest was well documented in David Neiwert’s book Strawberry Days.   Here is the exhibit in the LMC which shows his writing and Dave Neiwart’s analysis that it led to Washington State Alien Land Laws which prevented noncitizens from owning land. This coupled with the national exclusion laws which prevented Asians from becoming citizens effectively precluded Asians from participating significant economic activity.     “It is my personal view, as a citizen, that the time has arrived for plain speech on this question. I am for a white man’s Pacific coast. I am for the Japanese on their own side of the fence. I not only favor stopping all further immigration, but believe this government should approach Japan with the view to working out a gradual system of deportation of old Japanese now here.” Miller Freeman – July 26, 1919   Freeman’s campaign fueled passage of several pieces of anti-immigrant legislation on the state level, primarily an “Alien Land Law,” prohibiting property ownership by “aliens ineligible for citizenship.” (Asian immigrants were forbidden from naturalization at the time.)—David Neiwert   Leslie Lum Professor Business Transfer Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue WA 98007   David Spataro (he/him) david. spataro bellevuecollege.edu From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Diversity Caucus "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13:00 PM Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge erin@purplegatedesign.com "Never Again is Now" art installation Friday, February 21, 2020 4:19:00 PM Dear Ms. Shigaki, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   I left an initial voice mail message to apologize and request an opportunity to work with you to have that section of the installation restored. I am available to facilitate that endeavor at your convenience.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Subject: Date: Becky Turnbull Gayle Barge RE: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Friday, February 21, 2020 4:20:47 PM I could not love you more. Courage : the attitude of facing and dealing with anything recognized as dangerous, difficult, or painful, instead of withdrawing from it ….   Becky   “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” – Maya Angelou   From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282 From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Jerry Weber; Kristen Jones FW: "Never Again is Now" art installation Friday, February 21, 2020 4:21:00 PM I’ll wait to hear from Ms. Shigaki regarding the re-installation. In the voice mail, I left office and cell numbers in case she wants to speak this weekend.   Thank you, Gayle   From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:19 PM To: erin@purplegatedesign.com Subject: "Never Again is Now" art installation   Dear Ms. Shigaki, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   I left an initial voice mail message to apologize and request an opportunity to work with you to have that section of the installation restored. I am available to facilitate that endeavor at your convenience.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282   From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Becky Turnbull RE: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Friday, February 21, 2020 4:26:00 PM Thank you, colleague. That means more than you will ever know.   Best, Gayle   From: Becky Turnbull Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:21 PM To: Gayle Barge Subject: RE: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   I could not love you more. Courage : the attitude of facing and dealing with anything recognized as dangerous, difficult, or painful, instead of withdrawing from it ….   Becky   “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” – Maya Angelou   From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Subject: Date: Nan Ma Gayle Barge; Diversity Caucus Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Friday, February 21, 2020 5:33:59 PM Dear Gayle, I appreciate your attempt at an apology.  Unfortunately, your letter falls short at addressing the pain that so many of us in the API community are feeling.  This week we observe the Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to remembering the atrocities that were done to the Japanese American community.  Your action, regardless of your intention, triggers intergenerational trauma and colludes with the erasure of Asian American history by the dominant culture. The API community received no notice of the defacement even hours after the act.  Your action, regardless of your intention, speaks to a lack of understanding of the API experience, disrespects our community, and reinforces the invisibility of the struggles that API communities face.  It speaks to a total disregard of our opinions and feelings, a disregard that is rooted in the model minority myth that obscures the discrimination that Asian Americans face and functions as a silencer of our pain.       Please understand that as a woman of color, it pains me a great deal to write you this letter.  But a true apology encompasses an understanding of what one is apologizing for and to whom.  As an Asian American woman, I want to remind you why we demanded an apology in the first place. Nan Ma  Nan Ma, Ph.D.  she/her/hers Associate Professor, Department of English Affiliate Faculty, Department of Cultural and Ethnic Studies Bellevue College (425)564-2647 From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Subject: Date: Sue Nightingale Gayle Barge Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Friday, February 21, 2020 6:35:59 PM Hey Gayle! Just wanted to say, thanks for the email. It’s never easy, but it does matter, it does help and I appreciate it.   Sue Nightingale On Feb 21, 2020, at 4:13 PM, Gayle Barge wrote:  Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282 From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Sue Nightingale Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Friday, February 21, 2020 9:30:28 PM Thank you. Best, Gayle Sent from my iPad On Feb 21, 2020, at 6:35 PM, Sue Nightingale wrote: Hey Gayle! Just wanted to say, thanks for the email. It’s never easy, but it does matter, it does help and I appreciate it.   Sue Nightingale On Feb 21, 2020, at 4:13 PM, Gayle Barge wrote:  Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Subject: Date: Juan Esparza Nan Ma; Gayle Barge; Diversity Caucus Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Saturday, February 22, 2020 9:38:45 AM Thank you so much for your very thoughtful email Nan. In addition, I am saddened that there is no other communication addressing some of the very important points you made. An apology should be offered to the greater BC campus community for the pain it caused some of our faculty, staff and students. In addition to a thoughtful apology for one person's mistake to the diversity caucus, our BC leadership should take responsibility and demonstrate an understanding of the hurt caused by this mistake. I will try and assume the best, and expect follow up communication will be sent out from our leadership addressing the bigger problem we have on this campus. It is interesting to note what exactly was erased from the artwork. “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.” I'm sure many have the attitude that it was only a temporary instalment and may not have proper approval thus justifiable censorship and defilment might be excusable, or at least not that big of a deal.  I hate to think if this had been done to another piece of art, maybe one commemorating Jews, African Americans or Latinos, might there be more of an outcry? I assume Bellevue College is more concerned about offending a rich white man or being the subject of a lawsuit than accuratly remembering and fully communicating history. I wonder how some of these ideas would play out in our local newspaper? Would our community agree with the whitewashing of history? We must change this toxic culture on our campus. Obviously, we need a policy that will protect future works of art. A policy that will help support our college's four core themes and help change the culture on our campus where this type of offense could so easily take place. Maybe name it the Miller Freeman Policy or better yet the Erin Shigaki Policy? ------ Original message-----From: Nan Ma Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2020 7:34 PM To: Gayle Barge;Diversity Caucus; Cc: Subject:Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear Gayle, I appreciate your attempt at an apology.  Unfortunately, your letter falls short at addressing the pain that so many of us in the API community are feeling.  This week we observe the Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to remembering the atrocities that were done to the Japanese American community.  Your action, regardless of your intention, triggers intergenerational trauma and colludes with the erasure of Asian American history by the dominant culture. The API community received no notice of the defacement even hours after the act.  Your action, regardless of your intention, speaks to a lack of understanding of the API experience, disrespects our community, and reinforces the invisibility of the struggles that API communities face.  It speaks to a total disregard of our opinions and feelings, a disregard that is rooted in the model minority myth that obscures the discrimination that Asian Americans face and functions as a silencer of our pain.       Please understand that as a woman of color, it pains me a great deal to write you this letter.  But a true apology encompasses an understanding of what one is apologizing for and to whom.  As an Asian American woman, I want to remind you why we demanded an apology in the first place. Nan Ma  Nan Ma, Ph.D.  she/her/hers Associate Professor, Department of English Affiliate Faculty, Department of Cultural and Ethnic Studies Bellevue College (425)564-2647 From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Jerry Weber; Kristen Jones Fwd: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Saturday, February 22, 2020 12:50:29 PM Dear colleagues,  I provided a heartfelt apology and don’t have additional thoughts to share. Not sure what else I can say, feeling it will be dissected further with no appreciation for the depth of what I felt was a courageous admission.  I am open to a discussion with the two of you to advise me further.  Best, Gayle Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Juan Esparza Date: February 22, 2020 at 9:38:42 AM PST To: Nan Ma , Gayle Barge , Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Thank you so much for your very thoughtful email Nan. In addition, I am saddened that there is no other communication addressing some of the very important points you made. An apology should be offered to the greater BC campus community for the pain it caused some of our faculty, staff and students. In addition to a thoughtful apology for one person's mistake to the diversity caucus, our BC leadership should take responsibility and demonstrate an understanding of the hurt caused by this mistake. I will try and assume the best, and expect follow up communication will be sent out from our leadership addressing the bigger problem we have on this campus. It is interesting to note what exactly was erased from the artwork. “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.” I'm sure many have the attitude that it was only a temporary instalment and may not have proper approval thus justifiable censorship and defilment might be excusable, or at least not that big of a deal.  I hate to think if this had been done to another piece of art, maybe one commemorating Jews, African Americans or Latinos, might there be more of an outcry? I assume Bellevue College is more concerned about offending a rich white man or being the subject of a lawsuit than accuratly remembering and fully communicating history. I wonder how some of these ideas would play out in our local newspaper? Would our community agree with the whitewashing of history? We must change this toxic culture on our campus. Obviously, we need a policy that will protect future works of art. A policy that will help support our college's four core themes and help change the culture on our campus where this type of offense could so easily take place. Maybe name it the Miller Freeman Policy or better yet the Erin Shigaki Policy? ------ Original message-----From: Nan Ma Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2020 7:34 PM To: Gayle Barge;Diversity Caucus; Cc: Subject:Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear Gayle, I appreciate your attempt at an apology.  Unfortunately, your letter falls short at addressing the pain that so many of us in the API community are feeling.  This week we observe the Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to remembering the atrocities that were done to the Japanese American community.  Your action, regardless of your intention, triggers intergenerational trauma and colludes with the erasure of Asian American history by the dominant culture. The API community received no notice of the defacement even hours after the act.  Your action, regardless of your intention, speaks to a lack of understanding of the API experience, disrespects our community, and reinforces the invisibility of the struggles that API communities face.  It speaks to a total disregard of our opinions and feelings, a disregard that is rooted in the model minority myth that obscures the discrimination that Asian Americans face and functions as a silencer of our pain.       Please understand that as a woman of color, it pains me a great deal to write you this letter.  But a true apology encompasses an understanding of what one is apologizing for and to whom.  As an Asian American woman, I want to remind you why we demanded an apology in the first place. Nan Ma  Nan Ma, Ph.D.  she/her/hers Associate Professor, Department of English Affiliate Faculty, Department of Cultural and Ethnic Studies Bellevue College (425)564-2647 From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Subject: Date: Richard Tebbetts Juan Esparza; Nan Ma; Gayle Barge; Diversity Caucus Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Saturday, February 22, 2020 1:54:08 PM I accept Gayle's appology. However, it seems silly in the extreme (ridiculous?) that a sentence that gives context to the wonderful mural would be deemed necessary to censor. Here's a bit more on Mr. Miller Freeman....and the 2017 article I got it from. Meanwhile, almost immediately after the Japanese were forced out of Bellevue, Eastside businessmen — including Miller Freeman — began the suburban and urban development that has built the city to what we know today. With the farmers forced out, the cleared farmland became available for upscale shopping centers and housing developments made accessible with new highways, including the I-90 bridge which was completed in 1940. https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/antijapanese-movement-led-developmentbellevue/62732 Mr. Miler Freeman's grandson is Kemper Freeman, owner of a lot of downtown Bellevue Real Estate.  Here's their family history. https://www.kemperfreeman.com/freeman-family-history/ Freeman Family History - Kemper Freeman In understanding Kemper Freeman, it helps to know the vision and commitment of the Freeman family. The family’s dedication and investment in the growth of the Eastside has resulted in the development of many Eastside institutions and the success of The Bellevue Collection. www.kemperfreeman.com The college is not for sale to supporters of Bellevue College.  It is a public institution that supports diverse opinions and views, including ones that are uncomfortable to some from nearly 80 years ago! This country will not forget our mistakes like Japanese-American Incarseration and HOW they happened. Take Care, Rich Tebbetts  Geography Instructor  Bellevue College  3000 Landerholm Circle SE    Bellevue WA  98007 rtebbett@bellevuecollege.edu www.bellevuecollege.edu Office D200B.  Office Hours Wed. and Thurs. 11:30 to 1:30.  Phone 425-564-3146. From: Juan Esparza Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2020 9:38 AM To: Nan Ma ; Gayle Barge ; Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Thank you so much for your very thoughtful email Nan. In addition, I am saddened that there is no other communication addressing some of the very important points you made. An apology should be offered to the greater BC campus community for the pain it caused some of our faculty, staff and students. In addition to a thoughtful apology for one person's mistake to the diversity caucus, our BC leadership should take responsibility and demonstrate an understanding of the hurt caused by this mistake. I will try and assume the best, and expect follow up communication will be sent out from our leadership addressing the bigger problem we have on this campus. It is interesting to note what exactly was erased from the artwork. “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.” I'm sure many have the attitude that it was only a temporary instalment and may not have proper approval thus justifiable censorship and defilment might be excusable, or at least not that big of a deal. I hate to think if this had been done to another piece of art, maybe one commemorating Jews, African Americans or Latinos, might there be more of an outcry? I assume Bellevue College is more concerned about offending a rich white man or being the subject of a lawsuit than accuratly remembering and fully communicating history. I wonder how some of these ideas would play out in our local newspaper? Would our community agree with the whitewashing of history? We must change this toxic culture on our campus. Obviously, we need a policy that will protect future works of art. A policy that will help support our college's four core themes and help change the culture on our campus where this type of offense could so easily take place. Maybe name it the Miller Freeman Policy or better yet the Erin Shigaki Policy? ------ Original message-----From: Nan Ma Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2020 7:34 PM To: Gayle Barge;Diversity Caucus; Cc: Subject:Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear Gayle, I appreciate your attempt at an apology.  Unfortunately, your letter falls short at addressing the pain that so many of us in the API community are feeling.  This week we observe the Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to remembering the atrocities that were done to the Japanese American community.  Your action, regardless of your intention, triggers intergenerational trauma and colludes with the erasure of Asian American history by the dominant culture. The API community received no notice of the defacement even hours after the act.  Your action, regardless of your intention, speaks to a lack of understanding of the API experience, disrespects our community, and reinforces the invisibility of the struggles that API communities face.  It speaks to a total disregard of our opinions and feelings, a disregard that is rooted in the model minority myth that obscures the discrimination that Asian Americans face and functions as a silencer of our pain.       Please understand that as a woman of color, it pains me a great deal to write you this letter.  But a true apology encompasses an understanding of what one is apologizing for and to whom.  As an Asian American woman, I want to remind you why we demanded an apology in the first place. Nan Ma  Nan Ma, Ph.D.  she/her/hers Associate Professor, Department of English Affiliate Faculty, Department of Cultural and Ethnic Studies Bellevue College (425)564-2647 From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Kristen Jones Gayle Barge Jerry Weber Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Saturday, February 22, 2020 5:42:58 PM Hi Gayle, I’m dismayed at the responses to your apology. I’m guessing that nothing more you or we say will be enough for some people.  I don’t think we need to provide any further communication about it. If Dr. Weber feels differently, let’s discuss.  Sent from my iPhone Kristen Jones, Ed.D. Provost for Academic and Student Affairs Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue, WA 98007 425-564-2260 On Feb 22, 2020, at 12:50 PM, Gayle Barge wrote:  Dear colleagues,  I provided a heartfelt apology and don’t have additional thoughts to share. Not sure what else I can say, feeling it will be dissected further with no appreciation for the depth of what I felt was a courageous admission.  I am open to a discussion with the two of you to advise me further.  Best, Gayle Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Juan Esparza Date: February 22, 2020 at 9:38:42 AM PST To: Nan Ma , Gayle Barge , Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Thank you so much for your very thoughtful email Nan. In addition, I am saddened that there is no other communication addressing some of the very important points you made. An apology should be offered to the greater BC campus community for the pain it caused some of our faculty, staff and students. In addition to a thoughtful apology for one person's mistake to the diversity caucus, our BC leadership should take responsibility and demonstrate an understanding of the hurt caused by this mistake. I will try and assume the best, and expect follow up communication will be sent out from our leadership addressing the bigger problem we have on this campus. It is interesting to note what exactly was erased from the artwork. “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.” I'm sure many have the attitude that it was only a temporary instalment and may not have proper approval thus justifiable censorship and defilment might be excusable, or at least not that big of a deal.  I hate to think if this had been done to another piece of art, maybe one commemorating Jews, African Americans or Latinos, might there be more of an outcry? I assume Bellevue College is more concerned about offending a rich white man or being the subject of a lawsuit than accuratly remembering and fully communicating history. I wonder how some of these ideas would play out in our local newspaper? Would our community agree with the whitewashing of history? We must change this toxic culture on our campus. Obviously, we need a policy that will protect future works of art. A policy that will help support our college's four core themes and help change the culture on our campus where this type of offense could so easily take place. Maybe name it the Miller Freeman Policy or better yet the Erin Shigaki Policy? ------ Original message-----From: Nan Ma Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2020 7:34 PM To: Gayle Barge;Diversity Caucus; Cc: Subject:Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear Gayle, I appreciate your attempt at an apology.  Unfortunately, your letter falls short at addressing the pain that so many of us in the API community are feeling.  This week we observe the Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to remembering the atrocities that were done to the Japanese American community.  Your action, regardless of your intention, triggers intergenerational trauma and colludes with the erasure of Asian American history by the dominant culture. The API community received no notice of the defacement even hours after the act.  Your action, regardless of your intention, speaks to a lack of understanding of the API experience, disrespects our community, and reinforces the invisibility of the struggles that API communities face.  It speaks to a total disregard of our opinions and feelings, a disregard that is rooted in the model minority myth that obscures the discrimination that Asian Americans face and functions as a silencer of our pain.       Please understand that as a woman of color, it pains me a great deal to write you this letter.  But a true apology encompasses an understanding of what one is apologizing for and to whom.  As an Asian American woman, I want to remind you why we demanded an apology in the first place. Nan Ma  Nan Ma, Ph.D.  she/her/hers Associate Professor, Department of English Affiliate Faculty, Department of Cultural and Ethnic Studies Bellevue College (425)564-2647 From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Kristen Jones Jerry Weber Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Saturday, February 22, 2020 6:21:20 PM Thank you for the response, Provost. I’ll look forward to speaking with you and Dr. Weber as the two of you deem appropriate.  Best, Gayle Sent from my iPad On Feb 22, 2020, at 5:42 PM, Kristen Jones wrote: Hi Gayle, I’m dismayed at the responses to your apology. I’m guessing that nothing more you or we say will be enough for some people.  I don’t think we need to provide any further communication about it. If Dr. Weber feels differently, let’s discuss.  Sent from my iPhone Kristen Jones, Ed.D. Provost for Academic and Student Affairs Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue, WA 98007 425-564-2260 On Feb 22, 2020, at 12:50 PM, Gayle Barge wrote:  Dear colleagues,  I provided a heartfelt apology and don’t have additional thoughts to share. Not sure what else I can say, feeling it will be dissected further with no appreciation for the depth of what I felt was a courageous admission.  I am open to a discussion with the two of you to advise me further.  Best, Gayle Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Juan Esparza Date: February 22, 2020 at 9:38:42 AM PST To: Nan Ma , Gayle Barge , Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Thank you so much for your very thoughtful email Nan. In addition, I am saddened that there is no other communication addressing some of the very important points you made. An apology should be offered to the greater BC campus community for the pain it caused some of our faculty, staff and students. In addition to a thoughtful apology for one person's mistake to the diversity caucus, our BC leadership should take responsibility and demonstrate an understanding of the hurt caused by this mistake. I will try and assume the best, and expect follow up communication will be sent out from our leadership addressing the bigger problem we have on this campus. It is interesting to note what exactly was erased from the artwork. “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.” I'm sure many have the attitude that it was only a temporary instalment and may not have proper approval thus justifiable censorship and defilment might be excusable, or at least not that big of a deal.  I hate to think if this had been done to another piece of art, maybe one commemorating Jews, African Americans or Latinos, might there be more of an outcry? I assume Bellevue College is more concerned about offending a rich white man or being the subject of a lawsuit than accuratly remembering and fully communicating history. I wonder how some of these ideas would play out in our local newspaper? Would our community agree with the whitewashing of history? We must change this toxic culture on our campus. Obviously, we need a policy that will protect future works of art. A policy that will help support our college's four core themes and help change the culture on our campus where this type of offense could so easily take place. Maybe name it the Miller Freeman Policy or better yet the Erin Shigaki Policy? ------ Original message-----From: Nan Ma Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2020 7:34 PM To: Gayle Barge;Diversity Caucus; Cc: Subject:Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear Gayle, I appreciate your attempt at an apology.  Unfortunately, your letter falls short at addressing the pain that so many of us in the API community are feeling.  This week we observe the Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to remembering the atrocities that were done to the Japanese American community.  Your action, regardless of your intention, triggers intergenerational trauma and colludes with the erasure of Asian American history by the dominant culture. The API community received no notice of the defacement even hours after the act.  Your action, regardless of your intention, speaks to a lack of understanding of the API experience, disrespects our community, and reinforces the invisibility of the struggles that API communities face.  It speaks to a total disregard of our opinions and feelings, a disregard that is rooted in the model minority myth that obscures the discrimination that Asian Americans face and functions as a silencer of our pain.       Please understand that as a woman of color, it pains me a great deal to write you this letter.  But a true apology encompasses an understanding of what one is apologizing for and to whom.  As an Asian American woman, I want to remind you why we demanded an apology in the first place. Nan Ma  Nan Ma, Ph.D.  she/her/hers Associate Professor, Department of English Affiliate Faculty, Department of Cultural and Ethnic Studies Bellevue College (425)564-2647 From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Subject: Date: Jerry Weber Gayle Barge RE: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Sunday, February 23, 2020 9:59:38 AM I am in favor of moving on, but not sure folks will be ready to or want to. Getting the signage returned to the original look might  also help.   Gayle, I don’t think you should engage or write responses at this point. Let’s see what happens.   Jerry Weber, Ph.D. President, Bellevue College (he, him, his)   From: Gayle Barge Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2020 6:21 PM To: Kristen Jones Cc: Jerry Weber Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Thank you for the response, Provost. I’ll look forward to speaking with you and Dr. Weber as the two of you deem appropriate. Best, Gayle Sent from my iPad On Feb 22, 2020, at 5:42 PM, Kristen Jones wrote: Hi Gayle, I’m dismayed at the responses to your apology. I’m guessing that nothing more you or we say will be enough for some people. I don’t think we need to provide any further communication about it. If Dr. Weber feels differently, let’s discuss. Sent from my iPhone Kristen Jones, Ed.D. Provost for Academic and Student Affairs Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue, WA 98007 425-564-2260 On Feb 22, 2020, at 12:50 PM, Gayle Barge wrote:  Dear colleagues, I provided a heartfelt apology and don’t have additional thoughts to share. Not sure what else I can say, feeling it will be dissected further with no appreciation for the depth of what I felt was a courageous admission. I am open to a discussion with the two of you to advise me further. Best, Gayle Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Juan Esparza Date: February 22, 2020 at 9:38:42 AM PST To: Nan Ma , Gayle Barge , Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Thank you so much for your very thoughtful email Nan. In addition, I am saddened that there is no other communication addressing some of the very important points you made. An apology should be offered to the greater BC campus community for the pain it caused some of our faculty, staff and students. In addition to a thoughtful apology for one person's mistake to the diversity caucus, our BC leadership should take responsibility and demonstrate an understanding of the hurt caused by this mistake. I will try and assume the best, and expect follow up communication will be sent out from our leadership addressing the bigger problem we have on this campus. It is interesting to note what exactly was erased from the artwork. “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.” I'm sure many have the attitude that it was only a temporary instalment and may not have proper approval thus justifiable censorship and defilment might be excusable, or at least not that big of a deal. I hate to think if this had been done to another piece of art, maybe one commemorating Jews, African Americans or Latinos, might there be more of an outcry? I assume Bellevue College is more concerned about offending a rich white man or being the subject of a lawsuit than accuratly remembering and fully communicating history. I wonder how some of these ideas would play out in our local newspaper? Would our community agree with the whitewashing of history? We must change this toxic culture on our campus. Obviously, we need a policy that will protect future works of art. A policy that will help support our college's four core themes and help change the culture on our campus where this type of offense could so easily take place. Maybe name it the Miller Freeman Policy or better yet the Erin Shigaki Policy? ------ Original message-----From: Nan Ma Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2020 7:34 PM To: Gayle Barge;Diversity Caucus; Cc: Subject:Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear Gayle, I appreciate your attempt at an apology.  Unfortunately, your letter falls short at addressing the pain that so many of us in the API community are feeling.  This week we observe the Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to remembering the atrocities that were done to the Japanese American community.  Your action, regardless of your intention, triggers intergenerational trauma and colludes with the erasure of Asian American history by the dominant culture. The API community received no notice of the defacement even hours after the act.  Your action, regardless of your intention, speaks to a lack of understanding of the API experience, disrespects our community, and reinforces the invisibility of the struggles that API communities face.  It speaks to a total disregard of our opinions and feelings, a disregard that is rooted in the model minority myth that obscures the discrimination that Asian Americans face and functions as a silencer of our pain.       Please understand that as a woman of color, it pains me a great deal to write you this letter.  But a true apology encompasses an understanding of what one is apologizing for and to whom.  As an Asian American woman, I want to remind you why we demanded an apology in the first place. Nan Ma    Nan Ma, Ph.D.  she/her/hers Associate Professor, Department of English Affiliate Faculty, Department of Cultural and Ethnic Studies Bellevue College (425)564-2647               From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   425-564-2282 From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Jerry Weber; Kristen Jones Thank you for the responses Sunday, February 23, 2020 10:31:11 AM I did receive two very positive emails from Becky Turnbull and Sue Nightingale. I have a voice mail and email message (as a part of the apology) in to the artist to see if she would be interested in a reinstallation. I gave my cell number but she has not contacted me.  Not sure what else to do on that component. The signage revision was done by others. I have an instinct regarding why there has been no response... Have a relaxful Sunday. Best, Gayle Sent from my iPad From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Carlos Barge Fwd: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Sunday, February 23, 2020 10:34:10 AM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Jerry Weber Date: February 23, 2020 at 9:59:37 AM PST To: Gayle Barge Subject: RE: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation  I am in favor of moving on, but not sure folks will be ready to or want to. Getting the signage returned to the original look might  also help.   Gayle, I don’t think you should engage or write responses at this point. Let’s see what happens.   Jerry Weber, Ph.D. President, Bellevue College (he, him, his)   From: Gayle Barge Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2020 6:21 PM To: Kristen Jones Cc: Jerry Weber Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Thank you for the response, Provost. I’ll look forward to speaking with you and Dr. Weber as the two of you deem appropriate.    Best, Gayle Sent from my iPad On Feb 22, 2020, at 5:42 PM, Kristen Jones wrote: Hi Gayle, I’m dismayed at the responses to your apology. I’m guessing that nothing more you or we say will be enough for some people.  I don’t think we need to provide any further communication about it. If Dr. Weber feels differently, let’s discuss.  Sent from my iPhone Kristen Jones, Ed.D. Provost for Academic and Student Affairs Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue, WA 98007 425-564-2260 On Feb 22, 2020, at 12:50 PM, Gayle Barge wrote:  Dear colleagues,    I provided a heartfelt apology and don’t have additional thoughts to share. Not sure what else I can say, feeling it will be dissected further with no appreciation for the depth of what I felt was a courageous admission.  I am open to a discussion with the two of you to advise me further.    Best, Gayle   Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Juan Esparza Date: February 22, 2020 at 9:38:42 AM PST To: Nan Ma , Gayle Barge , Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Thank you so much for your very thoughtful email Nan. In addition, I am saddened that there is no other communication addressing some of the very important points you made. An apology should be offered to the greater BC campus community for the pain it caused some of our faculty, staff and students. In addition to a thoughtful apology for one person's mistake to the diversity caucus, our BC leadership should take responsibility and demonstrate an understanding of the hurt caused by this mistake. I will try and assume the best, and expect follow up communication will be sent out from our leadership addressing the bigger problem we have on this campus. It is interesting to note what exactly was erased from the artwork. “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.” I'm sure many have the attitude that it was only a temporary instalment and may not have proper approval thus justifiable censorship and defilment might be excusable, or at least not that big of a deal.  I hate to think if this had been done to another piece of art, maybe one commemorating Jews, African Americans or Latinos, might there be more of an outcry? I assume Bellevue College is more concerned about offending a rich white man or being the subject of a lawsuit than accuratly remembering and fully communicating history. I wonder how some of these ideas would play out in our local newspaper? Would our community agree with the whitewashing of history? We must change this toxic culture on our campus. Obviously, we need a policy that will protect future works of art. A policy that will help support our college's four core themes and help change the culture on our campus where this type of offense could so easily take place. Maybe name it the Miller Freeman Policy or better yet the Erin Shigaki Policy?   ------ Original message-----From: Nan Ma Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2020 7:34 PM To: Gayle Barge;Diversity Caucus; Cc: Subject:Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Dear Gayle, I appreciate your attempt at an apology.  Unfortunately, your letter falls short at addressing the pain that so many of us in the API community are feeling.  This week we observe the Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to remembering the atrocities that were done to the Japanese American community.  Your action, regardless of your intention, triggers intergenerational trauma and colludes with the erasure of Asian American history by the dominant culture. The API community received no notice of the defacement even hours after the act.  Your action, regardless of your intention, speaks to a lack of understanding of the API experience, disrespects our community, and reinforces the invisibility of the struggles that API communities face.  It speaks to a total disregard of our opinions and feelings, a disregard that is rooted in the model minority myth that obscures the discrimination that Asian Americans face and functions as a silencer of our pain.       Please understand that as a woman of color, it pains me a great deal to write you this letter.  But a true apology encompasses an understanding of what one is apologizing for and to whom.  As an Asian American woman, I want to remind you why we demanded an apology in the first place. Nan Ma    Nan Ma, Ph.D.  she/her/hers Associate Professor, Department of English Affiliate Faculty, Department of Cultural and Ethnic Studies Bellevue College (425)564-2647               From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282     From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Belle Nishioka Gayle Barge; Aaron Reader; Abby Lynn; Aimee Sharp; AJ Duxbury; Alice Jenkins; Alison Johnson; Alonda Williams; Amy McCrory; Andrew Johnson; Andrew Kapoi; Andria Villines; Anne Bergen-Aurand; Anne Stewart; Ariane Hayes; Aron Segal; [1] Barbara Brodsky; Beabe Akpojovwo; Becky Turnbull; Belle Nishioka; Benayah Israel; Benjamin Johnson; Bethany Arakaki; Bill O"Connor; Blaise Mitsutama; Bob Adams; Bonita Corliss; Bonnie Berry; Brandon Lueken; Brenda Ivelisse; Brigitte Baker; [1] Carol Anderson; Carol T. Grant; Carolyn Gates; Catherine Berkenfield; Cesar Rangel; Chiew Jones; Christina Sciabarra; Christine Linde; Tina Young; Christy Coulibaly; CK Donovan; Cora Nixon; Corvilia Thykkuttathil; Croix Saffin; Dana Vukajlovich; Darlene Molsen; David Lopez-Kopp; David Spataro; Deanne Eschbach; Debi Griggs (Emeritus); Deepti Karkhanis; Denise Johnson; Diem O"Rourke; Dimitri Azadi; Donna Miguel; Edward Biggers; El Centro Latino Coordinator; Elaine Mannari; Elaine Nutter; Elena Maans-Lorincz; Elisabeth Johanson; Elizabeth Harazim; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib; Enedelia Nicholson; Eric Davis; Eric Nacke; Eric Peterson; Eva Norling; Evelyn Kasama; Fabienne Mouton; Fernando Pérez; Frances Peppard; Frank Hatstat; Gabriel Brown; Gary Farris; Gilbert Villalpando; Gita Bangera; Glenn Jackson; Gwyneth Jones; Harlan Lee; Helen Taylor (Emeritus); Henry Amaya; Humaira Jackson; James Torrence; Jan Ng; Janice Grayson; Jarka Buchova; Jason Fuller; Jean Floten (Emeritus); Jean Pauley; Jeanne Meek; Jeffery White; Jennie Mayer; Jennifer Laveglia; Jennifer Lê; Jennifer Pang; Jennifer Pritchard; Jerry Weber; Jesse Gardner; Jessica Berry; Jewell Evans (Emeritus); Jill Powell; Jonathan Harrington; Joyce Carroll; Juan Esparza; Judith Paquette; Julia Munyandamutsa; Kathi Hutchins; Kathleen Hathaway; Kathy Colasurdo; Katie Bates; Kayleen Doornbos; Keith Rowley; Kendal Walker; Kendall White; Kim Pollock; Kirsty Haining; Kris Miller; Kristen Jones; Laeticia Nkinsi; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor; Larry Boykin; Larry Susanka; Laura Burns; Laura Gettleman; Laura Millikan; Laura Saunders (Emeritus); Lee Buxton; Leslie Heizer Newquist; Leslie Lum; Linda Annable; Linda Thomas; Lindsay Haney; Lindsay Palmer; Lisa Lapointe; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher; Marilyn Anderson; Martha Silano; Mary Anne Meng; Mary Cox; Matthew Groshong; Maurice Brooks; Megan Kaptik; Megan Sykes; Melissa Massie; Michael Brown; Michael Hanson; Michèle Royer; Miranda Kato; Mitchell Bland; Molly Blume (Emeritus); My Tran; Nadia Madani; Nan Ma; Nancy Gonlin; Nancy McEachran; Natasha Pinto; Nathaniel Meskel; Nicholas Russ; Nicole Beattie; Nicole Longpre; Nora Lance; Olga Krichevskaya; Oriana Estrada; Paul Weatherly; Paula McPherson; Pavy Thao; Peggy Strader; Rachel Wellman; Ramon Concepcion; Ray Butler; Ray White; Renee Allen; Richard Tebbetts; Rick Mangan; Robert Viens; Ron Taplin; Roselle Hay; Ross Villegas; Sabrina Sanchez; Sapan Parekh; Sara Gardner; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus); Sara Sutler-Cohen; Sarah Knox; Sasha Malinsky; Sayumi Irey; Scott Bessho; Seema Bahl; Sharon Berg; Sheere Zupan; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) BCG Diversity and Inclusion; BCG Faculty Council; BCG College Assembly; BCG Student Success It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Sunday, February 23, 2020 11:06:52 PM Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, more than 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-leddevelopment-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/ From: Juan Esparza Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2020 9:38 AM To: Nan Ma ; Gayle Barge ; Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Thank you so much for your very thoughtful email Nan. In addition, I am saddened that there is no other communication addressing some of the very important points you made. An apology should be offered to the greater BC campus community for the pain it caused some of our faculty, staff and students. In addition to a thoughtful apology for one person's mistake to the diversity caucus, our BC leadership should take responsibility and demonstrate an understanding of the hurt caused by this mistake. I will try and assume the best, and expect follow up communication will be sent out from our leadership addressing the bigger problem we have on this campus. It is interesting to note what exactly was erased from the artwork. “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.” I'm sure many have the attitude that it was only a temporary instalment and may not have proper approval thus justifiable censorship and defilment might be excusable, or at least not that big of a deal. I hate to think if this had been done to another piece of art, maybe one commemorating Jews, African Americans or Latinos, might there be more of an outcry? I assume Bellevue College is more concerned about offending a rich white man or being the subject of a lawsuit than accuratly remembering and fully communicating history. I wonder how some of these ideas would play out in our local newspaper? Would our community agree with the whitewashing of history? We must change this toxic culture on our campus. Obviously, we need a policy that will protect future works of art. A policy that will help support our college's four core themes and help change the culture on our campus where this type of offense could so easily take place. Maybe name it the Miller Freeman Policy or better yet the Erin Shigaki Policy? ------ Original message------ From: Nan Ma Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2020 7:34 PM To: Gayle Barge;Diversity Caucus; Cc: Subject:Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear Gayle, I appreciate your attempt at an apology.  Unfortunately, your letter falls short at addressing the pain that so many of us in the API community are feeling.  This week we observe the Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to remembering the atrocities that were done to the Japanese American community.  Your action, regardless of your intention, triggers intergenerational trauma and colludes with the erasure of Asian American history by the dominant culture. The API community received no notice of the defacement even hours after the act.  Your action, regardless of your intention, speaks to a lack of understanding of the API experience, disrespects our community, and reinforces the invisibility of the struggles that API communities face.  It speaks to a total disregard of our opinions and feelings, a disregard that is rooted in the model minority myth that obscures the discrimination that Asian Americans face and functions as a silencer of our pain.       Please understand that as a woman of color, it pains me a great deal to write you this letter.  But a true apology encompasses an understanding of what one is apologizing for and to whom.  As an Asian American woman, I want to remind you why we demanded an apology in the first place. Nan Ma  Nan Ma, Ph.D.  she/her/hers Associate Professor, Department of English Affiliate Faculty, Department of Cultural and Ethnic Studies Bellevue College (425)564-2647 From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Kim Pollock Belle Nishioka; Gayle Barge; Aaron Reader; Abby Lynn; Aimee Sharp; AJ Duxbury; Alice Jenkins; Alison Johnson; Alonda Williams; Amy McCrory; Andrew Johnson; Andrew Kapoi; Andria Villines; Anne Bergen-Aurand; Anne Stewart; Ariane Hayes; Aron Segal; [1] ; Barbara Brodsky; Beabe Akpojovwo; Becky Turnbull; Benayah Israel; Benjamin Johnson; Bethany Arakaki; Bill O"Connor; Blaise Mitsutama; Bob Adams; Bonita Corliss; Bonnie Berry; Brandon Lueken; Brenda Ivelisse; Brigitte Baker; [1] Carol Anderson; Carol T. Grant; Carolyn Gates; Catherine Berkenfield; Cesar Rangel; Chiew Jones; Christina Sciabarra; Christine Linde; Tina Young; Christy Coulibaly; CK Donovan; Cora Nixon; Corvilia Thykkuttathil; Croix Saffin; Dana Vukajlovich; Darlene Molsen; David Lopez-Kopp; David Spataro; Deanne Eschbach; Debi Griggs (Emeritus); Deepti Karkhanis; Denise Johnson; Diem O"Rourke; Dimitri Azadi; Donna Miguel; Edward Biggers; El Centro Latino Coordinator; Elaine Mannari; Elaine Nutter; Elena Maans-Lorincz; Elisabeth Johanson; Elizabeth Harazim; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib; Enedelia Nicholson; Eric Davis; Eric Nacke; Eric Peterson; Eva Norling; Evelyn Kasama; Fabienne Mouton; Fernando Pérez; Frances Peppard; Frank Hatstat; Gabriel Brown; Gary Farris; Gilbert Villalpando; Gita Bangera; Glenn Jackson; Gwyneth Jones; Harlan Lee; Helen Taylor (Emeritus); Henry Amaya; Humaira Jackson; James Torrence; Jan Ng; Janice Grayson; Jarka Buchova; Jason Fuller; Jean Floten (Emeritus); Jean Pauley; Jeanne Meek; Jeffery White; Jennie Mayer; Jennifer Laveglia; Jennifer Lê; Jennifer Pang; Jennifer Pritchard; Jerry Weber; Jesse Gardner; Jessica Berry; Jewell Evans (Emeritus); Jill Powell; Jonathan Harrington; Joyce Carroll; Juan Esparza; Judith Paquette; Julia Munyandamutsa; Kathi Hutchins; Kathleen Hathaway; Kathy Colasurdo; Katie Bates; Kayleen Doornbos; Keith Rowley; Kendal Walker; Kendall White; Kirsty Haining; Kris Miller; Kristen Jones; Laeticia Nkinsi; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor; Larry Boykin; Larry Susanka; Laura Burns; Laura Gettleman; Laura Millikan; Laura Saunders (Emeritus); Lee Buxton; Leslie Heizer Newquist; Leslie Lum; Linda Annable; Linda Thomas; Lindsay Haney; Lindsay Palmer; Lisa Lapointe; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher; Marilyn Anderson; Martha Silano; Mary Anne Meng; Mary Cox; Matthew Groshong; Maurice Brooks; Megan Kaptik; Megan Sykes; Melissa Massie; Michael Brown; Michael Hanson; Michèle Royer; Miranda Kato; Mitchell Bland; Molly Blume (Emeritus); My Tran; Nadia Madani; Nan Ma; Nancy Gonlin; Nancy McEachran; Natasha Pinto; Nathaniel Meskel; Nicholas Russ; Nicole Beattie; Nicole Longpre; Nora Lance; Olga Krichevskaya; Oriana Estrada; Paul Weatherly; Paula McPherson; Pavy Thao; Peggy Strader; Rachel Wellman; Ramon Concepcion; Ray Butler; Ray White; Renee Allen; Richard Tebbetts; Rick Mangan; Robert Viens; Ron Taplin; Roselle Hay; Ross Villegas; Sabrina Sanchez; Sapan Parekh; Sara Gardner; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus); Sara Sutler-Cohen; Sarah Knox; Sasha Malinsky; Sayumi Irey; Scott Bessho; Seema Bahl; Sharon Berg; Sheere Zupan; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) BCG Diversity and Inclusion; BCG Faculty Council; BCG College Assembly; BCG Student Success Re: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Monday, February 24, 2020 6:23:25 AM When the axe came into the forest the trees said the handle is one of us.    Bumpersticker ~Alice Walker Kimberly J. Pollock Bellevue Community College Cultural and Ethnic Studies, English 425.564.3082 kpollock@bellevuecollege.edu From: Belle Nishioka Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2020 11:06:40 PM To: Gayle Barge ; Aaron Reader ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] >; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Belle Nishioka ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Catherine Berkenfield ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; CK Donovan ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Donna Miguel ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Henry Amaya ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Sayumi Irey ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success Subject: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude   Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, more than 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-led- development-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/ From: Juan Esparza Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2020 9:38 AM To: Nan Ma ; Gayle Barge ; Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Thank you so much for your very thoughtful email Nan. In addition, I am saddened that there is no other communication addressing some of the very important points you made. An apology should be offered to the greater BC campus community for the pain it caused some of our faculty, staff and students. In addition to a thoughtful apology for one person's mistake to the diversity caucus, our BC leadership should take responsibility and demonstrate an understanding of the hurt caused by this mistake. I will try and assume the best, and expect follow up communication will be sent out from our leadership addressing the bigger problem we have on this campus. It is interesting to note what exactly was erased from the artwork. “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.” I'm sure many have the attitude that it was only a temporary instalment and may not have proper approval thus justifiable censorship and defilment might be excusable, or at least not that big of a deal.  I hate to think if this had been done to another piece of art, maybe one commemorating Jews, African Americans or Latinos, might there be more of an outcry? I assume Bellevue College is more concerned about offending a rich white man or being the subject of a lawsuit than accuratly remembering and fully communicating history. I wonder how some of these ideas would play out in our local newspaper? Would our community agree with the whitewashing of history? We must change this toxic culture on our campus. Obviously, we need a policy that will protect future works of art. A policy that will help support our college's four core themes and help change the culture on our campus where this type of offense could so easily take place. Maybe name it the Miller Freeman Policy or better yet the Erin Shigaki Policy? ------ Original message-----From: Nan Ma Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2020 7:34 PM To: Gayle Barge;Diversity Caucus; Cc: Subject:Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear Gayle, I appreciate your attempt at an apology.  Unfortunately, your letter falls short at addressing the pain that so many of us in the API community are feeling.  This week we observe the Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to remembering the atrocities that were done to the Japanese American community.  Your action, regardless of your intention, triggers intergenerational trauma and colludes with the erasure of Asian American history by the dominant culture. The API community received no notice of the defacement even hours after the act.  Your action, regardless of your intention, speaks to a lack of understanding of the API experience, disrespects our community, and reinforces the invisibility of the struggles that API communities face.  It speaks to a total disregard of our opinions and feelings, a disregard that is rooted in the model minority myth that obscures the discrimination that Asian Americans face and functions as a silencer of our pain.       Please understand that as a woman of color, it pains me a great deal to write you this letter.  But a true apology encompasses an understanding of what one is apologizing for and to whom.  As an Asian American woman, I want to remind you why we demanded an apology in the first place. Nan Ma  Nan Ma, Ph.D.  she/her/hers Associate Professor, Department of English Affiliate Faculty, Department of Cultural and Ethnic Studies Bellevue College (425)564-2647 From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Donna Miguel Belle Nishioka; Gayle Barge; Abby Lynn; Aimee Sharp; AJ Duxbury; Alice Jenkins; Alison Johnson; Alonda Williams; Amy McCrory; Andrew Johnson; Andrew Kapoi; Andria Villines; Anne Bergen-Aurand; Anne Stewart; Ariane Hayes; Aron Segal; [1] Barbara Brodsky; Beabe Akpojovwo; Becky Turnbull; Benayah Israel; Benjamin Johnson; Bethany Arakaki; Bill O"Connor; Blaise Mitsutama; Bob Adams; Bonita Corliss; Bonnie Berry; Brandon Lueken; Brenda Ivelisse; Brigitte Baker; [1] Carol Anderson; Carol T. Grant; Carolyn Gates; Cesar Rangel; Chiew Jones; Christina Sciabarra; Christine Linde; Tina Young; Christy Coulibaly; Cora Nixon; Corvilia Thykkuttathil; Croix Saffin; Dana Vukajlovich; Darlene Molsen; David Lopez-Kopp; David Spataro; Deanne Eschbach; Debi Griggs (Emeritus); Deepti Karkhanis; Denise Johnson; Diem O"Rourke; Dimitri Azadi; Edward Biggers; El Centro Latino Coordinator; Elaine Mannari; Elaine Nutter; Elena Maans-Lorincz; Elisabeth Johanson; Elizabeth Harazim; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib; Enedelia Nicholson; Eric Davis; Eric Nacke; Eric Peterson; Eva Norling; Evelyn Kasama; Fabienne Mouton; Fernando Pérez; Frances Peppard; Frank Hatstat; Gabriel Brown; Gary Farris; Gilbert Villalpando; Gita Bangera; Glenn Jackson; Gwyneth Jones; Harlan Lee; Helen Taylor (Emeritus); Henry Amaya; Humaira Jackson; James Torrence; Jan Ng; Janice Grayson; Jarka Buchova; Jason Fuller; Jean Floten (Emeritus); Jean Pauley; Jeanne Meek; Jeffery White; Jennie Mayer; Jennifer Laveglia; Jennifer Lê; Jennifer Pang; Jennifer Pritchard; Jerry Weber; Jesse Gardner; Jessica Berry; Jewell Evans (Emeritus); Jill Powell; Jonathan Harrington; Joyce Carroll; Juan Esparza; Judith Paquette; Julia Munyandamutsa; Kathi Hutchins; Kathleen Hathaway; Kathy Colasurdo; Katie Bates; Kayleen Doornbos; Keith Rowley; Kendal Walker; Kendall White; Kim Pollock; Kirsty Haining; Kris Miller; Kristen Jones; Laeticia Nkinsi; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor; Larry Boykin; Larry Susanka; Laura Burns; Laura Gettleman; Laura Millikan; Laura Saunders (Emeritus); Lee Buxton; Leslie Heizer Newquist; Leslie Lum; Linda Annable; Linda Thomas; Lindsay Haney; Lindsay Palmer; Lisa Lapointe; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher; Marilyn Anderson; Martha Silano; Mary Anne Meng; Mary Cox; Matthew Groshong; Maurice Brooks; Megan Kaptik; Megan Sykes; Melissa Massie; Michael Brown; Michael Hanson; Michèle Royer; Miranda Kato; Mitchell Bland; Molly Blume (Emeritus); My Tran; Nadia Madani; Nan Ma; Nancy Gonlin; Nancy McEachran; Natasha Pinto; Nathaniel Meskel; Nicholas Russ; Nicole Beattie; Nicole Longpre; Nora Lance; Olga Krichevskaya; Oriana Estrada; Paul Weatherly; Paula McPherson; Pavy Thao; Peggy Strader; Rachel Wellman; Ramon Concepcion; Ray Butler; Ray White; Renee Allen; Richard Tebbetts; Rick Mangan; Robert Viens; Ron Taplin; Roselle Hay; Ross Villegas; Sabrina Sanchez; Sapan Parekh; Sara Gardner; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus); Sara Sutler-Cohen; Sarah Knox; Sasha Malinsky; Scott Bessho; Seema Bahl; Sharon Berg; Sheere Zupan; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) BCG Diversity and Inclusion; BCG Faculty Council; BCG College Assembly; BCG Student Success; Juan Esparza; Ronald Holland RE: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Monday, February 24, 2020 8:00:33 AM Colleagues, My heart is heavy for all my peers who were hurt and demoralized by this defacement. Along with my gratitude for those who brought this incredible exhibit to campus, I also want to thank Belle, Nan, Juan and all others who have expressed anger, pain, and frustration – I hope y’all take care of yourselves and of one another.   Yes, I am interested in hearing WHY one of our leaders defaced the historical art exhibit “Never Again is Now.” Time and time again many of us on campus hear or experience pain and frustration due to decisions that are made from our senior leaders. Like many of my sisters and brothers have expressed, as a woman-identified faculty of color, I have directly felt such frustration in meetings, trainings, workshops that continue to further harmful colorblind policies, values and white supremacy complicity.  Research has shown that institutional racism is clearly embedded in administrative policy. Rightfully so, faculty and staff are  held accountable, in their evaluations/reviews,  for ensuring equitable outcomes with students and in interpersonal interactions. What about accountability with our senior leaders who represent administration? As my brother Juan Esparza asked, where are the responses to this defacement from our leaders?       Thanks, Donna Miguel (she/her) English Dept. Faculty   From: Belle Nishioka Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2020 11:07 PM To: Gayle Barge ; Aaron Reader ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ;[1] >; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Belle Nishioka ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Catherine Berkenfield ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; CK Donovan ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Donna Miguel ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Henry Amaya ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Sayumi Irey ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success Subject: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude   Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, more than 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-leddevelopment-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136   With gratitude,     Belle   Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/   From: Juan Esparza Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2020 9:38 AM To: Nan Ma ; Gayle Barge ; Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Thank you so much for your very thoughtful email Nan. In addition, I am saddened that there is no other communication addressing some of the very important points you made. An apology should be offered to the greater BC campus community for the pain it caused some of our faculty, staff and students. In addition to a thoughtful apology for one person's mistake to the diversity caucus, our BC leadership should take responsibility and demonstrate an understanding of the hurt caused by this mistake. I will try and assume the best, and expect follow up communication will be sent out from our leadership addressing the bigger problem we have on this campus. It is interesting to note what exactly was erased from the artwork. “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.” I'm sure many have the attitude that it was only a temporary instalment and may not have proper approval thus justifiable censorship and defilment might be excusable, or at least not that big of a deal. I hate to think if this had been done to another piece of art, maybe one commemorating Jews, African Americans or Latinos, might there be more of an outcry? I assume Bellevue College is more concerned about offending a rich white man or being the subject of a lawsuit than accuratly remembering and fully communicating history. I wonder how some of these ideas would play out in our local newspaper? Would our community agree with the whitewashing of history? We must change this toxic culture on our campus. Obviously, we need a policy that will protect future works of art. A policy that will help support our college's four core themes and help change the culture on our campus where this type of offense could so easily take place. Maybe name it the Miller Freeman Policy or better yet the Erin Shigaki Policy? ------ Original message-----From: Nan Ma Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2020 7:34 PM To: Gayle Barge;Diversity Caucus; Cc: Subject:Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear Gayle, I appreciate your attempt at an apology.  Unfortunately, your letter falls short at addressing the pain that so many of us in the API community are feeling.  This week we observe the Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to remembering the atrocities that were done to the Japanese American community.  Your action, regardless of your intention, triggers intergenerational trauma and colludes with the erasure of Asian American history by the dominant culture. The API community received no notice of the defacement even hours after the act.  Your action, regardless of your intention, speaks to a lack of understanding of the API experience, disrespects our community, and reinforces the invisibility of the struggles that API communities face.  It speaks to a total disregard of our opinions and feelings, a disregard that is rooted in the model minority myth that obscures the discrimination that Asian Americans face and functions as a silencer of our pain.       Please understand that as a woman of color, it pains me a great deal to write you this letter.  But a true apology encompasses an understanding of what one is apologizing for and to whom.  As an Asian American woman, I want to remind you why we demanded an apology in the first place. Nan Ma    Nan Ma, Ph.D.  she/her/hers Associate Professor, Department of English Affiliate Faculty, Department of Cultural and Ethnic Studies Bellevue College (425)564-2647   From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Jerry Weber; Kristen Jones FW: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Monday, February 24, 2020 8:59:00 AM FYI.   Best, Gayle   From: Sue Nightingale Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 6:36 PM To: Gayle Barge Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Hey Gayle!   Just wanted to say, thanks for the email. It’s never easy, but it does matter, it does help and I appreciate it. ❤  Sue Nightingale   On Feb 21, 2020, at 4:13 PM, Gayle Barge wrote:  Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Jerry Weber; Kristen Jones FW: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Monday, February 24, 2020 8:59:00 AM Best, Gayle   From: Becky Turnbull Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:21 PM To: Gayle Barge Subject: RE: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   I could not love you more. Courage : the attitude of facing and dealing with anything recognized as dangerous, difficult, or painful, instead of withdrawing from it ….   Becky   “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” – Maya Angelou   From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Denise Johnson Donna Miguel; Belle Nishioka; Gayle Barge; Abby Lynn; Aimee Sharp; AJ Duxbury; Alice Jenkins; Alison Johnson; Alonda Williams; Amy McCrory; [1] ; Barbara Brodsky; Beabe Akpojovwo; Becky Turnbull; Benayah Israel; Benjamin Johnson; Bethany Arakaki; Bill O"Connor; Blaise Mitsutama; Bob Adams; Bonita Corliss; Bonnie Berry; Brandon Lueken; Brenda Ivelisse; Brigitte Baker; [1] Carol Anderson; Carol T. Grant; Carolyn Gates; Cesar Rangel; Chiew Jones; Christina Sciabarra; Christine Linde; Tina Young; Christy Coulibaly; Cora Nixon; Corvilia Thykkuttathil; Croix Saffin; Dana Vukajlovich; Darlene Molsen; David Lopez-Kopp; David Spataro; Deanne Eschbach; Debi Griggs (Emeritus); Deepti Karkhanis; Diem O"Rourke; Dimitri Azadi; Edward Biggers; El Centro Latino Coordinator; Elaine Mannari; Elaine Nutter; Elena Maans-Lorincz; Elisabeth Johanson; Elizabeth Harazim; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib; Enedelia Nicholson; Eric Davis; Eric Nacke; Eric Peterson; Eva Norling; Evelyn Kasama; Fabienne Mouton; Fernando Pérez; Frances Peppard; Frank Hatstat; Gabriel Brown; Gary Farris; Gilbert Villalpando; Gita Bangera; Glenn Jackson; Gwyneth Jones; Harlan Lee; Helen Taylor (Emeritus); Henry Amaya; Humaira Jackson; James Torrence; Jan Ng; Janice Grayson; Jarka Buchova; Jason Fuller; Jean Floten (Emeritus); Jean Pauley; Jeanne Meek; Jeffery White; Jennie Mayer; Jennifer Laveglia; Jennifer Lê; Jennifer Pang; Jennifer Pritchard; Jerry Weber; Jesse Gardner; Jessica Berry; Jewell Evans (Emeritus); Jill Powell; Jonathan Harrington; Joyce Carroll; Juan Esparza; Judith Paquette; Julia Munyandamutsa; Kathi Hutchins; Kathleen Hathaway; Kathy Colasurdo; Katie Bates; Kayleen Doornbos; Keith Rowley; Kendal Walker; Kendall White; Kim Pollock; Kirsty Haining; Kris Miller; Kristen Jones; Laeticia Nkinsi; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor; Larry Boykin; Larry Susanka; Laura Burns; Laura Gettleman; Laura Millikan; Laura Saunders (Emeritus); Lee Buxton; Leslie Heizer Newquist; Leslie Lum; Linda Annable; Linda Thomas; Lindsay Haney; Lindsay Palmer; Lisa Lapointe; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher; Marilyn Anderson; Martha Silano; Mary Anne Meng; Mary Cox; Matthew Groshong; Maurice Brooks; Megan Kaptik; Megan Sykes; Melissa Massie; Michael Brown; Michael Hanson; Michèle Royer; Miranda Kato; Mitchell Bland; Molly Blume (Emeritus); My Tran; Nadia Madani; Nan Ma; Nancy Gonlin; Nancy McEachran; Natasha Pinto; Nathaniel Meskel; Nicholas Russ; Nicole Beattie; Nicole Longpre; Nora Lance; Olga Krichevskaya; Oriana Estrada; Paul Weatherly; Paula McPherson; Pavy Thao; Peggy Strader; Rachel Wellman; Ramon Concepcion; Ray Butler; Ray White; Renee Allen; Richard Tebbetts; Rick Mangan; Robert Viens; Ron Taplin; Roselle Hay; Ross Villegas; Sabrina Sanchez; Sapan Parekh; Sara Gardner; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus); Sara Sutler-Cohen; Sarah Knox; Sasha Malinsky; Scott Bessho; Seema Bahl; Sharon Berg; Sheere Zupan; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) BCG Diversity and Inclusion; BCG Faculty Council; BCG College Assembly; BCG Student Success; Juan Esparza; Ronald Holland RE: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Monday, February 24, 2020 10:04:09 AM And when will we hear from the President of the College, or the BoT?   Not only was the original act of defacing the artwork (and whitewashing our history) alarming, upsetting, and infuriating, but now we have the silence from our leadership to add to it.  This is deeply, deeply concerning.       Denise L. Johnson Professor of Sociology Bellevue College (425) 564-5143   “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” –Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.   From: Donna Miguel Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 8:00 AM To: Belle Nishioka ; Gayle Barge ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] >; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Henry Amaya ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success ; Juan Esparza ; Ronald Holland Subject: RE: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Colleagues, My heart is heavy for all my peers who were hurt and demoralized by this defacement. Along with my gratitude for those who brought this incredible exhibit to campus, I also want to thank Belle, Nan, Juan and all others who have expressed anger, pain, and frustration – I hope y’all take care of yourselves and of one another.   Yes, I am interested in hearing WHY one of our leaders defaced the historical art exhibit “Never Again is Now.” Time and time again many of us on campus hear or experience pain and frustration due to decisions that are made from our senior leaders. Like many of my sisters and brothers have expressed, as a woman-identified faculty of color, I have directly felt such frustration in meetings, trainings, workshops that continue to further harmful colorblind policies, values and white supremacy complicity.  Research has shown that institutional racism is clearly embedded in administrative policy. Rightfully so, faculty and staff are  held accountable, in their evaluations/reviews,  for ensuring equitable outcomes with students and in interpersonal interactions. What about accountability with our senior leaders who represent administration? As my brother Juan Esparza asked, where are the responses to this defacement from our leaders?       Thanks, Donna Miguel (she/her) English Dept. Faculty   From: Belle Nishioka Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2020 11:07 PM To: Gayle Barge ; Aaron Reader ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] >; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Belle Nishioka ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Catherine Berkenfield ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; CK Donovan ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Donna Miguel ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Henry Amaya ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Sayumi Irey ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success Subject: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude   Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, more than 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-leddevelopment-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136   With gratitude,     Belle   Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/   From: Juan Esparza Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2020 9:38 AM To: Nan Ma ; Gayle Barge ; Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Thank you so much for your very thoughtful email Nan. In addition, I am saddened that there is no other communication addressing some of the very important points you made. An apology should be offered to the greater BC campus community for the pain it caused some of our faculty, staff and students. In addition to a thoughtful apology for one person's mistake to the diversity caucus, our BC leadership should take responsibility and demonstrate an understanding of the hurt caused by this mistake. I will try and assume the best, and expect follow up communication will be sent out from our leadership addressing the bigger problem we have on this campus. It is interesting to note what exactly was erased from the artwork. “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.” I'm sure many have the attitude that it was only a temporary instalment and may not have proper approval thus justifiable censorship and defilment might be excusable, or at least not that big of a deal. I hate to think if this had been done to another piece of art, maybe one commemorating Jews, African Americans or Latinos, might there be more of an outcry? I assume Bellevue College is more concerned about offending a rich white man or being the subject of a lawsuit than accuratly remembering and fully communicating history. I wonder how some of these ideas would play out in our local newspaper? Would our community agree with the whitewashing of history? We must change this toxic culture on our campus. Obviously, we need a policy that will protect future works of art. A policy that will help support our college's four core themes and help change the culture on our campus where this type of offense could so easily take place. Maybe name it the Miller Freeman Policy or better yet the Erin Shigaki Policy? ------ Original message-----From: Nan Ma Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2020 7:34 PM To: Gayle Barge;Diversity Caucus; Cc: Subject:Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear Gayle, I appreciate your attempt at an apology.  Unfortunately, your letter falls short at addressing the pain that so many of us in the API community are feeling.  This week we observe the Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to remembering the atrocities that were done to the Japanese American community.  Your action, regardless of your intention, triggers intergenerational trauma and colludes with the erasure of Asian American history by the dominant culture. The API community received no notice of the defacement even hours after the act.  Your action, regardless of your intention, speaks to a lack of understanding of the API experience, disrespects our community, and reinforces the invisibility of the struggles that API communities face.  It speaks to a total disregard of our opinions and feelings, a disregard that is rooted in the model minority myth that obscures the discrimination that Asian Americans face and functions as a silencer of our pain.       Please understand that as a woman of color, it pains me a great deal to write you this letter.  But a true apology encompasses an understanding of what one is apologizing for and to whom.  As an Asian American woman, I want to remind you why we demanded an apology in the first place. Nan Ma    Nan Ma, Ph.D.  she/her/hers Associate Professor, Department of English Affiliate Faculty, Department of Cultural and Ethnic Studies Bellevue College (425)564-2647   From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Tim Jones Jerry Weber Diversity Caucus; Gayle Barge; BCG Faculty Council; BCG College Assembly; BCG Diversity and Inclusion; BCG Student Success; Kristen Jones; Robert Viens; BCG Classified Council; BCG Exempt Council; BCG Student Council Never Again is Now Mural Defacement Monday, February 24, 2020 10:12:49 AM Dear President Weber,    On Thursday I started my Introduction to Political Science class by discussing Executive Order 9066. As part of that in-class history lesson, I referenced the powerful “Never Again is Now” mural on the A-building, and we talked about, among other things, the reference to Eastside businessman Miller Freeman.   Later that day, I learned that the mural had been defaced, and that ironically the defacement involved the “whiting” out of one sentence: “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.”    On Friday, I learned that the person responsible for the removal of this sentence was the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Gayle Barge. I read with interest Gayle’s apology to the Diversity Caucus on Friday as well as the responses by several of our faculty and staff colleagues on that email thread.    Others have raised thoughtful critiques of Gayle’s actions and apology— both publicly and privately—and I hope that Gayle specifically and the administration more broadly will respond to them in a meaningful and public way since it is obvious that this incident has caused a lot of pain and confusion in our community.    My primary purpose in sending this email is to request that subsequent administration communications be made more public than the diversity caucus email thread. I think the broader campus community deserves to know what happened, why it happened, and what, if anything, the administration plans to do in response—other than the restoration of the original mural.     Thank you for your time and attention to this issue.  Tim Jones Bellevue College Full Professor of Political Science Tenure Mentoring Program Lead Model United Nations Faculty Advisor From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Glenn Jackson Denise Johnson; Donna Miguel; Belle Nishioka; Gayle Barge; Abby Lynn; Aimee Sharp; AJ Duxbury; Alice Jenkins; Alison Johnson; Alonda Williams; Amy McCrory; Andrew Johnson; Andrew Kapoi; Andria Villines; Anne BergenAurand; Anne Stewart; Ariane Hayes; Aron Segal; [1] Barbara Brodsky; Beabe Akpojovwo; Becky Turnbull; Benayah Israel; Benjamin Johnson; Bethany Arakaki; Bill O"Connor; Blaise Mitsutama; Bob Adams; Bonita Corliss; Bonnie Berry; Brandon Lueken; Brenda Ivelisse; Brigitte Baker; [1] Carol Anderson; Carol T. Grant; Carolyn Gates; Cesar Rangel; Chiew Jones; Christina Sciabarra; Christine Linde; Tina Young; Christy Coulibaly; Cora Nixon; Corvilia Thykkuttathil; Croix Saffin; Dana Vukajlovich; Darlene Molsen; David Lopez-Kopp; David Spataro; Deanne Eschbach; Debi Griggs (Emeritus); Deepti Karkhanis; Diem O"Rourke; Dimitri Azadi; Edward Biggers; El Centro Latino Coordinator; Elaine Mannari; Elaine Nutter; Elena Maans-Lorincz; Elisabeth Johanson; Elizabeth Harazim; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib; Enedelia Nicholson; Eric Davis; Eric Nacke; Eric Peterson; Eva Norling; Evelyn Kasama; Fabienne Mouton; Fernando Pérez; Frances Peppard; Frank Hatstat; Gabriel Brown; Gary Farris; Gilbert Villalpando; Gita Bangera; Gwyneth Jones; Harlan Lee; Helen Taylor (Emeritus); Henry Amaya; Humaira Jackson; James Torrence; Jan Ng; Janice Grayson; Jarka Buchova; Jason Fuller; Jean Floten (Emeritus); Jean Pauley; Jeanne Meek; Jeffery White; Jennie Mayer; Jennifer Laveglia; Jennifer Lê; Jennifer Pang; Jennifer Pritchard; Jerry Weber; Jesse Gardner; Jessica Berry; Jewell Evans (Emeritus); Jill Powell; Jonathan Harrington; Joyce Carroll; Juan Esparza; Judith Paquette; Julia Munyandamutsa; Kathi Hutchins; Kathleen Hathaway; Kathy Colasurdo; Katie Bates; Kayleen Doornbos; Keith Rowley; Kendal Walker; Kendall White; Kim Pollock; Kirsty Haining; Kris Miller; Kristen Jones; Laeticia Nkinsi; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor; Larry Boykin; Larry Susanka; Laura Burns; Laura Gettleman; Laura Millikan; Laura Saunders (Emeritus); Lee Buxton; Leslie Heizer Newquist; Leslie Lum; Linda Annable; Linda Thomas; Lindsay Haney; Lindsay Palmer; Lisa Lapointe; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher; Marilyn Anderson; Martha Silano; Mary Anne Meng; Mary Cox; Matthew Groshong; Maurice Brooks; Megan Kaptik; Megan Sykes; Melissa Massie; Michael Brown; Michael Hanson; Michèle Royer; Miranda Kato; Mitchell Bland; Molly Blume (Emeritus); My Tran; Nadia Madani; Nan Ma; Nancy Gonlin; Nancy McEachran; Natasha Pinto; Nathaniel Meskel; Nicholas Russ; Nicole Beattie; Nicole Longpre; Nora Lance; Olga Krichevskaya; Oriana Estrada; Paul Weatherly; Paula McPherson; Pavy Thao; Peggy Strader; Rachel Wellman; Ramon Concepcion; Ray Butler; Ray White; Renee Allen; Richard Tebbetts; Rick Mangan; Robert Viens; Ron Taplin; Roselle Hay; Ross Villegas; Sabrina Sanchez; Sapan Parekh; Sara Gardner; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus); Sara Sutler-Cohen; Sarah Knox; Sasha Malinsky; Scott Bessho; Seema Bahl; Sharon Berg; Sheere Zupan; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) BCG Diversity and Inclusion; BCG Faculty Council; BCG College Assembly; BCG Student Success; Ronald Holland Re: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Monday, February 24, 2020 10:44:02 AM Hello all, On behalf of the current attending members of the Black Employees of Bellevue College (BEOBC), we would like to offer support to the AAPI faculty, staff, students on campus, and surrounding community.  All of you should know this country’s history regarding Black Americans and slavery, and the negative effects of it that still exists today.   We are often told to just get over it! However, such as the AAPI’s monument “Never Again Now”! We should always be able to reflect on the past, even if it makes others uncomfortable.  We reflect, as we never want any of the monstrosities such as slavery, Nazi concentration camps, and Japanese internment camps to ever happen again!  BC needs to restart courageous conversations again. Conversations that may be uncomfortable for some, but very necessary in order to educate! Sincerely, Glenn Jackson                                   Director of High School Initiatives CEO/ Running Start / Summer Enrichment Center for High School Programs Bellevue College 425-564-4035 or Fax 425-564-6015 glenn.jackson@bellevuecollege.edu From: Denise Johnson Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 10:03 AM To: Donna Miguel ; Belle Nishioka ; Gayle Barge ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne BergenAurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Henry Amaya ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success ; Juan Esparza ; Ronald Holland Subject: RE: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude And when will we hear from the President of the College, or the BoT?   Not only was the original act of defacing the artwork (and whitewashing our history) alarming, upsetting, and infuriating, but now we have the silence from our leadership to add to it.  This is deeply, deeply concerning. Denise L. Johnson Professor of Sociology Bellevue College (425) 564-5143 “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” –Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. From: Donna Miguel Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 8:00 AM To: Belle Nishioka ; Gayle Barge ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] >; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Henry Amaya ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success ; Juan Esparza ; Ronald Holland Subject: RE: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Colleagues, My heart is heavy for all my peers who were hurt and demoralized by this defacement. Along with my gratitude for those who brought this incredible exhibit to campus, I also want to thank Belle, Nan, Juan and all others who have expressed anger, pain, and frustration – I hope y’all take care of yourselves and of one another. Yes, I am interested in hearing WHY one of our leaders defaced the historical art exhibit “Never Again is Now.” Time and time again many of us on campus hear or experience pain and frustration due to decisions that are made from our senior leaders. Like many of my sisters and brothers have expressed, as a woman-identified faculty of color, I have directly felt such frustration in meetings, trainings, workshops that continue to further harmful colorblind policies, values and white supremacy complicity.  Research has shown that institutional racism is clearly embedded in administrative policy. Rightfully so, faculty and staff are  held accountable, in their evaluations/reviews,  for ensuring equitable outcomes with students and in interpersonal interactions. What about accountability with our senior leaders who represent administration? As my brother Juan Esparza asked, where are the responses to this defacement from our leaders?   Thanks, Donna Miguel (she/her) English Dept. Faculty From: Belle Nishioka Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2020 11:07 PM To: Gayle Barge ; Aaron Reader ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] >; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Belle Nishioka ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Catherine Berkenfield ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; CK Donovan ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Donna Miguel ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Henry Amaya ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Sayumi Irey ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success Subject: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Dear Colleagues: I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, more than 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time. It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma. Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997). We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.” Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted. As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market. Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land. Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered. Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square. Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups. Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other. Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-led- development-bellevue/62732 Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997. Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community. https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/ From: Juan Esparza Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2020 9:38 AM To: Nan Ma ; Gayle Barge ; Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Thank you so much for your very thoughtful email Nan. In addition, I am saddened that there is no other communication addressing some of the very important points you made. An apology should be offered to the greater BC campus community for the pain it caused some of our faculty, staff and students. In addition to a thoughtful apology for one person's mistake to the diversity caucus, our BC leadership should take responsibility and demonstrate an understanding of the hurt caused by this mistake. I will try and assume the best, and expect follow up communication will be sent out from our leadership addressing the bigger problem we have on this campus. It is interesting to note what exactly was erased from the artwork. “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.” I'm sure many have the attitude that it was only a temporary instalment and may not have proper approval thus justifiable censorship and defilment might be excusable, or at least not that big of a deal. I hate to think if this had been done to another piece of art, maybe one commemorating Jews, African Americans or Latinos, might there be more of an outcry? I assume Bellevue College is more concerned about offending a rich white man or being the subject of a lawsuit than accuratly remembering and fully communicating history. I wonder how some of these ideas would play out in our local newspaper? Would our community agree with the whitewashing of history? We must change this toxic culture on our campus. Obviously, we need a policy that will protect future works of art. A policy that will help support our college's four core themes and help change the culture on our campus where this type of offense could so easily take place. Maybe name it the Miller Freeman Policy or better yet the Erin Shigaki Policy? ------ Original message-----From: Nan Ma Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2020 7:34 PM To: Gayle Barge;Diversity Caucus; Cc: Subject:Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear Gayle, I appreciate your attempt at an apology.  Unfortunately, your letter falls short at addressing the pain that so many of us in the API community are feeling.  This week we observe the Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to remembering the atrocities that were done to the Japanese American community.  Your action, regardless of your intention, triggers intergenerational trauma and colludes with the erasure of Asian American history by the dominant culture. The API community received no notice of the defacement even hours after the act.  Your action, regardless of your intention, speaks to a lack of understanding of the API experience, disrespects our community, and reinforces the invisibility of the struggles that API communities face.  It speaks to a total disregard of our opinions and feelings, a disregard that is rooted in the model minority myth that obscures the discrimination that Asian Americans face and functions as a silencer of our pain.       Please understand that as a woman of color, it pains me a great deal to write you this letter.  But a true apology encompasses an understanding of what one is apologizing for and to whom.  As an Asian American woman, I want to remind you why we demanded an apology in the first place. Nan Ma  Nan Ma, Ph.D.  she/her/hers Associate Professor, Department of English Affiliate Faculty, Department of Cultural and Ethnic Studies Bellevue College (425)564-2647 From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs. The artwork will be completely restored. Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007 gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282 From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Henry Amaya Donna Miguel; Belle Nishioka; Gayle Barge; Abby Lynn; Aimee Sharp; AJ Duxbury; Alice Jenkins; Alison Johnson; Alonda Williams; Amy McCrory; Andrew Johnson; Andrew Kapoi; Andria Villines; Anne Bergen-Aurand; Anne Stewart; Ariane Hayes; Aron Segal; [1] Barbara Brodsky; Beabe Akpojovwo; Becky Turnbull; Benayah Israel; Benjamin Johnson; Bethany Arakaki; Bill O"Connor; Blaise Mitsutama; Bob Adams; Bonita Corliss; Bonnie Berry; Brandon Lueken; Brenda Ivelisse; Brigitte Baker; [1] Carol Anderson; Carol T. Grant; Carolyn Gates; Cesar Rangel; Chiew Jones; Christina Sciabarra; Christine Linde; Tina Young; Christy Coulibaly; Cora Nixon; Corvilia Thykkuttathil; Croix Saffin; Dana Vukajlovich; Darlene Molsen; David Lopez-Kopp; David Spataro; Deanne Eschbach; Debi Griggs (Emeritus); Deepti Karkhanis; Denise Johnson; Diem O"Rourke; Dimitri Azadi; Edward Biggers; El Centro Latino Coordinator; Elaine Mannari; Elaine Nutter; Elena Maans-Lorincz; Elisabeth Johanson; Elizabeth Harazim; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib; Enedelia Nicholson; Eric Davis; Eric Nacke; Eric Peterson; Eva Norling; Evelyn Kasama; Fabienne Mouton; Fernando Pérez; Frances Peppard; Frank Hatstat; Gabriel Brown; Gary Farris; Gilbert Villalpando; Gita Bangera; Glenn Jackson; Gwyneth Jones; Harlan Lee; Helen Taylor (Emeritus); Humaira Jackson; James Torrence; Jan Ng; Janice Grayson; Jarka Buchova; Jason Fuller; Jean Floten (Emeritus); Jean Pauley; Jeanne Meek; Jeffery White; Jennie Mayer; Jennifer Laveglia; Jennifer Lê; Jennifer Pang; Jennifer Pritchard; Jerry Weber; Jesse Gardner; Jessica Berry; Jewell Evans (Emeritus); Jill Powell; Jonathan Harrington; Joyce Carroll; Juan Esparza; Judith Paquette; Julia Munyandamutsa; Kathi Hutchins; Kathleen Hathaway; Kathy Colasurdo; Katie Bates; Kayleen Doornbos; Keith Rowley; Kendal Walker; Kendall White; Kim Pollock; Kirsty Haining; Kris Miller; Kristen Jones; Laeticia Nkinsi; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor; Larry Boykin; Larry Susanka; Laura Burns; Laura Gettleman; Laura Millikan; Laura Saunders (Emeritus); Lee Buxton; Leslie Heizer Newquist; Leslie Lum; Linda Annable; Linda Thomas; Lindsay Haney; Lindsay Palmer; Lisa Lapointe; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher; Marilyn Anderson; Martha Silano; Mary Anne Meng; Mary Cox; Matthew Groshong; Maurice Brooks; Megan Kaptik; Megan Sykes; Melissa Massie; Michael Brown; Michael Hanson; Michèle Royer; Miranda Kato; Mitchell Bland; Molly Blume (Emeritus); My Tran; Nadia Madani; Nan Ma; Nancy Gonlin; Nancy McEachran; Natasha Pinto; Nathaniel Meskel; Nicholas Russ; Nicole Beattie; Nicole Longpre; Nora Lance; Olga Krichevskaya; Oriana Estrada; Paul Weatherly; Paula McPherson; Pavy Thao; Peggy Strader; Rachel Wellman; Ramon Concepcion; Ray Butler; Ray White; Renee Allen; Richard Tebbetts; Rick Mangan; Robert Viens; Ron Taplin; Roselle Hay; Ross Villegas; Sabrina Sanchez; Sapan Parekh; Sara Gardner; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus); Sara Sutler-Cohen; Sarah Knox; Sasha Malinsky; Scott Bessho; Seema Bahl; Sharon Berg; Sheere Zupan; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) BCG Diversity and Inclusion; BCG Faculty Council; BCG College Assembly; BCG Student Success; Juan Esparza; Ronald Holland RE: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Monday, February 24, 2020 10:46:31 AM Colleagues,   I just learned of the actions that one of our colleagues took to remove part of a public art exhibit at our college. I find this action very troubling and I also feel sad and disheartened. Regardless of intent, or what feelings this piece of art evokes on anyone, art of this kind should be protected especially at an educational institution. But this is also true: The exhibit goes beyond art and making a statement: it is a testament to historical oppression, a memorial to the plight Japanese Americans faced during Internment. The piece of art also makes us reflect on what we are currently experiencing now with the incarceration of Latino immigrant children and the separation of families. To remove part of a piece of art that reminds us of this troubling history and our current state of affairs, is in my opinion a form of censorship as the action itself creates distance for the very public the work is intended for. Art pieces, books, have been  historically destroyed to silence the voice of the oppressed and to maintain the status quo or establishment. There is no time, especially not now for silencing voices. I stand in solidarity with my Asian American colleagues.   However, I think this situation is an opportunity for all of us, affinity groups, to reconvene and come together in solidarity and work towards ensuring that our voices are not placated.   Best regards,   Henry Amaya, MBA, MPA (he/him/his Pronouns)  Director, Multicultural Services Bellevue College PH. (425) 564-4064 Henry.amaya@bellevuecollege.edu   “Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” MLK, Jr. _______________________________________________________________________________   This e-mail and any files transmitted may contain confidential information as protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 USC § 1232g and/or Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2510-2521. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution is prohibited. Furthermore, if you are not the intended recipient, please notify me immediately by telephone or return e-mail and completely delete this message from your system. _______________________________________________________________________________   From: Donna Miguel Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 8:00 AM To: Belle Nishioka ; Gayle Barge ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] >; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Henry Amaya ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success ; Juan Esparza ; Ronald Holland Subject: RE: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Colleagues, My heart is heavy for all my peers who were hurt and demoralized by this defacement. Along with my gratitude for those who brought this incredible exhibit to campus, I also want to thank Belle, Nan, Juan and all others who have expressed anger, pain, and frustration – I hope y’all take care of yourselves and of one another.   Yes, I am interested in hearing WHY one of our leaders defaced the historical art exhibit “Never Again is Now.” Time and time again many of us on campus hear or experience pain and frustration due to decisions that are made from our senior leaders. Like many of my sisters and brothers have expressed, as a woman-identified faculty of color, I have directly felt such frustration in meetings, trainings, workshops that continue to further harmful colorblind policies, values and white supremacy complicity.  Research has shown that institutional racism is clearly embedded in administrative policy. Rightfully so, faculty and staff are  held accountable, in their evaluations/reviews,  for ensuring equitable outcomes with students and in interpersonal interactions. What about accountability with our senior leaders who represent administration? As my brother Juan Esparza asked, where are the responses to this defacement from our leaders?       Thanks, Donna Miguel (she/her) English Dept. Faculty   From: Belle Nishioka Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2020 11:07 PM To: Gayle Barge ; Aaron Reader ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] >; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Belle Nishioka ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Catherine Berkenfield ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; CK Donovan ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Donna Miguel ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Henry Amaya ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Sayumi Irey ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success Subject: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude   Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, more than 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-leddevelopment-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136   With gratitude,     Belle   Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/   From: Juan Esparza Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2020 9:38 AM To: Nan Ma ; Gayle Barge ; Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Thank you so much for your very thoughtful email Nan. In addition, I am saddened that there is no other communication addressing some of the very important points you made. An apology should be offered to the greater BC campus community for the pain it caused some of our faculty, staff and students. In addition to a thoughtful apology for one person's mistake to the diversity caucus, our BC leadership should take responsibility and demonstrate an understanding of the hurt caused by this mistake. I will try and assume the best, and expect follow up communication will be sent out from our leadership addressing the bigger problem we have on this campus. It is interesting to note what exactly was erased from the artwork. “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.” I'm sure many have the attitude that it was only a temporary instalment and may not have proper approval thus justifiable censorship and defilment might be excusable, or at least not that big of a deal. I hate to think if this had been done to another piece of art, maybe one commemorating Jews, African Americans or Latinos, might there be more of an outcry? I assume Bellevue College is more concerned about offending a rich white man or being the subject of a lawsuit than accuratly remembering and fully communicating history. I wonder how some of these ideas would play out in our local newspaper? Would our community agree with the whitewashing of history? We must change this toxic culture on our campus. Obviously, we need a policy that will protect future works of art. A policy that will help support our college's four core themes and help change the culture on our campus where this type of offense could so easily take place. Maybe name it the Miller Freeman Policy or better yet the Erin Shigaki Policy? ------ Original message-----From: Nan Ma Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2020 7:34 PM To: Gayle Barge;Diversity Caucus; Cc: Subject:Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear Gayle, I appreciate your attempt at an apology.  Unfortunately, your letter falls short at addressing the pain that so many of us in the API community are feeling.  This week we observe the Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to remembering the atrocities that were done to the Japanese American community.  Your action, regardless of your intention, triggers intergenerational trauma and colludes with the erasure of Asian American history by the dominant culture. The API community received no notice of the defacement even hours after the act.  Your action, regardless of your intention, speaks to a lack of understanding of the API experience, disrespects our community, and reinforces the invisibility of the struggles that API communities face.  It speaks to a total disregard of our opinions and feelings, a disregard that is rooted in the model minority myth that obscures the discrimination that Asian Americans face and functions as a silencer of our pain.       Please understand that as a woman of color, it pains me a great deal to write you this letter.  But a true apology encompasses an understanding of what one is apologizing for and to whom.  As an Asian American woman, I want to remind you why we demanded an apology in the first place. Nan Ma    Nan Ma, Ph.D.  she/her/hers Associate Professor, Department of English Affiliate Faculty, Department of Cultural and Ethnic Studies Bellevue College (425)564-2647   From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Subject: Date: Jerry Weber Gayle Barge FW: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Monday, February 24, 2020 10:47:08 AM fyi   Jerry Weber, Ph.D. President, Bellevue College (he, him, his)   From: Henry Amaya Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 10:46 AM To: Donna Miguel ; Belle Nishioka ; Gayle Barge ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne BergenAurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] >; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success ; Juan Esparza ; Ronald Holland Subject: RE: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Colleagues,   I just learned of the actions that one of our colleagues took to remove part of a public art exhibit at our college. I find this action very troubling and I also feel sad and disheartened. Regardless of intent, or what feelings this piece of art evokes on anyone, art of this kind should be protected especially at an educational institution. But this is also true: The exhibit goes beyond art and making a statement: it is a testament to historical oppression, a memorial to the plight Japanese Americans faced during Internment. The piece of art also makes us reflect on what we are currently experiencing now with the incarceration of Latino immigrant children and the separation of families. To remove part of a piece of art that reminds us of this troubling history and our current state of affairs, is in my opinion a form of censorship as the action itself creates distance for the very public the work is intended for. Art pieces, books, have been  historically destroyed to silence the voice of the oppressed and to maintain the status quo or establishment. There is no time, especially not now for silencing voices. I stand in solidarity with my Asian American colleagues.   However, I think this situation is an opportunity for all of us, affinity groups, to reconvene and come together in solidarity and work towards ensuring that our voices are not placated.   Best regards,   Henry Amaya, MBA, MPA (he/him/his Pronouns)  Director, Multicultural Services Bellevue College PH. (425) 564-4064 Henry.amaya@bellevuecollege.edu   “Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” MLK, Jr. _______________________________________________________________________________   This e-mail and any files transmitted may contain confidential information as protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 USC § 1232g and/or Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2510-2521. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution is prohibited. Furthermore, if you are not the intended recipient, please notify me immediately by telephone or return e-mail and completely delete this message from your system. _______________________________________________________________________________   From: Donna Miguel Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 8:00 AM To: Belle Nishioka ; Gayle Barge ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] >; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Henry Amaya ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success ; Juan Esparza ; Ronald Holland Subject: RE: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Colleagues, My heart is heavy for all my peers who were hurt and demoralized by this defacement. Along with my gratitude for those who brought this incredible exhibit to campus, I also want to thank Belle, Nan, Juan and all others who have expressed anger, pain, and frustration – I hope y’all take care of yourselves and of one another.   Yes, I am interested in hearing WHY one of our leaders defaced the historical art exhibit “Never Again is Now.” Time and time again many of us on campus hear or experience pain and frustration due to decisions that are made from our senior leaders. Like many of my sisters and brothers have expressed, as a woman-identified faculty of color, I have directly felt such frustration in meetings, trainings, workshops that continue to further harmful colorblind policies, values and white supremacy complicity.  Research has shown that institutional racism is clearly embedded in administrative policy. Rightfully so, faculty and staff are  held accountable, in their evaluations/reviews,  for ensuring equitable outcomes with students and in interpersonal interactions. What about accountability with our senior leaders who represent administration? As my brother Juan Esparza asked, where are the responses to this defacement from our leaders?       Thanks, Donna Miguel (she/her) English Dept. Faculty   From: Belle Nishioka Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2020 11:07 PM To: Gayle Barge ; Aaron Reader ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] >; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Belle Nishioka ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Catherine Berkenfield ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; CK Donovan ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Donna Miguel ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Henry Amaya ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Sayumi Irey ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success Subject: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude   Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, more than 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-leddevelopment-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136   With gratitude,     Belle   Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/   From: Juan Esparza Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2020 9:38 AM To: Nan Ma ; Gayle Barge ; Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Thank you so much for your very thoughtful email Nan. In addition, I am saddened that there is no other communication addressing some of the very important points you made. An apology should be offered to the greater BC campus community for the pain it caused some of our faculty, staff and students. In addition to a thoughtful apology for one person's mistake to the diversity caucus, our BC leadership should take responsibility and demonstrate an understanding of the hurt caused by this mistake. I will try and assume the best, and expect follow up communication will be sent out from our leadership addressing the bigger problem we have on this campus. It is interesting to note what exactly was erased from the artwork. “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.” I'm sure many have the attitude that it was only a temporary instalment and may not have proper approval thus justifiable censorship and defilment might be excusable, or at least not that big of a deal. I hate to think if this had been done to another piece of art, maybe one commemorating Jews, African Americans or Latinos, might there be more of an outcry? I assume Bellevue College is more concerned about offending a rich white man or being the subject of a lawsuit than accuratly remembering and fully communicating history. I wonder how some of these ideas would play out in our local newspaper? Would our community agree with the whitewashing of history? We must change this toxic culture on our campus. Obviously, we need a policy that will protect future works of art. A policy that will help support our college's four core themes and help change the culture on our campus where this type of offense could so easily take place. Maybe name it the Miller Freeman Policy or better yet the Erin Shigaki Policy? ------ Original message-----From: Nan Ma Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2020 7:34 PM To: Gayle Barge;Diversity Caucus; Cc: Subject:Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear Gayle, I appreciate your attempt at an apology.  Unfortunately, your letter falls short at addressing the pain that so many of us in the API community are feeling.  This week we observe the Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to remembering the atrocities that were done to the Japanese American community.  Your action, regardless of your intention, triggers intergenerational trauma and colludes with the erasure of Asian American history by the dominant culture. The API community received no notice of the defacement even hours after the act.  Your action, regardless of your intention, speaks to a lack of understanding of the API experience, disrespects our community, and reinforces the invisibility of the struggles that API communities face.  It speaks to a total disregard of our opinions and feelings, a disregard that is rooted in the model minority myth that obscures the discrimination that Asian Americans face and functions as a silencer of our pain.       Please understand that as a woman of color, it pains me a great deal to write you this letter.  But a true apology encompasses an understanding of what one is apologizing for and to whom.  As an Asian American woman, I want to remind you why we demanded an apology in the first place. Nan Ma    Nan Ma, Ph.D.  she/her/hers Associate Professor, Department of English Affiliate Faculty, Department of Cultural and Ethnic Studies Bellevue College (425)564-2647   From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Ronald Holland Henry Amaya; Donna Miguel; Belle Nishioka; Gayle Barge; Abby Lynn; Aimee Sharp; AJ Duxbury; Alice Jenkins; Alison Johnson; Alonda Williams; Amy McCrory; Andrew Johnson; Andrew Kapoi; Andria Villines; Anne Bergen-Aurand; Anne Stewart; Ariane Hayes; Aron Segal; [1] ; Barbara Brodsky; Beabe Akpojovwo; Becky Turnbull; Benayah Israel; Benjamin Johnson; Bethany Arakaki; Bill O"Connor; Blaise Mitsutama; Bob Adams; Bonita Corliss; Bonnie Berry; Brandon Lueken; Brenda Ivelisse; Brigitte Baker; [1] Carol Anderson; Carol T. Grant; Carolyn Gates; Cesar Rangel; Chiew Jones; Christina Sciabarra; Christine Linde; Tina Young; Christy Coulibaly; Cora Nixon; Corvilia Thykkuttathil; Croix Saffin; Dana Vukajlovich; Darlene Molsen; David Lopez-Kopp; David Spataro; Deanne Eschbach; Debi Griggs (Emeritus); Deepti Karkhanis; Denise Johnson; Diem O"Rourke; Dimitri Azadi; Edward Biggers; El Centro Latino Coordinator; Elaine Mannari; Elaine Nutter; Elena Maans-Lorincz; Elisabeth Johanson; Elizabeth Harazim; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib; Enedelia Nicholson; Eric Davis; Eric Nacke; Eric Peterson; Eva Norling; Evelyn Kasama; Fabienne Mouton; Fernando Pérez; Frances Peppard; Frank Hatstat; Gabriel Brown; Gary Farris; Gilbert Villalpando; Gita Bangera; Glenn Jackson; Gwyneth Jones; Harlan Lee; Helen Taylor (Emeritus); Humaira Jackson; James Torrence; Jan Ng; Janice Grayson; Jarka Buchova; Jason Fuller; Jean Floten (Emeritus); Jean Pauley; Jeanne Meek; Jeffery White; Jennie Mayer; Jennifer Laveglia; Jennifer Lê; Jennifer Pang; Jennifer Pritchard; Jerry Weber; Jesse Gardner; Jessica Berry; Jewell Evans (Emeritus); Jill Powell; Jonathan Harrington; Joyce Carroll; Juan Esparza; Judith Paquette; Julia Munyandamutsa; Kathi Hutchins; Kathleen Hathaway; Kathy Colasurdo; Katie Bates; Kayleen Doornbos; Keith Rowley; Kendal Walker; Kendall White; Kim Pollock; Kirsty Haining; Kris Miller; Kristen Jones; Laeticia Nkinsi; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor; Larry Boykin; Larry Susanka; Laura Burns; Laura Gettleman; Laura Millikan; Laura Saunders (Emeritus); Lee Buxton; Leslie Heizer Newquist; Leslie Lum; Linda Annable; Linda Thomas; Lindsay Haney; Lindsay Palmer; Lisa Lapointe; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher; Marilyn Anderson; Martha Silano; Mary Anne Meng; Mary Cox; Matthew Groshong; Maurice Brooks; Megan Kaptik; Megan Sykes; Melissa Massie; Michael Brown; Michael Hanson; Michèle Royer; Miranda Kato; Mitchell Bland; Molly Blume (Emeritus); My Tran; Nadia Madani; Nan Ma; Nancy Gonlin; Nancy McEachran; Natasha Pinto; Nathaniel Meskel; Nicholas Russ; Nicole Beattie; Nicole Longpre; Nora Lance; Olga Krichevskaya; Oriana Estrada; Paul Weatherly; Paula McPherson; Pavy Thao; Peggy Strader; Rachel Wellman; Ramon Concepcion; Ray Butler; Ray White; Renee Allen; Richard Tebbetts; Rick Mangan; Robert Viens; Ron Taplin; Roselle Hay; Ross Villegas; Sabrina Sanchez; Sapan Parekh; Sara Gardner; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus); Sara Sutler-Cohen; Sarah Knox; Sasha Malinsky; Scott Bessho; Seema Bahl; Sharon Berg; Sheere Zupan; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) BCG Diversity and Inclusion; BCG Faculty Council; BCG College Assembly; BCG Student Success Re: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Monday, February 24, 2020 10:48:16 AM Greetings, I must admit that I'm deeply saddend that the artist statement on the Never Forget Again mural was censured. For countless Japanese Americans, this American atrocity cuts deep and, as the title suggests, should not be forgotten because history can/is repeating itself. I stand in solidarity with my Japanese sisters and brothers and am ashamed about the censorship of the artist. The facts are the facts here, and the artist has every right to educate us. American history is full of wrong deeds. It is ALL our duty to bring them to the forefront. I share in the sorrow the impact of this has brought, and I join in the chorus of those asking why? I am encouraged that someone has put the stricken statement back in the presentation. Our csmpus community learned years back that censure/not having the conversation (regardless of the intent) only results in pain. I certainly wish we could have learned from that lesson. RH ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ronald W. Holland, MA-TESOL Associate Professor of English Phone: 425-564-2481 l Email: ron.holland@bellevuecollege.edu l Web: bellevuecollege.edu/ “You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope From: Henry Amaya Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 10:46 AM To: Donna Miguel ; Belle Nishioka ; Gayle Barge ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] >; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success ; Juan Esparza ; Ronald Holland Subject: RE: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude   Colleagues,   I just learned of the actions that one of our colleagues took to remove part of a public art exhibit at our college. I find this action very troubling and I also feel sad and disheartened. Regardless of intent, or what feelings this piece of art evokes on anyone, art of this kind should be protected especially at an educational institution. But this is also true: The exhibit goes beyond art and making a statement: it is a testament to historical oppression, a memorial to the plight Japanese Americans faced during Internment. The piece of art also makes us reflect on what we are currently experiencing now with the incarceration of Latino immigrant children and the separation of families. To remove part of a piece of art that reminds us of this troubling history and our current state of affairs, is in my opinion a form of censorship as the action itself creates distance for the very public the work is intended for. Art pieces, books, have been  historically destroyed to silence the voice of the oppressed and to maintain the status quo or establishment. There is no time, especially not now for silencing voices. I stand in solidarity with my Asian American colleagues.   However, I think this situation is an opportunity for all of us, affinity groups, to reconvene and come together in solidarity and work towards ensuring that our voices are not placated.   Best regards,   Henry Amaya, MBA, MPA (he/him/his Pronouns)  Director, Multicultural Services Bellevue College PH. (425) 564-4064 Henry.amaya@bellevuecollege.edu   “Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” MLK, Jr. _______________________________________________________________________________   This e-mail and any files transmitted may contain confidential information as protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 USC § 1232g and/or Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2510-2521. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution is prohibited. Furthermore, if you are not the intended recipient, please notify me immediately by telephone or return e-mail and completely delete this message from your system. _______________________________________________________________________________   From: Donna Miguel Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 8:00 AM To: Belle Nishioka ; Gayle Barge ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] >; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Henry Amaya ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success ; Juan Esparza ; Ronald Holland Subject: RE: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude   Colleagues, My heart is heavy for all my peers who were hurt and demoralized by this defacement. Along with my gratitude for those who brought this incredible exhibit to campus, I also want to thank Belle, Nan, Juan and all others who have expressed anger, pain, and frustration – I hope y’all take care of yourselves and of one another.   Yes, I am interested in hearing WHY one of our leaders defaced the historical art exhibit “Never Again is Now.” Time and time again many of us on campus hear or experience pain and frustration due to decisions that are made from our senior leaders. Like many of my sisters and brothers have expressed, as a woman-identified faculty of color, I have directly felt such frustration in meetings, trainings, workshops that continue to further harmful colorblind policies, values and white supremacy complicity.  Research has shown that institutional racism is clearly embedded in administrative policy. Rightfully so, faculty and staff are  held accountable, in their evaluations/reviews,  for ensuring equitable outcomes with students and in interpersonal interactions. What about accountability with our senior leaders who represent administration? As my brother Juan Esparza asked, where are the responses to this defacement from our leaders?       Thanks, Donna Miguel (she/her) English Dept. Faculty   From: Belle Nishioka Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2020 11:07 PM To: Gayle Barge ; Aaron Reader ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] >; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Belle Nishioka ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Catherine Berkenfield ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; CK Donovan ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Donna Miguel ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Henry Amaya ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Sayumi Irey ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success Subject: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude     Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, more than 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked antiJapanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-led-development-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136   With gratitude,     Belle   Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/   From: Juan Esparza Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2020 9:38 AM To: Nan Ma ; Gayle Barge ; Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Thank you so much for your very thoughtful email Nan. In addition, I am saddened that there is no other communication addressing some of the very important points you made. An apology should be offered to the greater BC campus community for the pain it caused some of our faculty, staff and students. In addition to a thoughtful apology for one person's mistake to the diversity caucus, our BC leadership should take responsibility and demonstrate an understanding of the hurt caused by this mistake. I will try and assume the best, and expect follow up communication will be sent out from our leadership addressing the bigger problem we have on this campus. It is interesting to note what exactly was erased from the artwork. “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.” I'm sure many have the attitude that it was only a temporary instalment and may not have proper approval thus justifiable censorship and defilment might be excusable, or at least not that big of a deal.  I hate to think if this had been done to another piece of art, maybe one commemorating Jews, African Americans or Latinos, might there be more of an outcry? I assume Bellevue College is more concerned about offending a rich white man or being the subject of a lawsuit than accuratly remembering and fully communicating history. I wonder how some of these ideas would play out in our local newspaper? Would our community agree with the whitewashing of history? We must change this toxic culture on our campus. Obviously, we need a policy that will protect future works of art. A policy that will help support our college's four core themes and help change the culture on our campus where this type of offense could so easily take place. Maybe name it the Miller Freeman Policy or better yet the Erin Shigaki Policy?   ------ Original message-----From: Nan Ma Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2020 7:34 PM To: Gayle Barge;Diversity Caucus; Cc: Subject:Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Dear Gayle, I appreciate your attempt at an apology.  Unfortunately, your letter falls short at addressing the pain that so many of us in the API community are feeling.  This week we observe the Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to remembering the atrocities that were done to the Japanese American community.  Your action, regardless of your intention, triggers intergenerational trauma and colludes with the erasure of Asian American history by the dominant culture. The API community received no notice of the defacement even hours after the act.  Your action, regardless of your intention, speaks to a lack of understanding of the API experience, disrespects our community, and reinforces the invisibility of the struggles that API communities face.  It speaks to a total disregard of our opinions and feelings, a disregard that is rooted in the model minority myth that obscures the discrimination that Asian Americans face and functions as a silencer of our pain.       Please understand that as a woman of color, it pains me a great deal to write you this letter.  But a true apology encompasses an understanding of what one is apologizing for and to whom.  As an Asian American woman, I want to remind you why we demanded an apology in the first place. Nan Ma    Nan Ma, Ph.D.  she/her/hers Associate Professor, Department of English Affiliate Faculty, Department of Cultural and Ethnic Studies Bellevue College (425)564-2647   From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Subject: Date: Nicole Beattie Gayle Barge Fw: Never Again is Now Mural Defacement Monday, February 24, 2020 10:49:40 AM Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: Tim Jones Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 10:12 AM To: Jerry Weber Cc: Diversity Caucus ; Gayle Barge ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Student Success ; Kristen Jones ; Robert Viens ; BCG Classified Council ; BCG Exempt Council ; BCG Student Council Subject: Never Again is Now Mural Defacement Dear President Weber,    On Thursday I started my Introduction to Political Science class by discussing Executive Order 9066. As part of that in-class history lesson, I referenced the powerful “Never Again is Now” mural on the A-building, and we talked about, among other things, the reference to Eastside businessman Miller Freeman.   Later that day, I learned that the mural had been defaced, and that ironically the defacement involved the “whiting” out of one sentence: “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.”    On Friday, I learned that the person responsible for the removal of this sentence was the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Gayle Barge. I read with interest Gayle’s apology to the Diversity Caucus on Friday as well as the responses by several of our faculty and staff colleagues on that email thread.    Others have raised thoughtful critiques of Gayle’s actions and apology— both publicly and privately—and I hope that Gayle specifically and the administration more broadly will respond to them in a meaningful and public way since it is obvious that this incident has caused a lot of pain and confusion in our community.    My primary purpose in sending this email is to request that subsequent administration communications be made more public than the diversity caucus email thread. I think the broader campus community deserves to know what happened, why it happened, and what, if anything, the administration plans to do in response—other than the restoration of the original mural.     Thank you for your time and attention to this issue.  Tim Jones Bellevue College Full Professor of Political Science Tenure Mentoring Program Lead Model United Nations Faculty Advisor From: To: Subject: Date: Tracy Biga MacLean Gayle Barge Current dust-up Monday, February 24, 2020 10:49:57 AM Gayle, It’s been a bit shocking to me to see the flurry of emails around the campus mural. It is clear to me that the disputed sentence wasn’t approved by cabinet as part of the original proposal, and that you had little choice in addressing it. You have always been helpful and supportive to me (and many others), so it is difficult to see the spread of this inaccurate information. I’m sure there are many people like me who understand why the statement couldn’t stand as it was. tbm   Tracy Biga MacLean, Ph.D Accreditation Liaison Officer Assoc Dir, Effectiveness & Strategic Planning Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle Bellevue, WA 98007-6406 425.564.2035   From: To: Subject: Date: Jerry Weber Gayle Barge FW: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Monday, February 24, 2020 10:53:44 AM     Jerry Weber, Ph.D. President, Bellevue College (he, him, his)   From: Ronald Holland Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 10:48 AM To: Henry Amaya ; Donna Miguel ; Belle Nishioka ; Gayle Barge ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] >; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant <[1] ; Carolyn Gates ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success Subject: Re: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Greetings, I must admit that I'm deeply saddend that the artist statement on the Never Forget Again mural was censured. For countless Japanese Americans, this American atrocity cuts deep and, as the title suggests, should not be forgotten because history can/is repeating itself. I stand in solidarity with my Japanese sisters and brothers and am ashamed about the censorship of the artist. The facts are the facts here, and the artist has every right to educate us. American history is full of wrong deeds. It is ALL our duty to bring them to the forefront. I share in the sorrow the impact of this has brought, and I join in the chorus of those asking why? I am encouraged that someone has put the stricken statement back in the presentation. Our csmpus community learned years back that censure/not having the conversation (regardless of the intent) only results in pain. I certainly wish we could have learned from that lesson. RH ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ronald W. Holland, MA-TESOL Associate Professor of English Phone: 425-564-2481 l Email: ron.holland@bellevuecollege.edu l Web: bellevuecollege.edu/ “You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope From: Henry Amaya Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 10:46 AM To: Donna Miguel ; Belle Nishioka ; Gayle Barge ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] >; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success ; Juan Esparza ; Ronald Holland Subject: RE: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Colleagues,   I just learned of the actions that one of our colleagues took to remove part of a public art exhibit at our college. I find this action very troubling and I also feel sad and disheartened. Regardless of intent, or what feelings this piece of art evokes on anyone, art of this kind should be protected especially at an educational institution. But this is also true: The exhibit goes beyond art and making a statement: it is a testament to historical oppression, a memorial to the plight Japanese Americans faced during Internment. The piece of art also makes us reflect on what we are currently experiencing now with the incarceration of Latino immigrant children and the separation of families. To remove part of a piece of art that reminds us of this troubling history and our current state of affairs, is in my opinion a form of censorship as the action itself creates distance for the very public the work is intended for. Art pieces, books, have been  historically destroyed to silence the voice of the oppressed and to maintain the status quo or establishment. There is no time, especially not now for silencing voices. I stand in solidarity with my Asian American colleagues.   However, I think this situation is an opportunity for all of us, affinity groups, to reconvene and come together in solidarity and work towards ensuring that our voices are not placated.   Best regards,   Henry Amaya, MBA, MPA (he/him/his Pronouns)  Director, Multicultural Services Bellevue College PH. (425) 564-4064 Henry.amaya@bellevuecollege.edu   “Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” MLK, Jr. _______________________________________________________________________________   This e-mail and any files transmitted may contain confidential information as protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 USC § 1232g and/or Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2510-2521. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution is prohibited. Furthermore, if you are not the intended recipient, please notify me immediately by telephone or return e-mail and completely delete this message from your system. _______________________________________________________________________________   From: Donna Miguel Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 8:00 AM To: Belle Nishioka ; Gayle Barge ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] >; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Henry Amaya ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success ; Juan Esparza ; Ronald Holland Subject: RE: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Colleagues, My heart is heavy for all my peers who were hurt and demoralized by this defacement. Along with my gratitude for those who brought this incredible exhibit to campus, I also want to thank Belle, Nan, Juan and all others who have expressed anger, pain, and frustration – I hope y’all take care of yourselves and of one another.   Yes, I am interested in hearing WHY one of our leaders defaced the historical art exhibit “Never Again is Now.” Time and time again many of us on campus hear or experience pain and frustration due to decisions that are made from our senior leaders. Like many of my sisters and brothers have expressed, as a woman-identified faculty of color, I have directly felt such frustration in meetings, trainings, workshops that continue to further harmful colorblind policies, values and white supremacy complicity.  Research has shown that institutional racism is clearly embedded in administrative policy. Rightfully so, faculty and staff are  held accountable, in their evaluations/reviews,  for ensuring equitable outcomes with students and in interpersonal interactions. What about accountability with our senior leaders who represent administration? As my brother Juan Esparza asked, where are the responses to this defacement from our leaders?       Thanks, Donna Miguel (she/her) English Dept. Faculty   From: Belle Nishioka Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2020 11:07 PM To: Gayle Barge ; Aaron Reader ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] ; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Belle Nishioka ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Catherine Berkenfield ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; CK Donovan ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Donna Miguel ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Henry Amaya ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Sayumi Irey ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success Subject: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude   Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, more than 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked antiJapanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-led-development-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136   With gratitude,     Belle   Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/   From: Juan Esparza Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2020 9:38 AM To: Nan Ma ; Gayle Barge ; Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Thank you so much for your very thoughtful email Nan. In addition, I am saddened that there is no other communication addressing some of the very important points you made. An apology should be offered to the greater BC campus community for the pain it caused some of our faculty, staff and students. In addition to a thoughtful apology for one person's mistake to the diversity caucus, our BC leadership should take responsibility and demonstrate an understanding of the hurt caused by this mistake. I will try and assume the best, and expect follow up communication will be sent out from our leadership addressing the bigger problem we have on this campus. It is interesting to note what exactly was erased from the artwork. “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.” I'm sure many have the attitude that it was only a temporary instalment and may not have proper approval thus justifiable censorship and defilment might be excusable, or at least not that big of a deal. I hate to think if this had been done to another piece of art, maybe one commemorating Jews, African Americans or Latinos, might there be more of an outcry? I assume Bellevue College is more concerned about offending a rich white man or being the subject of a lawsuit than accuratly remembering and fully communicating history. I wonder how some of these ideas would play out in our local newspaper? Would our community agree with the whitewashing of history? We must change this toxic culture on our campus. Obviously, we need a policy that will protect future works of art. A policy that will help support our college's four core themes and help change the culture on our campus where this type of offense could so easily take place. Maybe name it the Miller Freeman Policy or better yet the Erin Shigaki Policy? ------ Original message-----From: Nan Ma Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2020 7:34 PM To: Gayle Barge;Diversity Caucus; Cc: Subject:Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear Gayle, I appreciate your attempt at an apology.  Unfortunately, your letter falls short at addressing the pain that so many of us in the API community are feeling.  This week we observe the Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to remembering the atrocities that were done to the Japanese American community.  Your action, regardless of your intention, triggers intergenerational trauma and colludes with the erasure of Asian American history by the dominant culture. The API community received no notice of the defacement even hours after the act.  Your action, regardless of your intention, speaks to a lack of understanding of the API experience, disrespects our community, and reinforces the invisibility of the struggles that API communities face.  It speaks to a total disregard of our opinions and feelings, a disregard that is rooted in the model minority myth that obscures the discrimination that Asian Americans face and functions as a silencer of our pain.       Please understand that as a woman of color, it pains me a great deal to write you this letter.  But a true apology encompasses an understanding of what one is apologizing for and to whom.  As an Asian American woman, I want to remind you why we demanded an apology in the first place. Nan Ma    Nan Ma, Ph.D.  she/her/hers Associate Professor, Department of English Affiliate Faculty, Department of Cultural and Ethnic Studies Bellevue College (425)564-2647   From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282 From: To: Subject: Date: Jerry Weber Gayle Barge FW: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Monday, February 24, 2020 10:54:12 AM     Jerry Weber, Ph.D. President, Bellevue College (he, him, his)   From: Henry Amaya Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 10:46 AM To: Donna Miguel ; Belle Nishioka ; Gayle Barge ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne BergenAurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] >; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success ; Juan Esparza ; Ronald Holland Subject: RE: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Colleagues,   I just learned of the actions that one of our colleagues took to remove part of a public art exhibit at our college. I find this action very troubling and I also feel sad and disheartened. Regardless of intent, or what feelings this piece of art evokes on anyone, art of this kind should be protected especially at an educational institution. But this is also true: The exhibit goes beyond art and making a statement: it is a testament to historical oppression, a memorial to the plight Japanese Americans faced during Internment. The piece of art also makes us reflect on what we are currently experiencing now with the incarceration of Latino immigrant children and the separation of families. To remove part of a piece of art that reminds us of this troubling history and our current state of affairs, is in my opinion a form of censorship as the action itself creates distance for the very public the work is intended for. Art pieces, books, have been  historically destroyed to silence the voice of the oppressed and to maintain the status quo or establishment. There is no time, especially not now for silencing voices. I stand in solidarity with my Asian American colleagues.   However, I think this situation is an opportunity for all of us, affinity groups, to reconvene and come together in solidarity and work towards ensuring that our voices are not placated.   Best regards,   Henry Amaya, MBA, MPA (he/him/his Pronouns)  Director, Multicultural Services Bellevue College PH. (425) 564-4064 Henry.amaya@bellevuecollege.edu   “Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” MLK, Jr. _______________________________________________________________________________   This e-mail and any files transmitted may contain confidential information as protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 USC § 1232g and/or Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2510-2521. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution is prohibited. Furthermore, if you are not the intended recipient, please notify me immediately by telephone or return e-mail and completely delete this message from your system. _______________________________________________________________________________   From: Donna Miguel Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 8:00 AM To: Belle Nishioka ; Gayle Barge ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] >; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Henry Amaya ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success ; Juan Esparza ; Ronald Holland Subject: RE: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Colleagues, My heart is heavy for all my peers who were hurt and demoralized by this defacement. Along with my gratitude for those who brought this incredible exhibit to campus, I also want to thank Belle, Nan, Juan and all others who have expressed anger, pain, and frustration – I hope y’all take care of yourselves and of one another.   Yes, I am interested in hearing WHY one of our leaders defaced the historical art exhibit “Never Again is Now.” Time and time again many of us on campus hear or experience pain and frustration due to decisions that are made from our senior leaders. Like many of my sisters and brothers have expressed, as a woman-identified faculty of color, I have directly felt such frustration in meetings, trainings, workshops that continue to further harmful colorblind policies, values and white supremacy complicity.  Research has shown that institutional racism is clearly embedded in administrative policy. Rightfully so, faculty and staff are  held accountable, in their evaluations/reviews,  for ensuring equitable outcomes with students and in interpersonal interactions. What about accountability with our senior leaders who represent administration? As my brother Juan Esparza asked, where are the responses to this defacement from our leaders?       Thanks, Donna Miguel (she/her) English Dept. Faculty   From: Belle Nishioka Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2020 11:07 PM To: Gayle Barge ; Aaron Reader ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Belle Nishioka ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Catherine Berkenfield ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; CK Donovan ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Donna Miguel ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Henry Amaya ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Sayumi Irey ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success Subject: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude   Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, more than 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-leddevelopment-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136   With gratitude,     Belle   Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/   From: Juan Esparza Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2020 9:38 AM To: Nan Ma ; Gayle Barge ; Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Thank you so much for your very thoughtful email Nan. In addition, I am saddened that there is no other communication addressing some of the very important points you made. An apology should be offered to the greater BC campus community for the pain it caused some of our faculty, staff and students. In addition to a thoughtful apology for one person's mistake to the diversity caucus, our BC leadership should take responsibility and demonstrate an understanding of the hurt caused by this mistake. I will try and assume the best, and expect follow up communication will be sent out from our leadership addressing the bigger problem we have on this campus. It is interesting to note what exactly was erased from the artwork. “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.” I'm sure many have the attitude that it was only a temporary instalment and may not have proper approval thus justifiable censorship and defilment might be excusable, or at least not that big of a deal. I hate to think if this had been done to another piece of art, maybe one commemorating Jews, African Americans or Latinos, might there be more of an outcry? I assume Bellevue College is more concerned about offending a rich white man or being the subject of a lawsuit than accuratly remembering and fully communicating history. I wonder how some of these ideas would play out in our local newspaper? Would our community agree with the whitewashing of history? We must change this toxic culture on our campus. Obviously, we need a policy that will protect future works of art. A policy that will help support our college's four core themes and help change the culture on our campus where this type of offense could so easily take place. Maybe name it the Miller Freeman Policy or better yet the Erin Shigaki Policy? ------ Original message-----From: Nan Ma Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2020 7:34 PM To: Gayle Barge;Diversity Caucus; Cc: Subject:Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear Gayle, I appreciate your attempt at an apology.  Unfortunately, your letter falls short at addressing the pain that so many of us in the API community are feeling.  This week we observe the Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to remembering the atrocities that were done to the Japanese American community.  Your action, regardless of your intention, triggers intergenerational trauma and colludes with the erasure of Asian American history by the dominant culture. The API community received no notice of the defacement even hours after the act.  Your action, regardless of your intention, speaks to a lack of understanding of the API experience, disrespects our community, and reinforces the invisibility of the struggles that API communities face.  It speaks to a total disregard of our opinions and feelings, a disregard that is rooted in the model minority myth that obscures the discrimination that Asian Americans face and functions as a silencer of our pain.       Please understand that as a woman of color, it pains me a great deal to write you this letter.  But a true apology encompasses an understanding of what one is apologizing for and to whom.  As an Asian American woman, I want to remind you why we demanded an apology in the first place. Nan Ma    Nan Ma, Ph.D.  she/her/hers Associate Professor, Department of English Affiliate Faculty, Department of Cultural and Ethnic Studies Bellevue College (425)564-2647   From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Subject: Date: Jerry Weber Gayle Barge FW: Never Again is Now Mural Defacement Monday, February 24, 2020 10:54:49 AM     Jerry Weber, Ph.D. President, Bellevue College (he, him, his)   From: Tim Jones Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 10:13 AM To: Jerry Weber Cc: Diversity Caucus ; Gayle Barge ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Student Success ; Kristen Jones ; Robert Viens ; BCG Classified Council ; BCG Exempt Council ; BCG Student Council Subject: Never Again is Now Mural Defacement Dear President Weber,    On Thursday I started my Introduction to Political Science class by discussing Executive Order 9066. As part of that in-class history lesson, I referenced the powerful “Never Again is Now” mural on the A-building, and we talked about, among other things, the reference to Eastside businessman Miller Freeman.   Later that day, I learned that the mural had been defaced, and that ironically the defacement involved the “whiting” out of one sentence: “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.”    On Friday, I learned that the person responsible for the removal of this sentence was the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Gayle Barge. I read with interest Gayle’s apology to the Diversity Caucus on Friday as well as the responses by several of our faculty and staff colleagues on that email thread.    Others have raised thoughtful critiques of Gayle’s actions and apology— both publicly and privately—and I hope that Gayle specifically and the administration more broadly will respond to them in a meaningful and public way since it is obvious that this incident has caused a lot of pain and confusion in our community.    My primary purpose in sending this email is to request that subsequent administration communications be made more public than the diversity caucus email thread. I think the broader campus community deserves to know what happened, why it happened, and what, if anything, the administration plans to do in response—other than the restoration of the original mural.     Thank you for your time and attention to this issue.  Tim Jones Bellevue College Full Professor of Political Science Tenure Mentoring Program Lead Model United Nations Faculty Advisor   From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Denise Johnson Tim Jones; Jerry Weber Diversity Caucus; Gayle Barge; BCG Faculty Council; BCG College Assembly; BCG Diversity and Inclusion; BCG Student Success; Kristen Jones; Robert Viens; BCG Classified Council; BCG Exempt Council; BCG Student Council RE: Never Again is Now Mural Defacement Monday, February 24, 2020 11:54:22 AM Dear President Weber,   There’s not a lot more that I wish to add to Tim Jones’s message below, except to indicate that the delay in a response from you and/or the Board of Trustees is making the issue worse.  Concern is spreading.  Rumors are spreading.  Folks are questioning your, and our leadership team’s, commitment to equity and justice.  As two colleagues explained to me today, the administration’s response to this issue is in some ways more alarming than the original defacement was.    Please don’t wait until a Cabinet or BoT meeting to respond.  And please don’t wait this out, hoping or thinking that it will blow over.   This happened days ago by now.   Denise   Denise L. Johnson Professor of Sociology Bellevue College (425) 564-5143   “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” –Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.   From: Tim Jones Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 10:13 AM To: Jerry Weber Cc: Diversity Caucus ; Gayle Barge ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Student Success ; Kristen Jones ; Robert Viens ; BCG Classified Council ; BCG Exempt Council ; BCG Student Council Subject: Never Again is Now Mural Defacement Dear President Weber,    On Thursday I started my Introduction to Political Science class by discussing Executive Order 9066. As part of that in-class history lesson, I referenced the powerful “Never Again is Now” mural on the A-building, and we talked about, among other things, the reference to Eastside businessman Miller Freeman.   Later that day, I learned that the mural had been defaced, and that ironically the defacement involved the “whiting” out of one sentence: “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.”    On Friday, I learned that the person responsible for the removal of this sentence was the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Gayle Barge. I read with interest Gayle’s apology to the Diversity Caucus on Friday as well as the responses by several of our faculty and staff colleagues on that email thread.    Others have raised thoughtful critiques of Gayle’s actions and apology— both publicly and privately—and I hope that Gayle specifically and the administration more broadly will respond to them in a meaningful and public way since it is obvious that this incident has caused a lot of pain and confusion in our community.    My primary purpose in sending this email is to request that subsequent administration communications be made more public than the diversity caucus email thread. I think the broader campus community deserves to know what happened, why it happened, and what, if anything, the administration plans to do in response—other than the restoration of the original mural.     Thank you for your time and attention to this issue.  Tim Jones Bellevue College Full Professor of Political Science Tenure Mentoring Program Lead Model United Nations Faculty Advisor   From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: [1] Ronald Holland; Henry Amaya; Donna Miguel; Belle Nishioka; Gayle Barge; Abby Lynn; Aimee Sharp; AJ Duxbury; Alice Jenkins; Alison Johnson; Alonda Williams; Amy McCrory; Andrew Johnson; Andrew Kapoi; Andria Villines; Anne Bergen-Aurand; Anne Stewart; Ariane Hayes; Aron Segal; [1] ; Barbara Brodsky; Beabe Akpojovwo; Becky Turnbull; Benayah Israel; Benjamin Johnson; Bethany Arakaki; Bill O"Connor; Blaise Mitsutama; Bob Adams; Bonita Corliss; Bonnie Berry; Brandon Lueken; Brenda Ivelisse; Brigitte Baker; [1] Carol Anderson; Carol T. Grant; Carolyn Gates; Cesar Rangel; Chiew Jones; Christina Sciabarra; Christine Linde; Tina Young; Christy Coulibaly; Cora Nixon; Corvilia Thykkuttathil; Croix Saffin; Dana Vukajlovich; Darlene Molsen; David Lopez-Kopp; David Spataro; Deanne Eschbach; Debi Griggs (Emeritus); Deepti Karkhanis; Denise Johnson; Diem O"Rourke; Dimitri Azadi; Edward Biggers; El Centro Latino Coordinator; Elaine Mannari; Elaine Nutter; Elena Maans-Lorincz; Elisabeth Johanson; Elizabeth Harazim; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib; Enedelia Nicholson; Eric Davis; Eric Nacke; Eric Peterson; Eva Norling; Evelyn Kasama; Fabienne Mouton; Fernando Pérez; Frances Peppard; Frank Hatstat; Gabriel Brown; Gary Farris; Gilbert Villalpando; Gita Bangera; Glenn Jackson; Gwyneth Jones; Harlan Lee; Helen Taylor (Emeritus); Humaira Jackson; James Torrence; Jan Ng; Janice Grayson; Jarka Buchova; Jason Fuller; Jean Floten (Emeritus); Jean Pauley; Jeanne Meek; Jeffery White; Jennie Mayer; Jennifer Laveglia; Jennifer Lê; Jennifer Pang; Jennifer Pritchard; Jerry Weber; Jesse Gardner; Jessica Berry; Jewell Evans (Emeritus); Jill Powell; Jonathan Harrington; Joyce Carroll; Juan Esparza; Judith Paquette; Julia Munyandamutsa; Kathi Hutchins; Kathleen Hathaway; Kathy Colasurdo; Katie Bates; Kayleen Doornbos; Keith Rowley; Kendal Walker; Kendall White; Kim Pollock; Kirsty Haining; Kris Miller; Kristen Jones; Laeticia Nkinsi; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor; Larry Boykin; Larry Susanka; Laura Burns; Laura Gettleman; Laura Millikan; Laura Saunders (Emeritus); Lee Buxton; Leslie Heizer Newquist; Leslie Lum; Linda Annable; Linda Thomas; Lindsay Haney; Lindsay Palmer; Lisa Lapointe; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher; Marilyn Anderson; Martha Silano; Mary Anne Meng; Mary Cox; Matthew Groshong; Maurice Brooks; Megan Kaptik; Megan Sykes; Melissa Massie; Michael Brown; Michael Hanson; Michèle Royer; Miranda Kato; Mitchell Bland; Molly Blume (Emeritus); My Tran; Nadia Madani; Nan Ma; Nancy Gonlin; Nancy McEachran; Natasha Pinto; Nathaniel Meskel; Nicholas Russ; Nicole Beattie; Nicole Longpre; Nora Lance; Olga Krichevskaya; Oriana Estrada; Paul Weatherly; Paula McPherson; Pavy Thao; Peggy Strader; Rachel Wellman; Ramon Concepcion; Ray Butler; Ray White; Renee Allen; Richard Tebbetts; Rick Mangan; Robert Viens; Ron Taplin; Roselle Hay; Ross Villegas; Sabrina Sanchez; Sapan Parekh; Sara Gardner; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus); Sara Sutler-Cohen; Sarah Knox; Sasha Malinsky; Scott Bessho; Seema Bahl; Sharon Berg; Sheere Zupan; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) BCG Diversity and Inclusion; BCG Faculty Council; BCG College Assembly; BCG Student Success Re: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude Monday, February 24, 2020 12:29:28 PM Greetings, As a member of the Associated Student Government, I must voice the sadness I felt when news about the “Never Again is Now” mural came into light. As a representative for Bellevue College students, I offer support and solidarity with the artists and the people who have been affected by the actions against the mural. Preserving the lessons of history and artwork is very important for the education of everyone. The impact of the mural has given students a feeling of inclusion and empowerment—it has certainly for me.  I hope that the actions that result from the incident are made publicly to the campus community. On campus there have been various hate-crimes that have taken place over the recent years. Although the situation may not be the case, it’s still vital to make a public announcement condemning any potential hate vandalization of property including artwork (made to spread awareness). [1] Associated Student Government C211 Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Cir SE Front Desk (425) 564-6150 [1] From: Ronald Holland Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 10:47 AM To: Henry Amaya ; Donna Miguel ; Belle Nishioka ; Gayle Barge ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] >; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success Subject: Re: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude   Greetings, I must admit that I'm deeply saddend that the artist statement on the Never Forget Again mural was censured. For countless Japanese Americans, this American atrocity cuts deep and, as the title suggests, should not be forgotten because history can/is repeating itself. I stand in solidarity with my Japanese sisters and brothers and am ashamed about the censorship of the artist. The facts are the facts here, and the artist has every right to educate us. American history is full of wrong deeds. It is ALL our duty to bring them to the forefront. I share in the sorrow the impact of this has brought, and I join in the chorus of those asking why? I am encouraged that someone has put the stricken statement back in the presentation. Our csmpus community learned years back that censure/not having the conversation (regardless of the intent) only results in pain. I certainly wish we could have learned from that lesson. RH ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ronald W. Holland, MA-TESOL Associate Professor of English Phone: 425-564-2481 l Email: ron.holland@bellevuecollege.edu l Web: bellevuecollege.edu/ “You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope From: Henry Amaya Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 10:46 AM To: Donna Miguel ; Belle Nishioka ; Gayle Barge ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] >; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success ; Juan Esparza ; Ronald Holland Subject: RE: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude   Colleagues,   I just learned of the actions that one of our colleagues took to remove part of a public art exhibit at our college. I find this action very troubling and I also feel sad and disheartened. Regardless of intent, or what feelings this piece of art evokes on anyone, art of this kind should be protected especially at an educational institution. But this is also true: The exhibit goes beyond art and making a statement: it is a testament to historical oppression, a memorial to the plight Japanese Americans faced during Internment. The piece of art also makes us reflect on what we are currently experiencing now with the incarceration of Latino immigrant children and the separation of families. To remove part of a piece of art that reminds us of this troubling history and our current state of affairs, is in my opinion a form of censorship as the action itself creates distance for the very public the work is intended for. Art pieces, books, have been  historically destroyed to silence the voice of the oppressed and to maintain the status quo or establishment. There is no time, especially not now for silencing voices. I stand in solidarity with my Asian American colleagues.   However, I think this situation is an opportunity for all of us, affinity groups, to reconvene and come together in solidarity and work towards ensuring that our voices are not placated.   Best regards,   Henry Amaya, MBA, MPA (he/him/his Pronouns)  Director, Multicultural Services Bellevue College PH. (425) 564-4064 Henry.amaya@bellevuecollege.edu   “Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” MLK, Jr. _______________________________________________________________________________   This e-mail and any files transmitted may contain confidential information as protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 USC § 1232g and/or Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2510-2521. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution is prohibited. Furthermore, if you are not the intended recipient, please notify me immediately by telephone or return e-mail and completely delete this message from your system. _______________________________________________________________________________   From: Donna Miguel Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 8:00 AM To: Belle Nishioka ; Gayle Barge ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Henry Amaya ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success ; Juan Esparza ; Ronald Holland Subject: RE: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude   Colleagues, My heart is heavy for all my peers who were hurt and demoralized by this defacement. Along with my gratitude for those who brought this incredible exhibit to campus, I also want to thank Belle, Nan, Juan and all others who have expressed anger, pain, and frustration – I hope y’all take care of yourselves and of one another.   Yes, I am interested in hearing WHY one of our leaders defaced the historical art exhibit “Never Again is Now.” Time and time again many of us on campus hear or experience pain and frustration due to decisions that are made from our senior leaders. Like many of my sisters and brothers have expressed, as a woman-identified faculty of color, I have directly felt such frustration in meetings, trainings, workshops that continue to further harmful colorblind policies, values and white supremacy complicity.  Research has shown that institutional racism is clearly embedded in administrative policy. Rightfully so, faculty and staff are  held accountable, in their evaluations/reviews,  for ensuring equitable outcomes with students and in interpersonal interactions. What about accountability with our senior leaders who represent administration? As my brother Juan Esparza asked, where are the responses to this defacement from our leaders?       Thanks, Donna Miguel (she/her) English Dept. Faculty   From: Belle Nishioka Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2020 11:07 PM To: Gayle Barge ; Aaron Reader ; Abby Lynn ; Aimee Sharp ; AJ Duxbury ; Alice Jenkins ; Alison Johnson ; Alonda Williams ; Amy McCrory ; Andrew Johnson ; Andrew Kapoi ; Andria Villines ; Anne Bergen-Aurand ; Anne Stewart ; Ariane Hayes ; Aron Segal ; [1] ; Barbara Brodsky ; Beabe Akpojovwo ; Becky Turnbull ; Belle Nishioka ; Benayah Israel ; Benjamin Johnson ; Bethany Arakaki ; Bill O'Connor ; Blaise Mitsutama ; Bob Adams ; Bonita Corliss ; Bonnie Berry ; Brandon Lueken ; Brenda Ivelisse ; Brigitte Baker ; [1] <[1] Carol Anderson ; Carol T. Grant ; Carolyn Gates ; Catherine Berkenfield ; Cesar Rangel ; Chiew Jones ; Christina Sciabarra ; Christine Linde ; Christine Young ; Christy Coulibaly ; CK Donovan ; Cora Nixon ; Corvilia Thykkuttathil ; Croix Saffin ; Dana Vukajlovich ; Darlene Molsen ; David Lopez-Kopp ; David Spataro ; Deanne Eschbach ; Debi Griggs (Emeritus) ; Deepti Karkhanis ; Denise Johnson ; Diem O'Rourke ; Dimitri Azadi ; Donna Miguel ; Edward Biggers ; El Centro Latino Coordinator ; Elaine Mannari ; Elaine Nutter ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Elisabeth Johanson ; Elizabeth Harazim ; Elizabeth Zahrt Geib ; Enedelia Nicholson ; Eric Davis ; Eric Nacke ; Eric Peterson ; Eva Norling ; Evelyn Kasama ; Fabienne Mouton ; Fernando Pérez ; Frances Peppard ; Frank Hatstat ; Gabriel Brown ; Gary Farris ; Gilbert Villalpando ; Gita Bangera ; Glenn Jackson ; Gwyneth Jones ; Harlan Lee ; Helen Taylor (Emeritus) ; Henry Amaya ; Humaira Jackson ; James Torrence ; Jan Ng ; Janice Grayson ; Jarka Buchova ; Jason Fuller ; Jean Floten (Emeritus) ; Jean Pauley ; Jeanne Meek ; Jeffery White ; Jennie Mayer ; Jennifer Laveglia ; Jennifer Lê ; Jennifer Pang ; Jennifer Pritchard ; Jerry Weber ; Jesse Gardner ; Jessica Berry ; Jewell Evans (Emeritus) ; Jill Powell ; Jonathan Harrington ; Joyce Carroll ; Juan Esparza ; Judith Paquette ; Julia Munyandamutsa ; Kathi Hutchins ; Kathleen Hathaway ; Kathy Colasurdo ; Katie Bates ; Kayleen Doornbos ; Keith Rowley ; Kendal Walker ; Kendall White ; Kim Pollock ; Kirsty Haining ; Kris Miller ; Kristen Jones ; Laeticia Nkinsi ; LaMeshia Reese-Taylor ; Larry Boykin ; Larry Susanka ; Laura Burns ; Laura Gettleman ; Laura Millikan ; Laura Saunders (Emeritus) ; Lee Buxton ; Leslie Heizer Newquist ; Leslie Lum ; Linda Annable ; Linda Thomas ; Lindsay Haney ; Lindsay Palmer ; Lisa Lapointe ; Lynette Brooks-Fletcher ; Marilyn Anderson ; Martha Silano ; Mary Anne Meng ; Mary Cox ; Matthew Groshong ; Maurice Brooks ; Megan Kaptik ; Megan Sykes ; Melissa Massie ; Michael Brown ; Michael Hanson ; Michèle Royer ; Miranda Kato ; Mitchell Bland ; Molly Blume (Emeritus) ; My Tran ; Nadia Madani ; Nan Ma ; Nancy Gonlin ; Nancy McEachran ; Natasha Pinto ; Nathaniel Meskel ; Nicholas Russ ; Nicole Beattie ; Nicole Longpre ; Nora Lance ; Olga Krichevskaya ; Oriana Estrada ; Paul Weatherly ; Paula McPherson ; Pavy Thao ; Peggy Strader ; Rachel Wellman ; Ramon Concepcion ; Ray Butler ; Ray White ; Renee Allen ; Richard Tebbetts ; Rick Mangan ; Robert Viens ; Ron Taplin ; Roselle Hay ; Ross Villegas ; Sabrina Sanchez ; Sapan Parekh ; Sara Gardner ; Sara Sepehri (Emeritus) ; Sara Sutler-Cohen ; Sarah Knox ; Sasha Malinsky ; Sayumi Irey ; Scott Bessho ; Seema Bahl ; Sharon Berg ; Sheere Zupan ; Sheila Colbert (Emeritus) Cc: BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Student Success Subject: It’s Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude     Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, more than 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked antiJapanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-led-development-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136   With gratitude,     Belle   Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/   From: Juan Esparza Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2020 9:38 AM To: Nan Ma ; Gayle Barge ; Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Thank you so much for your very thoughtful email Nan. In addition, I am saddened that there is no other communication addressing some of the very important points you made. An apology should be offered to the greater BC campus community for the pain it caused some of our faculty, staff and students. In addition to a thoughtful apology for one person's mistake to the diversity caucus, our BC leadership should take responsibility and demonstrate an understanding of the hurt caused by this mistake. I will try and assume the best, and expect follow up communication will be sent out from our leadership addressing the bigger problem we have on this campus. It is interesting to note what exactly was erased from the artwork. “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.” I'm sure many have the attitude that it was only a temporary instalment and may not have proper approval thus justifiable censorship and defilment might be excusable, or at least not that big of a deal.  I hate to think if this had been done to another piece of art, maybe one commemorating Jews, African Americans or Latinos, might there be more of an outcry? I assume Bellevue College is more concerned about offending a rich white man or being the subject of a lawsuit than accuratly remembering and fully communicating history. I wonder how some of these ideas would play out in our local newspaper? Would our community agree with the whitewashing of history? We must change this toxic culture on our campus. Obviously, we need a policy that will protect future works of art. A policy that will help support our college's four core themes and help change the culture on our campus where this type of offense could so easily take place. Maybe name it the Miller Freeman Policy or better yet the Erin Shigaki Policy?   ------ Original message-----From: Nan Ma Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2020 7:34 PM To: Gayle Barge;Diversity Caucus; Cc: Subject:Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Dear Gayle, I appreciate your attempt at an apology.  Unfortunately, your letter falls short at addressing the pain that so many of us in the API community are feeling.  This week we observe the Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to remembering the atrocities that were done to the Japanese American community.  Your action, regardless of your intention, triggers intergenerational trauma and colludes with the erasure of Asian American history by the dominant culture. The API community received no notice of the defacement even hours after the act.  Your action, regardless of your intention, speaks to a lack of understanding of the API experience, disrespects our community, and reinforces the invisibility of the struggles that API communities face.  It speaks to a total disregard of our opinions and feelings, a disregard that is rooted in the model minority myth that obscures the discrimination that Asian Americans face and functions as a silencer of our pain.       Please understand that as a woman of color, it pains me a great deal to write you this letter.  But a true apology encompasses an understanding of what one is apologizing for and to whom.  As an Asian American woman, I want to remind you why we demanded an apology in the first place. Nan Ma    Nan Ma, Ph.D.  she/her/hers Associate Professor, Department of English Affiliate Faculty, Department of Cultural and Ethnic Studies Bellevue College (425)564-2647   From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Jerry Weber Denise Johnson; Tim Jones Diversity Caucus; Gayle Barge; BCG Faculty Council; BCG College Assembly; BCG Diversity and Inclusion; BCG Student Success; Kristen Jones; Robert Viens; BCG Classified Council; BCG Exempt Council; BCG Student Council RE: Never Again is Now Mural Defacement Monday, February 24, 2020 2:31:27 PM Denise and Tim and all, We will have a response out before the end of the day. We are having several folks affiliated with the art work defamation to review this before it is sent to the entire college.   Jerry Weber, Ph.D. President, Bellevue College (he, him, his)   From: Denise Johnson Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 11:54 AM To: Tim Jones ; Jerry Weber Cc: Diversity Caucus ; Gayle Barge ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Student Success ; Kristen Jones ; Robert Viens ; BCG Classified Council ; BCG Exempt Council ; BCG Student Council Subject: RE: Never Again is Now Mural Defacement Dear President Weber,   There’s not a lot more that I wish to add to Tim Jones’s message below, except to indicate that the delay in a response from you and/or the Board of Trustees is making the issue worse.  Concern is spreading.  Rumors are spreading.  Folks are questioning your, and our leadership team’s, commitment to equity and justice.  As two colleagues explained to me today, the administration’s response to this issue is in some ways more alarming than the original defacement was.    Please don’t wait until a Cabinet or BoT meeting to respond.  And please don’t wait this out, hoping or thinking that it will blow over.   This happened days ago by now.   Denise   Denise L. Johnson Professor of Sociology Bellevue College (425) 564-5143   “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” –Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.   From: Tim Jones Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 10:13 AM To: Jerry Weber Cc: Diversity Caucus ; Gayle Barge ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Student Success ; Kristen Jones ; Robert Viens ; BCG Classified Council ; BCG Exempt Council ; BCG Student Council Subject: Never Again is Now Mural Defacement Dear President Weber,    On Thursday I started my Introduction to Political Science class by discussing Executive Order 9066. As part of that in-class history lesson, I referenced the powerful “Never Again is Now” mural on the A-building, and we talked about, among other things, the reference to Eastside businessman Miller Freeman.   Later that day, I learned that the mural had been defaced, and that ironically the defacement involved the “whiting” out of one sentence: “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.”    On Friday, I learned that the person responsible for the removal of this sentence was the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Gayle Barge. I read with interest Gayle’s apology to the Diversity Caucus on Friday as well as the responses by several of our faculty and staff colleagues on that email thread.    Others have raised thoughtful critiques of Gayle’s actions and apology— both publicly and privately—and I hope that Gayle specifically and the administration more broadly will respond to them in a meaningful and public way since it is obvious that this incident has caused a lot of pain and confusion in our community.    My primary purpose in sending this email is to request that subsequent administration communications be made more public than the diversity caucus email thread. I think the broader campus community deserves to know what happened, why it happened, and what, if anything, the administration plans to do in response—other than the restoration of the original mural.     Thank you for your time and attention to this issue.  Tim Jones Bellevue College Full Professor of Political Science Tenure Mentoring Program Lead Model United Nations Faculty Advisor   From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Tracy Biga MacLean RE: Current dust-up Monday, February 24, 2020 2:32:00 PM It has been devastating, colleague. Thank you for the message.   Best, Gayle   From: Tracy Biga MacLean Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 10:50 AM To: Gayle Barge Subject: Current dust-up   Gayle, It’s been a bit shocking to me to see the flurry of emails around the campus mural. It is clear to me that the disputed sentence wasn’t approved by cabinet as part of the original proposal, and that you had little choice in addressing it. You have always been helpful and supportive to me (and many others), so it is difficult to see the spread of this inaccurate information. I’m sure there are many people like me who understand why the statement couldn’t stand as it was. tbm   Tracy Biga MacLean, Ph.D Accreditation Liaison Officer Assoc Dir, Effectiveness & Strategic Planning Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle Bellevue, WA 98007-6406 425.564.2035   From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Nicole Beattie FW: Never Again is Now Mural Defacement Monday, February 24, 2020 2:34:00 PM     From: Jerry Weber Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 2:31 PM To: Denise Johnson ; Tim Jones Cc: Diversity Caucus ; Gayle Barge ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Student Success ; Kristen Jones ; Robert Viens ; BCG Classified Council ; BCG Exempt Council ; BCG Student Council Subject: RE: Never Again is Now Mural Defacement Denise and Tim and all, We will have a response out before the end of the day. We are having several folks affiliated with the art work defamation to review this before it is sent to the entire college.   Jerry Weber, Ph.D. President, Bellevue College (he, him, his)   From: Denise Johnson Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 11:54 AM To: Tim Jones ; Jerry Weber Cc: Diversity Caucus ; Gayle Barge ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Student Success ; Kristen Jones ; Robert Viens ; BCG Classified Council ; BCG Exempt Council ; BCG Student Council Subject: RE: Never Again is Now Mural Defacement Dear President Weber,   There’s not a lot more that I wish to add to Tim Jones’s message below, except to indicate that the delay in a response from you and/or the Board of Trustees is making the issue worse.  Concern is spreading.  Rumors are spreading.  Folks are questioning your, and our leadership team’s, commitment to equity and justice.  As two colleagues explained to me today, the administration’s response to this issue is in some ways more alarming than the original defacement was.    Please don’t wait until a Cabinet or BoT meeting to respond.  And please don’t wait this out, hoping or thinking that it will blow over.   This happened days ago by now.   Denise   Denise L. Johnson Professor of Sociology Bellevue College (425) 564-5143   “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” –Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.   From: Tim Jones Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 10:13 AM To: Jerry Weber Cc: Diversity Caucus ; Gayle Barge ; BCG Faculty Council ; BCG College Assembly ; BCG Diversity and Inclusion ; BCG Student Success ; Kristen Jones ; Robert Viens ; BCG Classified Council ; BCG Exempt Council ; BCG Student Council Subject: Never Again is Now Mural Defacement Dear President Weber,    On Thursday I started my Introduction to Political Science class by discussing Executive Order 9066. As part of that in-class history lesson, I referenced the powerful “Never Again is Now” mural on the A-building, and we talked about, among other things, the reference to Eastside businessman Miller Freeman.   Later that day, I learned that the mural had been defaced, and that ironically the defacement involved the “whiting” out of one sentence: “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.”    On Friday, I learned that the person responsible for the removal of this sentence was the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Gayle Barge. I read with interest Gayle’s apology to the Diversity Caucus on Friday as well as the responses by several of our faculty and staff colleagues on that email thread.    Others have raised thoughtful critiques of Gayle’s actions and apology— both publicly and privately—and I hope that Gayle specifically and the administration more broadly will respond to them in a meaningful and public way since it is obvious that this incident has caused a lot of pain and confusion in our community.    My primary purpose in sending this email is to request that subsequent administration communications be made more public than the diversity caucus email thread. I think the broader campus community deserves to know what happened, why it happened, and what, if anything, the administration plans to do in response—other than the restoration of the original mural.     Thank you for your time and attention to this issue.  Tim Jones Bellevue College Full Professor of Political Science Tenure Mentoring Program Lead Model United Nations Faculty Advisor   From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Nicole Beattie Jerry Weber; Kristen Jones; Gayle Barge; Gilbert Villalpando Alicia Keating Polson Draft email for review Monday, February 24, 2020 3:06:14 PM Good afternoon, Per the discussion with Dr. Weber, please see the email for review. I'm still adding the contact info. at the end. Art Installation Email.docx Best, Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: To: Subject: Date: Jerry Weber All BC-Official; All BC-Students Response to Art Installation Incident Monday, February 24, 2020 4:53:24 PM Dear BC Community,    Last Thursday, the artistic mural installation “Never Again is Now” was changed by a college administrator who removed a reference to Miller Freeman and other Eastside businessmen. The administrator who edited out that reference subsequently met with the Bellevue College art installation committee, emailed a written apology to the committee and members of the Diversity Caucus, and apologized to the artist. Dr. Villalpando, interim Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, organized a forum today with members of the college affinity groups. The administrator who altered the artwork was invited to attend the forum, where she apologized, listened, and answered questions.     It was a mistake to alter the artist’s work. Removing the reference gave the impression that the administrator was attempting to remove or rewrite history, a history that directly impacts many today. Once the college has made a commitment to accept an artist or artistic work on campus, they have the right to uncensored free speech. Editing artistic works changes the message and meaning of the work.     I would like to take this opportunity to personally apologize on behalf of the College for the pain that this has caused our Asian community, and in particular our Japanese American community. At today’s forum, many expressed their personal connection to this tragic period in our recent history. The mural, “Never Again is Now”, sends a powerful message and is not just a historical reminder, as unfortunately we see similar issues playing out in our country today.    Based on the feedback from today’s forum, and the comments from many in the college community, it is clear that additional work needs to be done. Cabinet will discuss next steps and consider other strategies to continue this dialogue and engage the full BC community. This is the first in a series of emails and within a week, you’ll receive subsequent communications around the next steps.    For those who might need emotional support, students may contact our Counseling Center at 425564-5747, or visit them during office hours on the second floor of the B Building. Counselors are available who speak Chinese/Mandarin, Spanish, and Vietnamese, and they can also work with students to find a counselor in the community who speaks their language. Faculty and staff can contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 877-313-4455 at any time (24/7).     Below are other faculty/staff to contact if you have questions about the installation:  Resources Contacts Learning more about the history of “Never Again Go to the LMC and visit the exhibit. Ask Librarian is Now” and connections to current issues  Elena Maans-Lorincz   e.maans@bellevuecollege.edu  The art installation  Pavy Thao  How you can learn more about Asian American Identities, history, and stories  Multicultural Services for students of color  Dealing with strong reactions to the art installation or information about incarceration  Joining the Asian Pacific Islander Student Association    Sincerely,   Jerry Weber, Ph.D. President, Bellevue College (he, him, his)   pavy.thao@bellevuecollege.edu  Join Dr. Nan Ma’s class on Asian American Studies 150 in Fall 2020  nan.ma@bellevuecollege.edu  Zak Yousuf  zak.yousuf@bellevuecollege.edu  Belle Nishioka  b.nishioka@bellevuecollege.edu  Kattie Dang  kattie.dang@bellevuecollege.edu  APISA@belleuecollege.edu  From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Carlos Barge; Mario Barge Fwd: Response to Art Installation Incident Monday, February 24, 2020 9:21:57 PM FYI. Gayle Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Jerry Weber Date: February 24, 2020 at 4:53:24 PM PST To: All BC-Official , All BC-Students Subject: Response to Art Installation Incident  Dear BC Community,    Last Thursday, the artistic mural installation “Never Again is Now” was changed by a college administrator who removed a reference to Miller Freeman and other Eastside businessmen. The administrator who edited out that reference subsequently met with the Bellevue College art installation committee, emailed a written apology to the committee and members of the Diversity Caucus, and apologized to the artist. Dr. Villalpando, interim Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, organized a forum today with members of the college affinity groups. The administrator who altered the artwork was invited to attend the forum, where she apologized, listened, and answered questions.     It was a mistake to alter the artist’s work. Removing the reference gave the impression that the administrator was attempting to remove or rewrite history, a history that directly impacts many today. Once the college has made a commitment to accept an artist or artistic work on campus, they have the right to uncensored free speech. Editing artistic works changes the message and meaning of the work.     I would like to take this opportunity to personally apologize on behalf of the College for the pain that this has caused our Asian community, and in particular our Japanese American community. At today’s forum, many expressed their personal connection to this tragic period in our recent history. The mural, “Never Again is Now”, sends a powerful message and is not just a historical reminder, as unfortunately we see similar issues playing out in our country today.    Based on the feedback from today’s forum, and the comments from many in the college community, it is clear that additional work needs to be done. Cabinet will discuss next steps and consider other strategies to continue this dialogue and engage the full BC community. This is the first in a series of emails and within a week, you’ll receive subsequent communications around the next steps.    For those who might need emotional support, students may contact our Counseling Center at 425-564-5747, or visit them during office hours on the second floor of the B Building. Counselors are available who speak Chinese/Mandarin, Spanish, and Vietnamese, and they can also work with students to find a counselor in the community who speaks their language. Faculty and staff can contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 877-313-4455 at any time (24/7).     Below are other faculty/staff to contact if you have questions about the installation:  Resources Contacts Go to the LMC and visit the exhibit. Ask Learning more about the history of “Never Again is Now” and connections Librarian Elena Maans-Lorincz   e.maans@bellevuecollege.edu  to current issues  The art installation  Pavy Thao  pavy.thao@bellevuecollege.edu  How you can learn more about Asian Join Dr. Nan Ma’s class on Asian American American Identities, history, and stories  Studies 150 in Fall 2020  nan.ma@bellevuecollege.edu  Multicultural Services for students of Zak Yousuf  color  zak.yousuf@bellevuecollege.edu  Belle Nishioka  Dealing with strong reactions to the b.nishioka@bellevuecollege.edu  art installation or information Kattie Dang  about incarceration  kattie.dang@bellevuecollege.edu  Joining the Asian Pacific Islander Student APISA@belleuecollege.edu  Association    Sincerely,   Jerry Weber, Ph.D. President, Bellevue College (he, him, his)   From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Carlos Barge Fwd: Current dust-up Tuesday, February 25, 2020 7:38:09 AM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Tracy Biga MacLean Date: February 24, 2020 at 10:49:56 AM PST To: Gayle Barge Subject: Current dust-up  Gayle, It’s been a bit shocking to me to see the flurry of emails around the campus mural. It is clear to me that the disputed sentence wasn’t approved by cabinet as part of the original proposal, and that you had little choice in addressing it. You have always been helpful and supportive to me (and many others), so it is difficult to see the spread of this inaccurate information. I’m sure there are many people like me who understand why the statement couldn’t stand as it was. tbm   Tracy Biga MacLean, Ph.D Accreditation Liaison Officer Assoc Dir, Effectiveness & Strategic Planning Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle Bellevue, WA 98007-6406 425.564.2035   From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Nicole Beattie Jerry Weber Gayle Barge; Alicia Keating Polson Fw: Seattle Times question Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3:33:31 PM Hello Dr. Weber, FYI. I'm in the HR training meeting with Gayle currently. Best, Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: Nicole Beattie Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3:32 PM To: Paige Cornwell Subject: Re: Seattle Times question Hi Paige, We don't have any additional information and Dr. Weber did send a letter to the campus. Please let me know if you have any additional questions. Best, Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: Paige Cornwell Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3:21 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: Seattle Times question Hi Nicole,   I hope this message finds you well. I received a message regarding an art installation at Bellevue College that had been defaced and the subsequent forum afterward. We were also forwarded a letter sent by President Weber. Does the college have any additional information about this incident? And can you confirm that President Weber sent a letter to the Bellevue College community?   I can be reached at (206) 464-2530 or pcornwell@seattletimes.com.   Thanks, Paige Cornwell Reporter The Seattle Times pcornwell@seattletimes.com (206) 464-2530 From: To: Subject: Date: Erin Shigaki 紫垣 Gayle Barge Re: "Never Again is Now" art installation Tuesday, February 25, 2020 4:15:25 PM Dear Dr. Barge, Thank you for writing and for your phone message. It would do my soul good to understand why you chose to deface my art tag. If there is anything more you can offer about your motivations or thought process, I would appreciate it. It was triggering to hear that my work including pieces of the history around the World War II incarceration of my community were literally whited out. I would like to ask for $350 to account for the additional time and materials to reinstall the art tag. I am arranging a date to do so with the Bellevue College administrators who hired me. Sincerely, Erin Shigaki .  .  .  .  .  Erin Shigaki (she/her) Purple Gate Design +1.718.909.5687 @purplegatedesign purplegatedesign.com www.minidokapilgrimage.org On Fri, Feb 21, 2020 at 4:19 PM Gayle Barge wrote: Dear Ms. Shigaki, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   I left an initial voice mail message to apologize and request an opportunity to work with you to have that section of the installation restored. I am available to facilitate that endeavor at your convenience.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Jerry Weber RE: "Never Again is Now" art installation Tuesday, February 25, 2020 5:13:00 PM Dr. Weber,   Please see below. I’ll await your thoughts.   Best, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282   *************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************   From: Erin Shigaki 紫垣 Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 4:15 PM To: Gayle Barge Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" art installation Dear Dr. Barge, Thank you for writing and for your phone message. It would do my soul good to understand why you chose to deface my art tag. If there is anything more you can offer about your motivations or thought process, I would appreciate it. It was triggering to hear that my work including pieces of the history around the World War II incarceration of my community were literally whited out. I would like to ask for $350 to account for the additional time and materials to reinstall the art tag. I am arranging a date to do so with the Bellevue College administrators who hired me. Sincerely, Erin Shigaki . . . . . Erin Shigaki (she/her) Purple Gate Design +1.718.909.5687 @purplegatedesign purplegatedesign.com www.minidokapilgrimage.org On Fri, Feb 21, 2020 at 4:19 PM Gayle Barge wrote: Dear Ms. Shigaki, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   I left an initial voice mail message to apologize and request an opportunity to work with you to have that section of the installation restored. I am available to facilitate that endeavor at your convenience.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282   From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Nicole Beattie Jerry Weber Alicia Keating Polson; Gayle Barge Fw: Seattle Times question Tuesday, February 25, 2020 5:14:31 PM Hello Dr. Weber, Please see the most recent email from the reporter. How would you like to proceed? Best, Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: Paige Cornwell Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3:40 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: RE: Seattle Times question Thanks, Nicole. Are you able to provide any information on the administrator? Is the administrator in the central office?   Thanks again, Paige Cornwell   From: Nicole Beattie Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3:32 PM To: Paige Cornwell Subject: Re: Seattle Times question   Hi Paige,   We don't have any additional information and Dr. Weber did send a letter to the campus. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.   Best,   Nicole Beattie Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: Paige Cornwell Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3:21 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: Seattle Times question   Hi Nicole,   I hope this message finds you well. I received a message regarding an art installation at Bellevue College that had been defaced and the subsequent forum afterward. We were also forwarded a letter sent by President Weber. Does the college have any additional information about this incident? And can you confirm that President Weber sent a letter to the Bellevue College community?   I can be reached at (206) 464-2530 or pcornwell@seattletimes.com.   Thanks, Paige Cornwell Reporter The Seattle Times pcornwell@seattletimes.com (206) 464-2530 From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Alicia Keating Polson; Nicole Beattie FW: "Never Again is Now" art installation Tuesday, February 25, 2020 5:28:00 PM     From: Erin Shigaki 紫垣 Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 4:15 PM To: Gayle Barge Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" art installation Dear Dr. Barge, Thank you for writing and for your phone message. It would do my soul good to understand why you chose to deface my art tag. If there is anything more you can offer about your motivations or thought process, I would appreciate it. It was triggering to hear that my work including pieces of the history around the World War II incarceration of my community were literally whited out. I would like to ask for $350 to account for the additional time and materials to reinstall the art tag. I am arranging a date to do so with the Bellevue College administrators who hired me. Sincerely, Erin Shigaki . . . . . Erin Shigaki (she/her) Purple Gate Design +1.718.909.5687 @purplegatedesign purplegatedesign.com www.minidokapilgrimage.org On Fri, Feb 21, 2020 at 4:19 PM Gayle Barge wrote: Dear Ms. Shigaki, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   I left an initial voice mail message to apologize and request an opportunity to work with you to have that section of the installation restored. I am available to facilitate that endeavor at your convenience.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282   From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge erin@purplegatedesign.com RE: "Never Again is Now" art installation Tuesday, February 25, 2020 6:09:00 PM Dear Ms. Shigaki,   Thank you very much for responding to my messages. I would like to humbly request an opportunity to meet with you and answer your questions in person. If you would be willing to do so, I would be very appreciative.   In the meeting yesterday at the College, Dr. Weber committed to restoring the art tag. Please accept our appreciation for your willingness to proceed with the restoration. The amount of $350 will be processed immediately. Dr. Weber indicated that he will be in contact with you.     Ms. Shigaki, I hope that we can meet and you will consider accepting my profuse apology.   Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282     From: Erin Shigaki 紫垣 Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 4:15 PM To: Gayle Barge Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" art installation   Dear Dr. Barge,   Thank you for writing and for your phone message. It would do my soul good to understand why you chose to deface my art tag. If there is anything more you can offer about your motivations or thought process, I would appreciate it. It was triggering to hear that my work including pieces of the history around the World War II incarceration of my community were literally whited out.   I would like to ask for $350 to account for the additional time and materials to reinstall the art tag. I am arranging a date to do so with the Bellevue College administrators who hired me.   Sincerely, Erin Shigaki .  .  .  .  .    Erin Shigaki (she/her) Purple Gate Design +1.718.909.5687 @purplegatedesign purplegatedesign.com www.minidokapilgrimage.org     On Fri, Feb 21, 2020 at 4:19 PM Gayle Barge wrote: Dear Ms. Shigaki, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   I left an initial voice mail message to apologize and request an opportunity to work with you to have that section of the installation restored. I am available to facilitate that endeavor at your convenience.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Nicole Beattie Jerry Weber Alicia Keating Polson; Gayle Barge Fwd: Seattle Times question Tuesday, February 25, 2020 7:42:07 PM FYI Get Outlook for iOS From: Paige Cornwell Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 7:03 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: RE: Seattle Times question   Hi Nicole,   Because of print constraints my story will likely be held until tomorrow morning, so if you have any updates or additional information, please let me know. Thank you for your help today.   Thanks again, Paige Cornwell     From: Nicole Beattie Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 5:51 PM To: Paige Cornwell Subject: Re: Seattle Times question   Hi Paige,   I can provide that information. Dr. Gayle Colston Barge, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Bellevue College.   Best,   Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu     From: Paige Cornwell Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3:40 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: RE: Seattle Times question   Thanks, Nicole. Are you able to provide any information on the administrator? Is the administrator in the central office?   Thanks again, Paige Cornwell   From: Nicole Beattie Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3:32 PM To: Paige Cornwell Subject: Re: Seattle Times question   Hi Paige,   We don't have any additional information and Dr. Weber did send a letter to the campus. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.   Best,   Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu     From: Paige Cornwell Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3:21 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: Seattle Times question   Hi Nicole,   I hope this message finds you well. I received a message regarding an art installation at Bellevue College that had been defaced and the subsequent forum afterward. We were also forwarded a letter sent by President Weber. Does the college have any additional information about this incident? And can you confirm that President Weber sent a letter to the Bellevue College community?   I can be reached at (206) 464-2530 or pcornwell@seattletimes.com.   Thanks, Paige Cornwell Reporter The Seattle Times pcornwell@seattletimes.com (206) 464-2530 From: To: Subject: Date: Paige Cornwell Gayle Barge Seattle Times question Tuesday, February 25, 2020 8:06:37 PM Dr. Barge, My name is Paige Cornwell and I am a reporter for The Seattle Times. I am working on a story about the Bellevue College art installation and subsequent response and was told you were involved with the incident. I was hoping to speak with you about this. Would it be possible to speak with you Wednesday morning? I can be reached at (206) 464-2530 or pcornwell@seattletimes.com. Thank you for your time, Paige Cornwell Reporter The Seattle Times pcornwell@seattletimes.com (206) 464-2530 From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Nicole Beattie; Jerry Weber Fwd: Seattle Times question Tuesday, February 25, 2020 9:41:40 PM What do you think about providing a short statement that comprises parts of my apologies?  Gayle Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Paige Cornwell Date: February 25, 2020 at 8:06:36 PM PST To: Gayle Barge Subject: Seattle Times question  Dr. Barge, My name is Paige Cornwell and I am a reporter for The Seattle Times. I am working on a story about the Bellevue College art installation and subsequent response and was told you were involved with the incident. I was hoping to speak with you about this. Would it be possible to speak with you Wednesday morning? I can be reached at (206) 464-2530 or pcornwell@seattletimes.com. Thank you for your time, Paige Cornwell Reporter The Seattle Times pcornwell@seattletimes.com (206) 464-2530 From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Nicole Beattie; Jerry Weber Re: Seattle Times question Tuesday, February 25, 2020 10:02:47 PM On reflection, I think the information she has is sufficient. I am offsite in the morning at a meeting.  Best, Gayle Sent from my iPad On Feb 25, 2020, at 9:41 PM, Gayle Barge wrote:  What do you think about providing a short statement that comprises parts of my apologies?  Gayle Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Paige Cornwell Date: February 25, 2020 at 8:06:36 PM PST To: Gayle Barge Subject: Seattle Times question  Dr. Barge, My name is Paige Cornwell and I am a reporter for The Seattle Times. I am working on a story about the Bellevue College art installation and subsequent response and was told you were involved with the incident. I was hoping to speak with you about this. Would it be possible to speak with you Wednesday morning? I can be reached at (206) 464-2530 or pcornwell@seattletimes.com. Thank you for your time, Paige Cornwell Reporter The Seattle Times pcornwell@seattletimes.com (206) 464-2530 From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Laura Gettleman Fwd: Seattle Times question Tuesday, February 25, 2020 10:58:20 PM I am offsite at meetings tomorrow and unavailable for calls.  Best, Gayle Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Paige Cornwell Date: February 25, 2020 at 8:06:36 PM PST To: Gayle Barge Subject: Seattle Times question  Dr. Barge, My name is Paige Cornwell and I am a reporter for The Seattle Times. I am working on a story about the Bellevue College art installation and subsequent response and was told you were involved with the incident. I was hoping to speak with you about this. Would it be possible to speak with you Wednesday morning? I can be reached at (206) 464-2530 or pcornwell@seattletimes.com. Thank you for your time, Paige Cornwell Reporter The Seattle Times pcornwell@seattletimes.com (206) 464-2530 From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Laura Gettleman Fwd: Seattle Times question Tuesday, February 25, 2020 10:59:58 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Gayle Barge Date: February 25, 2020 at 10:02:47 PM PST To: Nicole Beattie , Jerry Weber Subject: Re: Seattle Times question  On reflection, I think the information she has is sufficient. I am offsite in the morning at a meeting.  Best, Gayle Sent from my iPad On Feb 25, 2020, at 9:41 PM, Gayle Barge wrote:  What do you think about providing a short statement that comprises parts of my apologies?  Gayle Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Paige Cornwell Date: February 25, 2020 at 8:06:36 PM PST To: Gayle Barge Subject: Seattle Times question  Dr. Barge, My name is Paige Cornwell and I am a reporter for The Seattle Times. I am working on a story about the Bellevue College art installation and subsequent response and was told you were involved with the incident. I was hoping to speak with you about this. Would it be possible to speak with you Wednesday morning? I can be reached at (206) 464-2530 or pcornwell@seattletimes.com. Thank you for your time, Paige Cornwell Reporter The Seattle Times pcornwell@seattletimes.com (206) 464-2530 From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Nicole Beattie Jerry Weber Gayle Barge; Alicia Keating Polson Fw: Seattle Times question about "Never Again Is Now" installation Wednesday, February 26, 2020 7:43:28 AM Good morning, Please see below re: the reporter's questions to Pavy. Best, Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: Pavy Thao Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 8:37 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: Fw: Seattle Times question about "Never Again Is Now" installation Can you address and handle? I think your area handles it, right? Thanks Pavy Thao IBIT Division Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Bellevue, WA 98007 Main: 425.564.2211 Direct: 425-564-2313 Fax:425-564-4917 pavy.thao@bellevuecollege.edu From: Paige Cornwell Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3:46:46 PM To: Paige Cornwell Subject: Seattle Times question about "Never Again Is Now" installation Hello,   My name is Paige Cornwell and I am a reporter for The Seattle Times. I am working on a story about the “Never Again Is Now” art installation and response to the defacing incident. I would like to speak with those who have been involved with the installation and subsequent response and was forwarded your email. Would it be possible to speak with you this afternoon about this?   I can be reached at (206) 464-2530 or pcornwell@seattletimes.com.   Thank you for your time, Paige Cornwell Reporter The Seattle Times pcornwell@seattletimes.com (2060 464-2530 From: To: Date: Attachments: Alicia Keating Polson Crisis Response Wednesday, February 26, 2020 8:46:50 AM Second Art Installation Response.docx Cabinet Only and Nicole Beattie Here is the first draft of the next email Dr. Weber will be sending out to campus on Thursday. Please review and provide any feedback by Thursday at 10 AM. If you don't have any changes/feedback, you can indicate you are good with the message with a thumbs up on this post. Gilbert Villalpando will also be working with a group of folks throughout the day asking them to provide feedback (in a different document). Thank you!  From: To: Date: Attachments: Alicia Keating Polson Crisis Response Wednesday, February 26, 2020 8:49:25 AM Second Art Installation Response.docx From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Nicole Beattie Jerry Weber Gayle Barge; Katherine Hall Re: Seattle Times question Wednesday, February 26, 2020 9:05:49 AM Good morning, It might be a good idea to reach out to our PR company. They can help draft a timely response to media. Seattle Times may go to press today. We may not make the deadline for today.  Best, Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: Gayle Barge Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 10:02 PM To: Nicole Beattie ; Jerry Weber Subject: Re: Seattle Times question On reflection, I think the information she has is sufficient. I am offsite in the morning at a meeting. Best, Gayle Sent from my iPad On Feb 25, 2020, at 9:41 PM, Gayle Barge wrote:  What do you think about providing a short statement that comprises parts of my apologies? Gayle Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Paige Cornwell Date: February 25, 2020 at 8:06:36 PM PST To: Gayle Barge Subject: Seattle Times question  Dr. Barge, My name is Paige Cornwell and I am a reporter for The Seattle Times. I am working on a story about the Bellevue College art installation and subsequent response and was told you were involved with the incident. I was hoping to speak with you about this. Would it be possible to speak with you Wednesday morning? I can be reached at (206) 464-2530 or pcornwell@seattletimes.com. Thank you for your time, Paige Cornwell Reporter The Seattle Times pcornwell@seattletimes.com (206) 464-2530 From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Alicia Keating Polson Seattle Times Wednesday, February 26, 2020 10:14:26 AM Alicia, I am enroute from an offsite appointment. I’d like to meet with Dr. Weber to review some proposed wording for a brief statement in lieu of speaking with the Seattle Times. I also received some inside information regarding sending a message to the owner of the paper regarding the story. It will not stop the story but will provide a heads up to him. He is a close personal friend of Kemper Freeman Jr. Expect to be in by 11:30 am. Best, Gayle Sent from my iPad From: To: Subject: Date: Alicia Keating Polson Gayle Barge RE: Seattle Times Wednesday, February 26, 2020 10:18:54 AM Can you up at 12:30 PM? Alicia Keating Polson, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) Executive Assistant to the President & Board of Trustees (425) 564.2302 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue, WA 98007 alicia.keatingpolson@bellevuecollege.edu -----Original Message----From: Gayle Barge Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 10:14 AM To: Alicia Keating Polson Subject: Seattle Times Alicia, I am enroute from an offsite appointment. I’d like to meet with Dr. Weber to review some proposed wording for a brief statement in lieu of speaking with the Seattle Times. I also received some inside information regarding sending a message to the owner of the paper regarding the story. It will not stop the story but will provide a heads up to him. He is a close personal friend of Kemper Freeman Jr. Expect to be in by 11:30 am. Best, Gayle Sent from my iPad From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Alicia Keating Polson Re: Seattle Times Wednesday, February 26, 2020 10:43:00 AM Yes; thanks. Sent from my iPad > On Feb 26, 2020, at 10:18 AM, Alicia Keating Polson wrote: > > Can you up at 12:30 PM? > > Alicia Keating Polson, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) > Executive Assistant to the President & Board of Trustees > (425) 564.2302 > 3000 Landerholm Circle SE > Bellevue, WA 98007 > alicia.keatingpolson@bellevuecollege.edu > > > > -----Original Message----> From: Gayle Barge > Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 10:14 AM > To: Alicia Keating Polson > Subject: Seattle Times > > Alicia, > > I am enroute from an offsite appointment. I’d like to meet with Dr. Weber to review some proposed wording for a brief statement in lieu of speaking with the Seattle Times. > > I also received some inside information regarding sending a message to the owner of the paper regarding the story. It will not stop the story but will provide a heads up to him. He is a close personal friend of Kemper Freeman Jr. > > Expect to be in by 11:30 am. > > Best, > Gayle > > Sent from my iPad From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Nicole Beattie Gayle Barge Katherine Hall Review of statements Wednesday, February 26, 2020 10:55:22 AM Hi Gayle, I reviewed these two statements and I've run the public statement to the media by the PR firm. They appear to be appropriate timely responses. Let me know if there are any next steps on my part. "As an institution of higher learning, Bellevue College is committed not only to supporting our students, faculty and staff, but also to embracing, facing and exploring every aspect of our shared history." "As a longtime supporter of Bellevue College we wanted to make you aware that there may be a story in the Seattle Times regarding an incident that included the Kemper Freeman family. Please know that the College endeavored to strike an appropriate balance between our steadfast commitment to support our students, freedom of expression, and references to the Kemper Freeman family." Best, Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Nicole Beattie Gayle Barge; Jerry Weber Katherine Hall Fw: Seattle Times question about "Never Again Is Now" installation Wednesday, February 26, 2020 11:07:17 AM Just a reminder that this faculty member is wanting to know if administration should respond to this inquiry. Let me know. Best, Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: Pavy Thao Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 8:37 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: Fw: Seattle Times question about "Never Again Is Now" installation Can you address and handle? I think your area handles it, right? Thanks Pavy Thao IBIT Division Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Bellevue, WA 98007 Main: 425.564.2211 Direct: 425-564-2313 Fax:425-564-4917 pavy.thao@bellevuecollege.edu From: Paige Cornwell Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3:46:46 PM To: Paige Cornwell Subject: Seattle Times question about "Never Again Is Now" installation Hello,   My name is Paige Cornwell and I am a reporter for The Seattle Times. I am working on a story about the “Never Again Is Now” art installation and response to the defacing incident. I would like to speak with those who have been involved with the installation and subsequent response and was forwarded your email. Would it be possible to speak with you this afternoon about this?   I can be reached at (206) 464-2530 or pcornwell@seattletimes.com.   Thank you for your time, Paige Cornwell Reporter The Seattle Times pcornwell@seattletimes.com (2060 464-2530 From: To: Subject: Date: Paige Cornwell Gayle Barge RE: Seattle Times question Wednesday, February 26, 2020 11:20:38 AM Dr. Barge,   I wanted to circle back to my message I sent you last night. I also left a message this morning with your administrative assistant, who said you would be in later today.   I can be reached at (206) 464-2530 or pcornwell@seattletimes.com.   Thank you for your time, Paige Cornwell Reporter The Seattle Times pcornwell@seattletimes.com (206) 464-2530   From: Paige Cornwell Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 8:07 PM To: Gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu Subject: Seattle Times question   Dr. Barge, My name is Paige Cornwell and I am a reporter for The Seattle Times. I am working on a story about the Bellevue College art installation and subsequent response and was told you were involved with the incident. I was hoping to speak with you about this. Would it be possible to speak with you Wednesday morning? I can be reached at (206) 464-2530 or pcornwell@seattletimes.com. Thank you for your time, Paige Cornwell Reporter The Seattle Times pcornwell@seattletimes.com (206) 464-2530 From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Nicole Beattie Jerry Weber; Katherine Hall RE: Seattle Times question about "Never Again Is Now" installation Wednesday, February 26, 2020 11:46:00 AM I’ll respond to Pavy this afternoon. Thanks, colleague.   Best, Gayle   From: Nicole Beattie Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 11:07 AM To: Gayle Barge ; Jerry Weber Cc: Katherine Hall Subject: Fw: Seattle Times question about "Never Again Is Now" installation Just a reminder that this faculty member is wanting to know if administration should respond to this inquiry. Let me know.   Best,   Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu     From: Pavy Thao Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 8:37 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: Fw: Seattle Times question about "Never Again Is Now" installation Can you address and handle? I think your area handles it, right? Thanks Pavy Thao IBIT Division Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Bellevue, WA 98007 Main: 425.564.2211 Direct: 425-564-2313 Fax:425-564-4917 pavy.thao@bellevuecollege.edu From: Paige Cornwell Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3:46:46 PM To: Paige Cornwell Subject: Seattle Times question about "Never Again Is Now" installation Hello,   My name is Paige Cornwell and I am a reporter for The Seattle Times. I am working on a story about the “Never Again Is Now” art installation and response to the defacing incident. I would like to speak with those who have been involved with the installation and subsequent response and was forwarded your email. Would it be possible to speak with you this afternoon about this?   I can be reached at (206) 464-2530 or pcornwell@seattletimes.com.   Thank you for your time, Paige Cornwell Reporter The Seattle Times pcornwell@seattletimes.com (2060 464-2530 From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Nicole Beattie FW: Review of statements Wednesday, February 26, 2020 11:53:00 AM After Dr. Weber gives his input, I’ll send back to you to forward directly to the reporter. My question is should we put the agency on alert if this goes further so they can be the contact with the reporter?   Thanks so much for the quick turnaround.   Best, Gayle   From: Nicole Beattie Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 10:55 AM To: Gayle Barge Cc: Katherine Hall Subject: Review of statements Hi Gayle,   I reviewed these two statements and I've run the public statement to the media by the PR firm. They appear to be appropriate timely responses. Let me know if there are any next steps on my part.   "As an institution of higher learning, Bellevue College is committed not only to supporting our students, faculty and staff, but also to embracing, facing and exploring every aspect of our shared history."   "As a longtime supporter of Bellevue College we wanted to make you aware that there may be a story in the Seattle Times regarding an incident that recently occurred on our campus. The College endeavored to strike an appropriate balance between our steadfast commitment to support our students, freedom of expression, and references to the Kemper Freeman family."   Best,   Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu I BELLEVUE I, 0 From: To: Subject: Date: Nicole Beattie Gayle Barge Re: Review of statements Wednesday, February 26, 2020 12:05:35 PM Seattle Times has contacted me directly and the PR agency is requesting more information. It seems things may go further. Yes, I think the PR agency should be the contact point for media.  Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: Gayle Barge Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 11:53 AM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: FW: Review of statements   After Dr. Weber gives his input, I’ll send back to you to forward directly to the reporter. My question is should we put the agency on alert if this goes further so they can be the contact with the reporter?   Thanks so much for the quick turnaround.   Best, Gayle   From: Nicole Beattie Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 10:55 AM To: Gayle Barge Cc: Katherine Hall Subject: Review of statements   Hi Gayle,   I reviewed these two statements and I've run the public statement to the media by the PR firm. They appear to be appropriate timely responses. Let me know if there are any next steps on my part.   "As an institution of higher learning, Bellevue College is committed not only to supporting our students, faculty and staff, but also to embracing, facing and exploring every aspect of our shared history."   "As a longtime supporter of Bellevue College we wanted to make you aware that there may be a story in the Seattle Times regarding an incident that recently occurred on our campus. The College endeavored to strike an appropriate balance between our steadfast commitment to support our students, freedom of expression, and references to the Kemper Freeman family."   Best,   Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu     From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: +1 206-624-7323 Gayle Barge Voice Mail (24 seconds) Wednesday, February 26, 2020 12:20:11 PM audio.mp3 Hello doctor barge this is Paige Cornwell from the Seattle times. It's about 12:20 on Wednesday was hoping to speak with you regarding a story. I'm working on up. I had emailed you an left a message with your assistant earlier this morning again. This is Paige Cormell from the Seattle Times my Phone number is 206464. 2530 thanks bye. You received a voice mail from +1 206-624-7323. Thank you for using Transcription! If you don't see a transcript above, it's because the audio quality was not clear enough to transcribe. Set Up Voice Mail From: To: Subject: Date: Nicole Beattie Jerry Weber; Gayle Barge Fw: Seattle Times question Wednesday, February 26, 2020 12:22:11 PM Let me know how you want to respond to these inquiries from the Seattle Times reporter. Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: Paige Cornwell Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 12:15 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: RE: Seattle Times question Hi Nicole,   I apologize; I should have included this in my previous email. I would like to President Weber, if possible. Even a 5 minute interview would be helpful.   Thanks, Paige Cornwell   From: Paige Cornwell Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 12:07 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: RE: Seattle Times question   Thank you, Nicole. I am still unclear on the sequence of events and would like clarity on when the administration learned about the removal, when a replacement plaque was put up by Dr. Barge and when it was taken down.   I have also contacted Dr. Barge through her email address and phone number. I am wondering if you would be able to let her know I am interested in speaking with her or including a statement from her as well.   Thanks again, Paige Cornwell   From: Nicole Beattie Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 5:51 PM To: Paige Cornwell Subject: Re: Seattle Times question   Hi Paige,   I can provide that information. Dr. Gayle Colston Barge, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Bellevue College.   Best,   Nicole Beattie Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: Paige Cornwell Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3:40 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: RE: Seattle Times question   Thanks, Nicole. Are you able to provide any information on the administrator? Is the administrator in the central office?   Thanks again, Paige Cornwell   From: Nicole Beattie Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3:32 PM To: Paige Cornwell Subject: Re: Seattle Times question   Hi Paige,   We don't have any additional information and Dr. Weber did send a letter to the campus. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.   Best,   Nicole Beattie Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: Paige Cornwell Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3:21 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: Seattle Times question   Hi Nicole,   I hope this message finds you well. I received a message regarding an art installation at Bellevue College that had been defaced and the subsequent forum afterward. We were also forwarded a letter sent by President Weber. Does the college have any additional information about this incident? And can you confirm that President Weber sent a letter to the Bellevue College community?   I can be reached at (206) 464-2530 or pcornwell@seattletimes.com.   Thanks, Paige Cornwell Reporter The Seattle Times pcornwell@seattletimes.com (206) 464-2530 From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Nicole Beattie RE: Review of statements Wednesday, February 26, 2020 12:26:00 PM I am trying to call you.   From: Nicole Beattie Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 12:06 PM To: Gayle Barge Subject: Re: Review of statements Seattle Times has contacted me directly and the PR agency is requesting more information. It seems things may go further. Yes, I think the PR agency should be the contact point for media.    Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu     From: Gayle Barge Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 11:53 AM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: FW: Review of statements After Dr. Weber gives his input, I’ll send back to you to forward directly to the reporter. My question is should we put the agency on alert if this goes further so they can be the contact with the reporter?   Thanks so much for the quick turnaround.   Best, Gayle   From: Nicole Beattie Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 10:55 AM To: Gayle Barge Cc: Katherine Hall Subject: Review of statements Hi Gayle,   I reviewed these two statements and I've run the public statement to the media by the PR firm. They appear to be appropriate timely responses. Let me know if there are any next steps on my part.   "As an institution of higher learning, Bellevue College is committed not only to supporting our students, faculty and staff, but also to embracing, facing and exploring every aspect of our shared history."   "As a longtime supporter of Bellevue College we wanted to make you aware that there may be a story in the Seattle Times regarding an incident that recently occurred on our campus. The College endeavored to strike an appropriate balance between our steadfast commitment to support our students, freedom of expression, and references to the Kemper Freeman family."   Best,   Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu     From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Laeticia Nkinsi Gayle Barge My sympathy is with you. Wednesday, February 26, 2020 1:51:36 PM image001.png image002.png image003.png image004.png image005.png Hello Dr. Gayle,   I see you as a role model, you always have a word of encouragement and wisdom for me even though we don’t know each other so well. You never let us call you Dr Gayle;  call me Gayle” as you always respond, and most times we smile and try to get familiar with addressing you as Gayle. I wanted to check on you and see how you are doing. I came to the forum to show my support to you, I wanted to say a few words to the audience on how I see you as a role model. But I couldn’t stay longer, the line for the mic was taking longer to get, and I had a meeting with a student. You have shown us what humility truly means by standing there  respectfully, graciously, humbly listen to the audience. It is a sign of courage, leadership, bravery and humility. You’re a warrior and I’m praying for you.   Sincerely,   Laëticia Nkinsi Program Manager Workforce Education Direct Line:425-564-4045 Fax:425-564-4141 laeticia.nkinsi@bellevuecollege.edu     This e-mail and any files transmitted may contain confidential information as protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 USC § 1232g and/or Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2510-2521. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution is prohibited. Furthermore, if you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by telephone or return e-mail and completely delete this message from your system.   From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Gayle Barge Laeticia Nkinsi RE: My sympathy is with you. Wednesday, February 26, 2020 2:18:00 PM image001.png image002.png image003.png image004.png image005.png Good afternoon Laeticia,     There are no words to express my heartfelt appreciation for your email message of encouragement and support. Your words have really touched my spirit and for that I thank you. It remains my honor to work with you on behalf of our students and the BC community.   Best, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282   From: Laeticia Nkinsi Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 1:52 PM To: Gayle Barge Subject: My sympathy is with you.   Hello Dr. Gayle,   I see you as a role model, you always have a word of encouragement and wisdom for me even though we don’t know each other so well. You never let us call you Dr Gayle;  call me Gayle” as you always respond, and most times we smile and try to get familiar with addressing you as Gayle. I wanted to check on you and see how you are doing. I came to the forum to show my support to you, I wanted to say a few words to the audience on how I see you as a role model. But I couldn’t stay longer, the line for the mic was taking longer to get, and I had a meeting with a student. You have shown us what humility truly means by standing there  respectfully, graciously, humbly listen to the audience. It is a sign of courage, leadership, bravery and humility. You’re a warrior and I’m praying for you.   Sincerely,   Laëticia Nkinsi Program Manager Workforce Education Direct Line:425-564-4045 Fax:425-564-4141 laeticia.nkinsi@bellevuecollege.edu     This e-mail and any files transmitted may contain confidential information as protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 USC § 1232g and/or Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2510-2521. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution is prohibited. Furthermore, if you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by telephone or return e-mail and completely delete this message from your system.   From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Gayle Barge Carlos Barge FW: My sympathy is with you. Wednesday, February 26, 2020 2:18:00 PM image001.png image002.png image003.png image004.png image005.png     From: Gayle Barge Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 2:18 PM To: Laeticia Nkinsi Subject: RE: My sympathy is with you.   Good afternoon Laeticia,     There are no words to express my heartfelt appreciation for your email message of encouragement and support. Your words have really touched my spirit and for that I thank you. It remains my honor to work with you on behalf of our students and the BC community.   Best, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282   From: Laeticia Nkinsi Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 1:52 PM To: Gayle Barge Subject: My sympathy is with you.   Hello Dr. Gayle,   I see you as a role model, you always have a word of encouragement and wisdom for me even though we don’t know each other so well. You never let us call you Dr Gayle;  call me Gayle” as you always respond, and most times we smile and try to get familiar with addressing you as Gayle. I wanted to check on you and see how you are doing. I came to the forum to show my support to you, I wanted to say a few words to the audience on how I see you as a role model. But I couldn’t stay longer, the line for the mic was taking longer to get, and I had a meeting with a student. You have shown us what humility truly means by standing there  respectfully, graciously, humbly listen to the audience. It is a sign of courage, leadership, bravery and humility. You’re a warrior and I’m praying for you.   Sincerely,   Laëticia Nkinsi Program Manager Workforce Education Direct Line:425-564-4045 Fax:425-564-4141 laeticia.nkinsi@bellevuecollege.edu     This e-mail and any files transmitted may contain confidential information as protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 USC § 1232g and/or Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2510-2521. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution is prohibited. Furthermore, if you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by telephone or return e-mail and completely delete this message from your system.   From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Gayle Barge Jerry Weber; Kristen Jones FW: My sympathy is with you. Wednesday, February 26, 2020 2:20:00 PM image001.png image002.png image003.png image004.png image005.png This is an example of the messages I have been receiving personally and via email.   Best, Gayle   From: Laeticia Nkinsi Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 1:52 PM To: Gayle Barge Subject: My sympathy is with you.   Hello Dr. Gayle,   I see you as a role model, you always have a word of encouragement and wisdom for me even though we don’t know each other so well. You never let us call you Dr Gayle;  call me Gayle” as you always respond, and most times we smile and try to get familiar with addressing you as Gayle. I wanted to check on you and see how you are doing. I came to the forum to show my support to you, I wanted to say a few words to the audience on how I see you as a role model. But I couldn’t stay longer, the line for the mic was taking longer to get, and I had a meeting with a student. You have shown us what humility truly means by standing there  respectfully, graciously, humbly listen to the audience. It is a sign of courage, leadership, bravery and humility. You’re a warrior and I’m praying for you.   Sincerely,   Laëticia Nkinsi Program Manager Workforce Education Direct Line:425-564-4045 Fax:425-564-4141 laeticia.nkinsi@bellevuecollege.edu     This e-mail and any files transmitted may contain confidential information as protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 USC § 1232g and/or Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2510-2521. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution is prohibited. Furthermore, if you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by telephone or return e-mail and completely delete this message from your system.   From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Nicole Beattie Statement from Bellevue College Wednesday, February 26, 2020 2:41:00 PM "As an institution of higher learning, Bellevue College is committed not only to supporting our students, faculty and staff, but also to embracing, facing and exploring every aspect of our shared history of the communities we serve."   Dr. Jerry Weber President Bellevue College   From: To: Subject: Date: Nicole Beattie Gayle Barge Fw: Statement from Bellevue College Wednesday, February 26, 2020 3:04:07 PM FYI Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: Meg Halverson Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 3:00 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: RE: Statement from Bellevue College I need five more minutes, sorry   From: Nicole Beattie Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 2:54 PM To: Meg Halverson Subject: Fw: Statement from Bellevue College   Hi Meg,   Please see the revised statement below for the call.   Best,   Nicole Beattie Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: Gayle Barge Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 2:41 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: Statement from Bellevue College   "As an institution of higher learning, Bellevue College is committed not only to supporting our students, faculty and staff, but also to embracing, facing and exploring every aspect of our shared history of the communities we serve."   Dr. Jerry Weber President Bellevue College   From: To: Subject: Date: Jerry Weber Gayle Barge; Nicole Beattie FW: Seattle Times interview request Wednesday, February 26, 2020 3:17:40 PM Fyi – I have not responded. Did you send the email quote?   Jerry Weber, Ph.D. President, Bellevue College (he, him, his)   From: Paige Cornwell Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 2:39 PM To: Jerry Weber Subject: Seattle Times interview request   President Weber,   My name is Paige Cornwell and I am a reporter for The Seattle Times. I am working on a story about the “Never Again Is Now” art installation and subsequent response and would like to speak with you about this. Would it be possible to speak with you briefly this afternoon? I am wondering about the sequence of events and what you hope to see occur as a response in the coming weeks.   I can be reached at (206) 464-2530 or pcornwell@seattletimes.com.   Thanks, Paige Cornwell Reporter The Seattle Times pcornwell@seattletimes.com (2060 464-2530 From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Jerry Weber; Nicole Beattie RE: Seattle Times interview request Wednesday, February 26, 2020 3:56:00 PM The reporter was advised that your statement is the extent of our response.   Best, Gayle     From: Jerry Weber Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 3:18 PM To: Gayle Barge ; Nicole Beattie Subject: FW: Seattle Times interview request   Fyi – I have not responded. Did you send the email quote?   Jerry Weber, Ph.D. President, Bellevue College (he, him, his)   From: Paige Cornwell Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 2:39 PM To: Jerry Weber Subject: Seattle Times interview request   President Weber,   My name is Paige Cornwell and I am a reporter for The Seattle Times. I am working on a story about the “Never Again Is Now” art installation and subsequent response and would like to speak with you about this. Would it be possible to speak with you briefly this afternoon? I am wondering about the sequence of events and what you hope to see occur as a response in the coming weeks.   I can be reached at (206) 464-2530 or pcornwell@seattletimes.com.   Thanks, Paige Cornwell Reporter The Seattle Times pcornwell@seattletimes.com (2060 464-2530 From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Kristen Jones Gayle Barge; Jerry Weber RE: My sympathy is with you. Wednesday, February 26, 2020 4:03:01 PM image001.png image002.png image003.png image004.png image005.png Thanks for sharing, Gayle.  I’m glad you are receiving supportive messages.   Kristen Jones, Ed.D. Provost, Academic and Student Affairs Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue WA 98007 425-564-2260   From: Gayle Barge Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 2:20 PM To: Jerry Weber ; Kristen Jones Subject: FW: My sympathy is with you.   This is an example of the messages I have been receiving personally and via email.   Best, Gayle   From: Laeticia Nkinsi Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 1:52 PM To: Gayle Barge Subject: My sympathy is with you.   Hello Dr. Gayle,   I see you as a role model, you always have a word of encouragement and wisdom for me even though we don’t know each other so well. You never let us call you Dr Gayle;  call me Gayle” as you always respond, and most times we smile and try to get familiar with addressing you as Gayle. I wanted to check on you and see how you are doing. I came to the forum to show my support to you, I wanted to say a few words to the audience on how I see you as a role model. But I couldn’t stay longer, the line for the mic was taking longer to get, and I had a meeting with a student. You have shown us what humility truly means by standing there  respectfully, graciously, humbly listen to the audience. It is a sign of courage, leadership, bravery and humility. You’re a warrior and I’m praying for you.   Sincerely,   Laëticia Nkinsi Program Manager Workforce Education Direct Line:425-564-4045 Fax:425-564-4141 laeticia.nkinsi@bellevuecollege.edu     This e-mail and any files transmitted may contain confidential information as protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 USC § 1232g and/or Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2510-2521. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution is prohibited. Furthermore, if you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by telephone or return e-mail and completely delete this message from your system.   From: To: Subject: Date: Nicole Beattie Jerry Weber; Gayle Barge Fw: Seattle Times question Wednesday, February 26, 2020 4:13:09 PM FYI Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: Meg Halverson Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 4:09 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: Fwd: Seattle Times question FYI Get Outlook for iOS From: Paige Cornwell Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 3:52:16 PM To: Meg Halverson Subject: Re: Seattle Times question Hi Meg, thank you for your message. I wanted to let you know that the story will be published today and included both Dr. Barge and Dr. Weber. If Dr. Barge or Dr. Weber become available later today, we would like to include their comments. I can be reached at (206) 4642530. Thanks again, Paige Cornwell From: Meg Halverson Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 3:41:10 PM To: Paige Cornwell Subject: RE: Seattle Times question Hi Paige, I am a local communications consultant who works with Nicole Beattie. She asked me to respond to your query. Neither Dr. Weber nor Dr. Barge are available for comment but please find Dr. Weber’s statement below. “As an institution of higher learning, Bellevue College is committed to supporting our students, faculty and staff, and to embracing, facing and exploring every aspect of our shared history.”   Thank you!   Meg Halverson Bright Spring Strategy Consulting meg@brightspring.com 206-708-4739 From: Paige Cornwell Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 12:15 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: RE: Seattle Times question   Hi Nicole,   I apologize; I should have included this in my previous email. I would like to President Weber, if possible. Even a 5 minute interview would be helpful.   Thanks, Paige Cornwell   From: Paige Cornwell Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 12:07 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: RE: Seattle Times question   Thank you, Nicole. I am still unclear on the sequence of events and would like clarity on when the administration learned about the removal, when a replacement plaque was put up by Dr. Barge and when it was taken down.   I have also contacted Dr. Barge through her email address and phone number. I am wondering if you would be able to let her know I am interested in speaking with her or including a statement from her as well.   Thanks again, Paige Cornwell   From: Nicole Beattie Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 5:51 PM To: Paige Cornwell Subject: Re: Seattle Times question   Hi Paige,   I can provide that information. Dr. Gayle Colston Barge, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Bellevue College.   Best,   Nicole Beattie Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: Paige Cornwell Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3:40 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: RE: Seattle Times question   Thanks, Nicole. Are you able to provide any information on the administrator? Is the administrator in the central office?   Thanks again, Paige Cornwell   From: Nicole Beattie Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3:32 PM To: Paige Cornwell Subject: Re: Seattle Times question   Hi Paige,   We don't have any additional information and Dr. Weber did send a letter to the campus. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.   Best,   Nicole Beattie Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: Paige Cornwell Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3:21 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: Seattle Times question   Hi Nicole,   I hope this message finds you well. I received a message regarding an art installation at Bellevue College that had been defaced and the subsequent forum afterward. We were also forwarded a letter sent by President Weber. Does the college have any additional information about this incident? And can you confirm that President Weber sent a letter to the Bellevue College community?   I can be reached at (206) 464-2530 or pcornwell@seattletimes.com.   Thanks, Paige Cornwell Reporter The Seattle Times pcornwell@seattletimes.com (206) 464-2530 From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Carlos Barge Gayle Barge Re: My sympathy is with you. Wednesday, February 26, 2020 4:14:48 PM image001.png image002.png image003.png image004.png image005.png Great message showing you are a wonderful and caring human being to your fellow colleagues. There are more of them than the negative individuals that try to fuel their evilness. Stay the course and run to the roar. Love you, Los. Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone On Wednesday, February 26, 2020, 4:18 PM, Gayle Barge wrote:     From: Gayle Barge Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 2:18 PM To: Laeticia Nkinsi Subject: RE: My sympathy is with you.   Good afternoon Laeticia,     There are no words to express my heartfelt appreciation for your email message of encouragement and support. Your words have really touched my spirit and for that I thank you. It remains my honor to work with you on behalf of our students and the BC community.   Best, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282   From: Laeticia Nkinsi Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 1:52 PM To: Gayle Barge Subject: My sympathy is with you.   Hello Dr. Gayle,   I see you as a role model, you always have a word of encouragement and wisdom for me even though we don’t know each other so well. You never let us call you Dr Gayle;  call me Gayle” as you always respond, and most times we smile and try to get familiar with addressing you as Gayle. I wanted to check on you and see how you are doing. I came to the forum to show my support to you, I wanted to say a few words to the audience on how I see you as a role model. But I couldn’t stay longer, the line for the mic was taking longer to get, and I had a meeting with a student. You have shown us what humility truly means by standing there  respectfully, graciously, humbly listen to the audience. It is a sign of courage, leadership, bravery and humility. You’re a warrior and I’m praying for you.   Sincerely,   Laëticia Nkinsi Program Manager Workforce Education Direct Line:425-564-4045 Fax:425-564-4141 laeticia.nkinsi@bellevuecollege.edu     This e-mail and any files transmitted may contain confidential information as protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 USC § 1232g and/or Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2510-2521. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution is prohibited. Furthermore, if you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by telephone or return e-mail and completely delete this message from your system.   From: To: Subject: Date: Customer Support Gayle Barge Shame on you Wednesday, February 26, 2020 6:04:31 PM What are you doing???? Why did you do the stupid thing and destroy a poster and art????? You better resign... I am not happy what you did.  Why don't you move to Japan and live there for rest of your life and learn your lesson. What an idiot you are!!!! Shame on you!!!!!! Sent from my iPhone From: To: Subject: Date: Nicole Beattie Jerry Weber; Gayle Barge Fwd: Here it is Wednesday, February 26, 2020 6:53:23 PM FYI Get Outlook for iOS From: Meg Halverson Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 5:48 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: Here it is   https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/eastside/bellevue-college-apologizes-after-administratoralters-mural-depicting-japanese-american-internment/     Meg Halverson Principal Consultant Bright Spring Strategy Consulting 603 Stewart Street Suite 906 Seattle, WA 98101 M: 206-708-4739 State of Washington OWMBE Certified Business   From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Nicole Beattie Jerry Weber Re: Here it is Wednesday, February 26, 2020 7:02:46 PM Thank you, Nicole.  Best, Gayle Sent from my iPad On Feb 26, 2020, at 6:53 PM, Nicole Beattie wrote:  FYI Get Outlook for iOS From: Meg Halverson Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 5:48 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: Here it is   https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/eastside/bellevue-college-apologizesafter-administrator-alters-mural-depicting-japanese-american-internment/     Meg Halverson Principal Consultant Bright Spring Strategy Consulting 603 Stewart Street Suite 906 Seattle, WA 98101 M: 206-708-4739 State of Washington OWMBE Certified Business   From: To: Subject: Date: Ben Gardner-Young Gayle Barge Your purported actions defacing BCC artwork... Wednesday, February 26, 2020 7:48:28 PM Gayle,   Why on earth would you purportedly deface a piece of art, especially one as loaded as this one?  If you believe the citation of the artist is incorrect, you should be prepared to state that publicly and defend your statement, not “whiteout” the art itself and let your college’s president dance around your actions.  Shame on you.  You should lose your job, as I and others who share my opinion sign your paycheck.  I seriously question your judgement.  You should be smarter than to do what you purportedly did.  If you’d like to respond to me and let me know your side of the story, I’m all ears, as they say.  Something tells me you won’t be responding.   Thanks, Ben     From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Carlos Barge Fwd: Here it is Wednesday, February 26, 2020 8:30:34 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Nicole Beattie Date: February 26, 2020 at 6:53:23 PM PST To: Jerry Weber , Gayle Barge Subject: Fwd: Here it is  FYI Get Outlook for iOS From: Meg Halverson Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 5:48 PM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: Here it is   https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/eastside/bellevue-college-apologizesafter-administrator-alters-mural-depicting-japanese-american-internment/     Meg Halverson Principal Consultant Bright Spring Strategy Consulting 603 Stewart Street Suite 906 Seattle, WA 98101 M: 206-708-4739 State of Washington OWMBE Certified Business   From: To: Subject: Date: Brian King Gayle Barge Defacement of Art Wednesday, February 26, 2020 9:04:52 PM Dear Dr. Barge, I am writing to you concerning your recent actions defacing art displayed on the BCC campus that (accurately) describes the local history surrounding the internment of Japanese-Americans during WWII. I have extended family members who were placed in camps during this time period. Will you please publicly comment on why you removed information from a work of art without permission of the artist? The fact that the information you removed is demonstrably true only enhances my confusion over your act. The only reasonable interpretation is that you were encouraged to do so by a wealthy local businessman who happens to be a relative of the person mentioned in the artist’s work. Is there any other explanation? If so, I think you owe it to the community to explain it. Thank you. Brian King From: To: Subject: Date: Jason Curtis Gayle Barge Never Again Is Now Thursday, February 27, 2020 7:51:33 AM You are an embarrassment to higher education. What you did is disgraceful. You should be (but I expect you are not) ashamed of yourself.  I guess "Never Again Is Now" IS now.   From: To: Subject: Date: Rachel Endicott Gayle Barge; Jerry Weber Personal response to recent defacing of art installation Thursday, February 27, 2020 8:02:30 AM V.P. Barge and President Weber:   As a former Continuing Education Student at Bellevue College and resident of Bellevue, it has been a long time since I have been moved to write to someone because of my strong feelings about an action.   Ms. Barge, I am not Asian American, but am absolutely appalled that you would delete a portion of Erin Shigaki’s art installation, something that still (unfortunately) speaks to the racism and xenophobia of our culture.  You, I’m sure, are an educated woman.  But it appears that you are still in need of ongoing work on racial sensitivity and awareness.   Mr. Weber, if Ms. Barge is under such pressure to not “piss off”  the Kemper family that you asked or even acquiesced to her defacing the art work, then you – too – are in the same place.  Holding potential donations to more value than admitting to an individual’s role in the incarceration of a whole group of people is beyond what I would hope of leaders of what I have considered to be a forward-moving educational institution.   At a minimum, I would hope that the two of you would take time to read all of the following: - White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo and Michael Eric Dyson - Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston - They Called Us Enemy by George Takei , Justin Eisinger , et al. as well as researching where Asian Americans from BELLEVUE, including the Mercer Slough and Beaux Arts areas, were sent during World War II.   I hope you will spend some time looking inward and being open to change.  My husband, usually fairly mild-mannered, is not so forgiving and thinks at least you, Ms. Barge, should be fired.   I hope you will both consider what I have written.   With hope,   Rachel Endicott rendicott@comcast.net 15114 SE 48th Dr. Bellevue, WA  98006     From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: tulstein@hotmail.com Gayle Barge Media Relations; Human Resources; Jerry Weber Former alumni fundraising Thursday, February 27, 2020 8:25:30 AM Hi Gayle, What will you be doing to erase the disgrace of your actions? The American Japanese community stands with Black Americans, why do you stand against us? At Internment Camp pilgrimages we hold sessions to talk about how we can use our place in society to advance the safety and equality of our POC peers. You are beholden to money, not truth. You have no place at Bellevue College. Please resign.  Signed, Tor Ulstein DTA '99 From: To: Subject: Date: Fernando Pérez Gayle Barge Reaching out Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:10:35 AM Dear Gayle, Your job isn’t an easy one, but you must have weighed that when you decided to take your post. I want to acknowledge you as a person who has shown up for students and for our collective efforts towards social justice.  I also want to make clear that as an audience of what took place, I believe that you made a mistake. We all make mistakes. In this case, your mistake appears to be defending our donors, who unfortunately for this story, happen to be White and directly connected to the sad history of Internment . It looks like you are defending money and the legacy of White Supremacy, which I cannot believe was your intention. Obviously what you say and do next matters and will be scrutinized.  At this point, I am not interested in getting further involved, but felt the need to express my thoughts. Take care and good luck!  Peace, Fernando  Get Outlook for iOS From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Attachments: Nicole Beattie Katherine Hall Gayle Barge; Meg Halverson Fw: To Media Relations from Ranji Sinha Reporter KIRO 7 TV News Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:28:13 AM image001.png Just came in. Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: Sinha, Ranji (CMG-Seattle) Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:04 AM To: Media Relations Subject: To Media Relations from Ranji Sinha Reporter KIRO 7 TV News   Hello, am writing to see if we could speak to someone at the college about the issue surrounding the Japanese internment mural. If you get this message please write me back or call/text me at the number below. I am the AM reporter so I try to do these before noon if possible. Thanks and hope to hear from you.     Ranji Sinha   Reporter KIRO 7 Cox Media Group   2807 3rd Ave   Seattle, WA  98121 M: 206-718-9617  rsinha@kiro7.com       From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Nicole Beattie Meg Halverson Katherine Hall; Gayle Barge Fw: Confused Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:32:57 AM Former BCC student. Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: Lance Magnuson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:32 AM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: Confused Dear Ms. Beattie, I was confused by the announcement that one of your staff was involved in defacing artwork commemorating Japanese American internment during World War II. What’s confusing is that Ms. Barge is African American. I would think that she would be incredibly sensitive to racial stereotyping as exhibited by Mr. Freeman in the 1940’s. Her altering the artists accurate description of racist sentiment during that time is mind boggling. I grew up in Bellevue in the 1960’s and attended BCC in late 1970’s. I don’t typically write letters but Ms. Barge’s act struck a chord with me. She needs help in understanding the pain she’s inflicted. Hopefully, your administration has sufficient backbone to act appropriately. Sincerely, Lance Magnuson From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Meg Halverson Nicole Beattie Katherine Hall; Gayle Barge Re: Confused Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:40:42 AM Thank you Get Outlook for iOS From: Nicole Beattie Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:32:52 AM To: Meg Halverson Cc: Katherine Hall ; Gayle Barge Subject: Fw: Confused   Former BCC student. Nicole Beattie  Associate Director of Communications Office of Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2486 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room A101J Bellevue, WA 98007 bellevuecollege.edu From: Lance Magnuson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:32 AM To: Nicole Beattie Subject: Confused   Dear Ms. Beattie, I was confused by the announcement that one of your staff was involved in defacing artwork commemorating Japanese American internment during World War II.  What’s confusing is that Ms. Barge is African American. I would think that she would be incredibly sensitive to racial stereotyping as exhibited by Mr. Freeman in the 1940’s. Her altering the artists accurate description of racist sentiment during that time is mind boggling.  I grew up in Bellevue in the 1960’s and attended BCC in late 1970’s. I don’t typically write letters but Ms. Barge’s act struck a chord with me. She needs help in understanding the pain she’s inflicted. Hopefully, your administration has sufficient backbone to act appropriately. Sincerely, Lance Magnuson From: To: Subject: Date: Andy Sloan Gayle Barge Please leave the field of education Thursday, February 27, 2020 10:34:25 AM Censoring a mural to distort history indicates that you should not be in the field of education. To say nothing of the harm done to the artist by your actions. Please leave the field of education. Thank you. From: To: Subject: Date: Debbie Heathers Gayle Barge Seattle Times article Thursday, February 27, 2020 1:00:10 PM I read with disgust the article in today’s Seattle Times how you defaced artwork about interment of Japanese Americans. You should be ashamed of yourself and YOU should apologize, not the college. That’s if you don’t think you did anything wrong. I think you should resign UNLESS the college has decided to fire you. I would expect a university vice president would display better judgement.  Debbie Heathers From: To: Date: Attachments: Alicia Keating Polson Crisis Response Thursday, February 27, 2020 3:08:13 PM Second Art Installation Response - Clean Version.docx Kristen Jones  From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: My sympathy is with you. Thursday, February 27, 2020 3:37:48 PM image001.png image002.png image003.png image004.png image005.png Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Gayle Barge Date: February 26, 2020 at 2:20:00 PM PST To: Jerry Weber , Kristen Jones Subject: FW: My sympathy is with you.  This is an example of the messages I have been receiving personally and via email.   Best, Gayle   From: Laeticia Nkinsi Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 1:52 PM To: Gayle Barge Subject: My sympathy is with you.   Hello Dr. Gayle,   I see you as a role model, you always have a word of encouragement and wisdom for me even though we don’t know each other so well. You never let us call you Dr Gayle;  call me Gayle” as you always respond, and most times we smile and try to get familiar with addressing you as Gayle. I wanted to check on you and see how you are doing. I came to the forum to show my support to you, I wanted to say a few words to the audience on how I see you as a role model. But I couldn’t stay longer, the line for the mic was taking longer to get, and I had a meeting with a student. You have shown us what humility truly means by standing there  respectfully, graciously, humbly listen to the audience. It is a sign of courage, leadership, bravery and humility. You’re a warrior and I’m praying for you.   Sincerely,   Laëticia Nkinsi Program Manager Workforce Education Direct Line:425-564-4045 Fax:425-564-4141 laeticia.nkinsi@bellevuecollege.edu     This e-mail and any files transmitted may contain confidential information as protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 USC § 1232g and/or Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2510-2521. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution is prohibited. Furthermore, if you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by telephone or return e-mail and completely delete this message from your system.   From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: "Never Again is Now" art installation Thursday, February 27, 2020 3:38:19 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Gayle Barge Date: February 25, 2020 at 6:09:00 PM PST To: "erin@purplegatedesign.com" Subject: RE: "Never Again is Now" art installation  Dear Ms. Shigaki,   Thank you very much for responding to my messages. I would like to humbly request an opportunity to meet with you and answer your questions in person. If you would be willing to do so, I would be very appreciative.   In the meeting yesterday at the College, Dr. Weber committed to restoring the art tag. Please accept our appreciation for your willingness to proceed with the restoration. The amount of $350 will be processed immediately. Dr. Weber indicated that he will be in contact with you.     Ms. Shigaki, I hope that we can meet and you will consider accepting my profuse apology.   Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282     From: Erin Shigaki 紫垣 Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 4:15 PM To: Gayle Barge Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" art installation   Dear Dr. Barge,   Thank you for writing and for your phone message. It would do my soul good to understand why you chose to deface my art tag. If there is anything more you can offer about your motivations or thought process, I would appreciate it. It was triggering to hear that my work including pieces of the history around the World War II incarceration of my community were literally whited out.   I would like to ask for $350 to account for the additional time and materials to reinstall the art tag. I am arranging a date to do so with the Bellevue College administrators who hired me.   Sincerely, Erin Shigaki .  .  .  .  .    Erin Shigaki (she/her) Purple Gate Design +1.718.909.5687 @purplegatedesign purplegatedesign.com www.minidokapilgrimage.org     On Fri, Feb 21, 2020 at 4:19 PM Gayle Barge wrote: Dear Ms. Shigaki, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   I left an initial voice mail message to apologize and request an opportunity to work with you to have that section of the installation restored. I am available to facilitate that endeavor at your convenience.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: Current dust-up Thursday, February 27, 2020 3:38:48 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Gayle Barge Date: February 24, 2020 at 2:32:00 PM PST To: Tracy Biga MacLean Subject: RE: Current dust-up  It has been devastating, colleague. Thank you for the message.   Best, Gayle   From: Tracy Biga MacLean Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 10:50 AM To: Gayle Barge Subject: Current dust-up   Gayle, It’s been a bit shocking to me to see the flurry of emails around the campus mural. It is clear to me that the disputed sentence wasn’t approved by cabinet as part of the original proposal, and that you had little choice in addressing it. You have always been helpful and supportive to me (and many others), so it is difficult to see the spread of this inaccurate information. I’m sure there are many people like me who understand why the statement couldn’t stand as it was. tbm   Tracy Biga MacLean, Ph.D Accreditation Liaison Officer Assoc Dir, Effectiveness & Strategic Planning Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle Bellevue, WA 98007-6406 425.564.2035   From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Thursday, February 27, 2020 3:39:19 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Gayle Barge Date: February 22, 2020 at 12:50:28 PM PST To: Jerry Weber , Kristen Jones Subject: Fwd: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation  Dear colleagues,  I provided a heartfelt apology and don’t have additional thoughts to share. Not sure what else I can say, feeling it will be dissected further with no appreciation for the depth of what I felt was a courageous admission.  I am open to a discussion with the two of you to advise me further.  Best, Gayle Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Juan Esparza Date: February 22, 2020 at 9:38:42 AM PST To: Nan Ma , Gayle Barge , Diversity Caucus Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Thank you so much for your very thoughtful email Nan. In addition, I am saddened that there is no other communication addressing some of the very important points you made. An apology should be offered to the greater BC campus community for the pain it caused some of our faculty, staff and students. In addition to a thoughtful apology for one person's mistake to the diversity caucus, our BC leadership should take responsibility and demonstrate an understanding of the hurt caused by this mistake. I will try and assume the best, and expect follow up communication will be sent out from our leadership addressing the bigger problem we have on this campus. It is interesting to note what exactly was erased from the artwork. “After decades of anti-Japanese agitation, led by Eastside businessman Miller Freeman and others, the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans included the 60 families (300 individuals) who farmed Bellevue.” I'm sure many have the attitude that it was only a temporary instalment and may not have proper approval thus justifiable censorship and defilment might be excusable, or at least not that big of a deal.  I hate to think if this had been done to another piece of art, maybe one commemorating Jews, African Americans or Latinos, might there be more of an outcry? I assume Bellevue College is more concerned about offending a rich white man or being the subject of a lawsuit than accuratly remembering and fully communicating history. I wonder how some of these ideas would play out in our local newspaper? Would our community agree with the whitewashing of history? We must change this toxic culture on our campus. Obviously, we need a policy that will protect future works of art. A policy that will help support our college's four core themes and help change the culture on our campus where this type of offense could so easily take place. Maybe name it the Miller Freeman Policy or better yet the Erin Shigaki Policy? ------ Original message-----From: Nan Ma Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2020 7:34 PM To: Gayle Barge;Diversity Caucus; Cc: Subject:Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Dear Gayle, I appreciate your attempt at an apology.  Unfortunately, your letter falls short at addressing the pain that so many of us in the API community are feeling.  This week we observe the Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to remembering the atrocities that were done to the Japanese American community.  Your action, regardless of your intention, triggers intergenerational trauma and colludes with the erasure of Asian American history by the dominant culture. The API community received no notice of the defacement even hours after the act.  Your action, regardless of your intention, speaks to a lack of understanding of the API experience, disrespects our community, and reinforces the invisibility of the struggles that API communities face.  It speaks to a total disregard of our opinions and feelings, a disregard that is rooted in the model minority myth that obscures the discrimination that Asian Americans face and functions as a silencer of our pain.       Please understand that as a woman of color, it pains me a great deal to write you this letter.  But a true apology encompasses an understanding of what one is apologizing for and to whom.  As an Asian American woman, I want to remind you why we demanded an apology in the first place. Nan Ma  Nan Ma, Ph.D.  she/her/hers Associate Professor, Department of English Affiliate Faculty, Department of Cultural and Ethnic Studies Bellevue College (425)564-2647 From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: "Never Again is Now" art installation Thursday, February 27, 2020 3:39:34 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Gayle Barge Date: February 21, 2020 at 4:19:00 PM PST To: "erin@purplegatedesign.com" Subject: "Never Again is Now" art installation  Dear Ms. Shigaki, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   I left an initial voice mail message to apologize and request an opportunity to work with you to have that section of the installation restored. I am available to facilitate that endeavor at your convenience.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282 From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Thursday, February 27, 2020 3:39:51 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Gayle Barge Date: February 21, 2020 at 4:13:00 PM PST To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation  Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282 From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: Cover Story: Kemper Freeman Jr. Seattle Business Magazine Thursday, February 27, 2020 3:40:36 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Gayle Barge Date: February 21, 2020 at 10:17:00 AM PST To: ChrisP Anderson , Nicole Beattie Subject: RE: Cover Story: Kemper Freeman Jr. Seattle Business Magazine  Thank you very much.   Best, Gayle   From: ChrisP Anderson Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 9:46 AM To: Nicole Beattie ; Gayle Barge Subject: Cover Story: Kemper Freeman Jr. Seattle Business Magazine   Dr. Barge, Here is a link to the Seattle Business Mag article mentioning Miller Freeman: https://seattlebusinessmag.com/article/cover-story-kemper-freeman-jr Here is the quote from the article: “Miller Freeman was a controversial man who railed against Japanese immigrants and organized associations as early as 1916 that targeted Japanese Americans. But David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days, says there is no evidence to support the belief that Freeman benefited from the relocation of Japanese Americans to internment camps during World War II. It was from a prominent white landowner that Freeman bought the 10 acres of land that his son, Kemper Sr., used to build a shopping center in 1946.” Additionally, excerpts in the book Strawberry Days (link: https://seattle.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2289679030_strawberry_days), include the following about Miller (Strawberry Days is a sympathetic telling of how internment destroyed a Japanese American Community) : Passage discusses Miller Freeman purchasing property from James Ditty. “Kemper Freeman, the second son of Miller Freeman and, by 1945, chair of the Overlake School District board, spearheaded those plans. He had begun buying property along Main Street in the 1940s, but what he had in mind was a major development. He traveled to other cities in the West and Midwest, looking over the new brand of large shopping centers that were springing up in suburbs elsewhere. He obtained the key property for his idea through his father, Miller Freeman. James Ditty, the city father who had first envisioned Bellevue as a city, offered in writing to sell Miller Freeman a tract of land on the southwest corner of 104th Avenue and Northeast 8th Street for $40,000, but Freeman thought the price was too high and turned him down. Before the 30-day limit on the offer expired, though, Kemper persuaded his father to proceed with the deal, figuring that the price would only go up in negotiations. Ditty apparently realized his mistake and tried to back out of the offer, but was bound by the letter. Kemper Freeman took over the property, and by mid-June 1945, excavation began on his envisioned shopping center. He obtained expedited approval for the center, despite a shortage of wartime building materials, because federal officials thought the center plans, which included a movie theater, would provide entertainment for soldiers and workers at the nearby shipyard in Kirkland.” (pg. 215)   Passage discusses property being leased to Japanese farmers, not owned. “The Japanese farmers who had cleared the land actually owned very little of what they farmed, since laws and economics prohibited them from doing so. Of the 60 or so families in Bellevue at the time of the evacuation, only 13 were landowners. As they trickled back to the Puget Sound area, beginning in early 1945 and through mid1946, only those lucky enough to have bought property before the war found the door still open in Bellevue. Many of the white landowners who had leased to Japanese farmers before the ware decided, after watching the land sit fallow for four years, not to put the lands back to use as farms. They had other plans. "If we didn't own the land, then we couldn't come back," said Alan Yabuki, whose family owned a greenhouse in the Yarrow Point area. "They had designs on the property; they probably knew it was going to be developed. There was no sense in trying to come back." (pg. 216)   All of this is done not to mitigate how terrible Japanese internment was or how much it affected, and continues to affect, Japanese-Americans and the Japanese community in the area. This is done to make sure that, as an institute of higher education, Bellevue College present facts, not opinions or beliefs.   Please let me know if you need anything else,   Chris Anderson   Digital Marketing and Communications Manager Institutional Advancement (425) 564-2777 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, A101 Bellevue, Washington 98007 www.bellevuecollege.edu I BELLEVUE I, 0 From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Attachments: Jerry Weber Gayle Barge brucem1@atg.wa.gov CONFIDENTIAL: Attorney Client Privledge Leave Assignment Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:02:38 PM Barge Gayle - Administrative Leave.pdf Dear Gayle, As per our phone conversation, here is the formal notification of administrative leave.   Jerry Weber, Ph.D. President, Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE     Bellevue, WA  98007 425.564.2301     president@bellevuecollege.edu www.bellevuecollege.edu   CONFIDENTIAL SENT ELECTRONIC MAIL February 27, 2020 Gayle Barge, Vice President Institutional Advancement Bellevue College Bellevue, WA 98007 RE: Administrative Leave Dear Gayle: This letter confirms this afternoon’s discussion regarding being placed on administrative leave. Effective immediately and until further notice, you will be placed on administrative leave pending the College’s investigation into recent events related to the “Never Again is Now” art installation by Seattle artist Erin Shigaki. While on administrative leave, you will not be required to report to your office or the Bellevue College campuses nor engage in activities on behalf of Institutional Advancement, other than as directed or approved by me. You will continue to have access to your Bellevue College email account; however, you are not to respond to any work related emails unless they are requests from me. You are to continue to accurately report and submit your leave in accordance with College policy. Retaliation against any person participating in, or whom you believe will participate in our review of the events, is prohibited and constitutes a separate and distinct violation of Bellevue College policy. Retaliation includes activities or communications that may be perceived as a reprisal for participating in any aspect of the investigation, or otherwise interfere with an investigator’s ability to elicit facts from potential witnesses. For emotional support, employees are encouraged to contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 877-313-4455 or www.eap.wa.gov. Sincerely, Jerry Weber, PhD President From: To: Date: Attachments: Alicia Keating Polson Crisis Response Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:06:18 PM Second Art Installation Response - Clean Version.docx Brenda Ivelisse can you take a look at this updated version. From: To: Subject: Date: Jerry Weber All BC-Official; All BC-Students Updated Response to Art Installation Incident Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:34:41 PM Dear BC Community,   On Monday, February 24th, an email communication was sent to the college regarding an administrator’s removal of the reference to Eastside businessmen on the art mural installation, “Never Again is Now.” The mural is a representation of two Japanese American children in a World War II American incarceration camp.    As President, I take responsibility for not communicating with the community about the incident sooner. As a white male, I recognize I didn’t fully understand the impact of this incident on members of our community, particularly on our Japanese American students and colleagues because of my privileged perspective. I have learned I need to respond in a timely manner and that equity work is multifaceted beyond my previous understanding.     As a result of her actions, and while we process the impact of this incident on our community, Dr. Barge will be on administrative leave. While she is on leave, Institutional Advancement will temporarily report to me.    I have reached out to the artist Erin Shigaki of “Never Again is Now” to formally apologize for the alteration on behalf of the college.     An email will be sent by the end of next week outlining additional steps. Over the coming weeks, the Cabinet will continue to engage in conversations about additional actions that will be taken. We will keep faculty, staff, and students apprised of our efforts and welcome your ideas.    Sincerely,    Jerry Weber, Ph.D.   President, Bellevue College  (he, him, his)  From: To: Cc: Belle Nishioka Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Subject: Date: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:32:10 PM Classified; ASG Officers; [1] [1] Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus list-serve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, covered-up or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the backbreaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-led-developmentbellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/     From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:34:55 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message:  From: Belle Nishioka Date: February 27, 2020 at 5:32:09 PM PST To: Faculty / Fulltime , Faculty / Part Time Cc: Diversity Caucus , Black Employee BC , [1] <[1] Classified , ASG Officers , [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus list-serve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, covered-up or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-leddevelopment-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/ From: To: Cc: Clifford Cawthon Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Belle Nishioka Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Subject: Date: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:37:49 PM Classified; ASG Officers; [1] [1] Thank you for this. Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device Get Outlook for Android From: Belle Nishioka Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:32:00 PM To: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time Cc: Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus list-serve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, covered-up or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years. USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.” BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the backbreaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College. We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-led-developmentbellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/     From: To: Cc: Clifford Cawthon Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Belle Nishioka Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Subject: Date: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:38:13 PM Classified; ASG Officers; [1] [1] And, of course your work overall. In solidarity, Cliff Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device Get Outlook for Android From: Clifford Cawthon Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:37:14 PM To: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Belle Nishioka Cc: Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thank you for this. Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device Get Outlook for Android From: Belle Nishioka Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:32:00 PM To: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time Cc: Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus list-serve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, covered-up or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years. USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.” BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the backbreaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College. We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-led-developmentbellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/     From: To: Cc: Denise Johnson Belle Nishioka Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Subject: Date: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:41 PM Classified; [1] Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps.   Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity,  collective support, and to  demonstrate our concern?  A time to come together, have each other’s backs.   Denise Sent from my iPhone  On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote: Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus list-serve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, covered-up or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-leddevelopment-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/     From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Tonya Estes Denise Johnson; Belle Nishioka Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Officers; [1] Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:02:49 PM Classified; ASG It looks as though the main room in the Faculty Commons is open Friday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  If we would like to gather tomorrow, it can just happen.  If we'd like to organize something more formally for next week, just send me an email and I can get space reserved.   Take Care, Tonya Tonya Estes (She, Her, Hers) Faculty Commons Chair, Bellevue College website: www.bellevuecollege.edu/facultycommons/ 425-564-3345 Closing the Equity Gap at the Faculty Commons with High 5  1. Interact with your students by name during the first week;  2. Monitor student behavior and progress, and intervene when an issue arises;  3. Use the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) model for assignments;  4. Meet with students one-on-one and communicate routinely about their course performance;   5. Become a "master of paradox"   From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ;[1] [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps. Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity, collective support, and to demonstrate our concern? A time to come together, have each other’s backs. Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote:  Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus list-serve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, covered-up or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years. USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.” BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College. We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-leddevelopment-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/     From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Leslie Lum Denise Johnson; Belle Nishioka; Tonya Estes Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Officers;[1] Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:04:57 PM Classified; ASG The artist will be here on 3/3 to restore the art tag beside the defaced one (which a student corrected). Erin will arrive at 1:30 pm and will be meeting with Bellevue City Councilperson Janice Zahn at 2:30 pm. Although I don't want to overwhelm her, it would be nice to show support. Perhaps we could post a sheet in the cafeteria where people could write the impact of the art installation and its censorship on you. Leslie Get Outlook for Android From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:28 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps. Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity, collective support, and to demonstrate our concern? A time to come together, have each other’s backs. Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote:  Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus list-serve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, covered-up or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years. USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.” BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College. We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-leddevelopment-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/     From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Juan Esparza Leslie Lum; Denise Johnson; Belle Nishioka; Tonya Estes Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Classified; ASG Officers; [1] Bellevue Latinos Unidos [1] RE: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:10:19 PM I see the painful mistake that happened here at Bellevue College as an opportunity for greater solidarity among our affinity groups and our student clubs and programs. I feel the Japanese community and the Asian community in general, through organizations such as Densho in Seattle, and artists like Erin Shigaki, are a tremendous support to the Latinx community.   Personally, as members of the Latinx employee affinity group, the installation of this powerful mural made us feel, and know, that our community was being supported, recognized, and seen. At a time when families in our community are being separated, detained and deported, this work of art was an encouraging reminder that we are not alone. We want our API brothers and sisters to know that from our part you are supported, recognized, and seen too. You are not alone.   Earlier this week, El Centro Latino and The Latin American Culture Club invited the Asian Pacific Islanders Student Association to join them for a meal in solidarity only to find out… APISA has only ONE MEMBER.   This can very well be a reflection of the lack of support this school has for our student affinity groups. I also think it’s an indictment that Bellevue College shows little to no support for our Asian American studies class, and many CES classes in general.   We all need to stand together and say Never Again Is Now!   Juan Esparza, Fernando Pérez, Henry Amaya Latinx Faculty and Staff Latinx Employees Affinity Group Bellevue College     From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:05 PM To: Denise Johnson ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] Classified ; ASG Officers <[1] ; [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   The artist will be here on 3/3 to restore the art tag beside the defaced one (which a student corrected). Erin will arrive at 1:30 pm and will be meeting with Bellevue City Councilperson Janice Zahn at 2:30 pm. Although I don't want to overwhelm her, it would be nice to show support. Perhaps we could post a sheet in the cafeteria where people could write the impact of the art installation and its censorship on you. Leslie Get Outlook for Android   From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:28 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps.   Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity,  collective support, and to  demonstrate our concern?  A time to come together, have each other’s backs.     Denise   Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote:  Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus list-serve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, covered-up or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-leddevelopment-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136   With gratitude,     Belle   Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/         From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:48:38 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Juan Esparza Date: February 27, 2020 at 6:10:19 PM PST To: Leslie Lum , Denise Johnson , Belle Nishioka , Tonya Estes Cc: Faculty / Fulltime , Faculty / Part Time , Diversity Caucus , Black Employee BC , [1] <[1] Classified , ASG Officers , [1] Bellevue Latinos Unidos  Subject: RE: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement I see the painful mistake that happened here at Bellevue College as an opportunity for greater solidarity among our affinity groups and our student clubs and programs. I feel the Japanese community and the Asian community in general, through organizations such as Densho in Seattle, and artists like Erin Shigaki, are a tremendous support to the Latinx community.   Personally, as members of the Latinx employee affinity group, the installation of this powerful mural made us feel, and know, that our community was being supported, recognized, and seen. At a time when families in our community are being separated, detained and deported, this work of art was an encouraging reminder that we are not alone. We want our API brothers and sisters to know that from our part you are supported, recognized, and seen too. You are not alone.   Earlier this week, El Centro Latino and The Latin American Culture Club invited the Asian Pacific Islanders Student Association to join them for a meal in solidarity only to find out…APISA has only ONE MEMBER.   This can very well be a reflection of the lack of support this school has for our student affinity groups. I also think it’s an indictment that Bellevue College shows little to no support for our Asian American studies class, and many CES classes in general.   We all need to stand together and say Never Again Is Now!   Juan Esparza, Fernando Pérez, Henry Amaya Latinx Faculty and Staff Latinx Employees Affinity Group Bellevue College     From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:05 PM To: Denise Johnson ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] Classified ; <[1] ASG Officers ; [1] [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   The artist will be here on 3/3 to restore the art tag beside the defaced one (which a student corrected). Erin will arrive at 1:30 pm and will be meeting with Bellevue City Councilperson Janice Zahn at 2:30 pm. Although I don't want to overwhelm her, it would be nice to show support. Perhaps we could post a sheet in the cafeteria where people could write the impact of the art installation and its censorship on you. Leslie Get Outlook for Android   From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:28 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps.   Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity,  collective support, and to  demonstrate our concern?  A time to come together, have each other’s backs.     Denise   Sent from my iPhone  On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote: Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus list- serve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, coveredup or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.” Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups. Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanesemovement-led-development-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136   With gratitude,     Belle   Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/         From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: [1] Leslie Lum; Denise Johnson; Belle Nishioka; Tonya Estes Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Officers; [1] Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thursday, February 27, 2020 8:29:17 PM Classified; ASG Thank you all for the support.   There are a few actions we can all take in response to this act of vandalism.   1. March 1st - Accompany APISA this Sunday, March 1st at 11: am. to the Wing Luke Museum and learn more about Asian Pacific History. I believe that knowledge frees us from our own limitations, including our own ignorance.  If you need additional information please contact me at: [1] 2. March 3rd – At 1:30 p.m. Erin Shigaki, author of “Never Again Is Now” will be at Bellevue College, let’s all be there and support the artist. 3. March 11th – At 12:30, in N201 David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community, will be speaking at Bellevue College. We can all attend the lecture and learn more about our own history. 4. July 9-12 - https://www.minidokapilgrimage.org/ accompany APISA to the Minidoka Pilgrimage. Every year Nora Lance organizes and incentivizes Bellevue College students and staff to visit Minidoka incareration camp near Twin Falls, Idaho.  The bus departs from and returns to Bellevue College.  This is an opportunity of a life time!  For all who didn't have the opportunity to watch Prof. Leslie Lum spoke about the incident to Kiro 7 News - https://www.kiro7.com/video/?id=4849543 We are welcome to all suggestions. The way the affinity groups have come together has touched me profoundly. Please let me know of any other activity so we can work together to organize them.  Once again thank you, [1] From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:04 PM To: Denise Johnson ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   The artist will be here on 3/3 to restore the art tag beside the defaced one (which a student corrected). Erin will arrive at 1:30 pm and will be meeting with Bellevue City Councilperson Janice Zahn at 2:30 pm. Although I don't want to overwhelm her, it would be nice to show support. Perhaps we could post a sheet in the cafeteria where people could write the impact of the art installation and its censorship on you. Leslie Get Outlook for Android From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:28 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps.   Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity,  collective support, and to  demonstrate our concern?  A time to come together, have each other’s backs.   Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote:  Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus list-serve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, covered-up or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-leddevelopment-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/     From: To: Cc: Denise Johnson [1] Leslie Lum; Belle Nishioka; Tonya Estes; Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Classified; ASG Officers; [1] Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:46:10 PM Subject: Date: Thank you so much for this, [1] Since the artist will be here at 130 on Tuesday, how about we gather as many people as possible to meet at the fountain at 1pm on that day?  We can certainly pull something supportive together.    Tonya, what can the faculty commons do on this day to contribute?   In support, Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 8:29 PM, [1] wrote:  Thank you all for the support.   There are a few actions we can all take in response to this act of vandalism.   1. March 1st - Accompany APISA this Sunday, March 1st at 11: am. to the Wing Luke Museum and learn more about Asian Pacific History. I believe that knowledge frees us from our own limitations, including our own ignorance.  If you need additional information please contact me at: [1] 2. March 3rd – At 1:30 p.m. Erin Shigaki, author of “Never Again Is Now” will be at Bellevue College, let’s all be there and support the artist. 3. March 11th – At 12:30, in N201 David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community, will be speaking at Bellevue College. We can all attend the lecture and learn more about our own history. 4. July 9-12 - https://www.minidokapilgrimage.org/ accompany APISA to the Minidoka Pilgrimage. Every year Nora Lance organizes and incentivizes Bellevue College students and staff to visit Minidoka incareration camp near Twin Falls, Idaho.  The bus departs from and returns to Bellevue College.  This is an opportunity of a life time!  For all who didn't have the opportunity to watch Prof. Leslie Lum spoke about the incident to Kiro 7 News - https://www.kiro7.com/video/?id=4849543 We are welcome to all suggestions. The way the affinity groups have come together has touched me profoundly. Please let me know of any other activity so we can work together to organize them.  Once again thank you, [1] From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:04 PM To: Denise Johnson ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   The artist will be here on 3/3 to restore the art tag beside the defaced one (which a student corrected). Erin will arrive at 1:30 pm and will be meeting with Bellevue City Councilperson Janice Zahn at 2:30 pm. Although I don't want to overwhelm her, it would be nice to show support. Perhaps we could post a sheet in the cafeteria where people could write the impact of the art installation and its censorship on you. Leslie Get Outlook for Android From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:28 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps.   Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity,  collective support, and to  demonstrate our concern?  A time to come together, have each other’s backs.   Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote:  Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus listserve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, coveredup or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanesemovement-led-development-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/     From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:50:08 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Denise Johnson Date: February 27, 2020 at 9:46:09 PM PST To: [1] [1] Cc: Leslie Lum , Belle Nishioka , Tonya Estes , Faculty / Fulltime , Faculty / Part Time , Diversity Caucus , Black Employee BC , [1] <[1] Classified , ASG Officers , [1] [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement  Thank you so much for this, [1] Since the artist will be here at 130 on Tuesday, how about we gather as many people as possible to meet at the fountain at 1pm on that day?  We can certainly pull something supportive together.    Tonya, what can the faculty commons do on this day to contribute?   In support, Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 8:29 PM, [1] [1]  wrote: Thank you all for the support.   There are a few actions we can all take in response to this act of vandalism.   1. March 1st - Accompany APISA this Sunday, March 1st at 11: am. to the Wing Luke Museum and learn more about Asian Pacific History. I believe that knowledge frees us from our own limitations, including our own ignorance.  If you need additional information please contact me at: [1] 2. March 3rd – At 1:30 p.m. Erin Shigaki, author of “Never Again Is Now” will be at Bellevue College, let’s all be there and support the artist. 3. March 11th – At 12:30, in N201 David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community, will be speaking at Bellevue College. We can all attend the lecture and learn more about our own history. 4. July 9-12 - https://www.minidokapilgrimage.org/ accompany APISA to the Minidoka Pilgrimage. Every year Nora Lance organizes and incentivizes Bellevue College students and staff to visit Minidoka incareration camp near Twin Falls, Idaho.  The bus departs from and returns to Bellevue College.  This is an opportunity of a life time!  For all who didn't have the opportunity to watch Prof. Leslie Lum spoke about the incident to Kiro 7 News - https://www.kiro7.com/video/?id=4849543 We are welcome to all suggestions. The way the affinity groups have come together has touched me profoundly. Please let me know of any other activity so we can work together to organize them.  Once again thank you, [1] From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:04 PM To: Denise Johnson ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   The artist will be here on 3/3 to restore the art tag beside the defaced one (which a student corrected). Erin will arrive at 1:30 pm and will be meeting with Bellevue City Councilperson Janice Zahn at 2:30 pm. Although I don't want to overwhelm her, it would be nice to show support. Perhaps we could post a sheet in the cafeteria where people could write the impact of the art installation and its censorship on you. Leslie Get Outlook for Android From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:28 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps.   Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity,  collective support, and to  demonstrate our concern?  A time to come together, have each other’s backs.   Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote:  Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus list-serve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, covered-up or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/antijapanese-movement-led-development-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/     From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: Updated Response to Art Installation Incident Thursday, February 27, 2020 10:12:29 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message:  From: Jerry Weber Date: February 27, 2020 at 4:34:41 PM PST To: All BC-Official , All BC-Students Subject: Updated Response to Art Installation Incident Dear BC Community,   On Monday, February 24th, an email communication was sent to the college regarding an administrator’s removal of the reference to Eastside businessmen on the art mural installation, “Never Again is Now.” The mural is a representation of two Japanese American children in a World War II American incarceration camp.    As President, I take responsibility for not communicating with the community about the incident sooner. As a white male, I recognize I didn’t fully understand the impact of this incident on members of our community, particularly on our Japanese American students and colleagues because of my privileged perspective. I have learned I need to respond in a timely manner and that equity work is multifaceted beyond my previous understanding.     As a result of her actions, and while we process the impact of this incident on our community, Dr. Barge will be on administrative leave. While she is on leave, Institutional Advancement will temporarily report to me.    I have reached out to the artist Erin Shigaki of “Never Again is Now” to formally apologize for the alteration on behalf of the college.     An email will be sent by the end of next week outlining additional steps. Over the coming weeks, the Cabinet will continue to engage in conversations about additional actions that will be taken. We will keep faculty, staff, and students apprised of our efforts and welcome your ideas.    Sincerely,  Jerry Weber, President, Bellevue College (he, him, his) From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: CONFIDENTIAL: Attorney Client Privledge Leave Assignment Thursday, February 27, 2020 10:12:48 PM Barge Gayle - Administrative Leave.pdf ATT00001.htm Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Jerry Weber Date: February 27, 2020 at 4:02:38 PM PST To: Gayle Barge Cc: "brucem1@atg.wa.gov" Subject: CONFIDENTIAL: Attorney Client Privledge Leave Assignment  Dear Gayle, As per our phone conversation, here is the formal notification of administrative leave.   Jerry Weber, Ph.D. President, Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE     Bellevue, WA  98007 425.564.2301     president@bellevuecollege.edu www.bellevuecollege.edu   CONFIDENTIAL SENT ELECTRONIC MAIL February 27, 2020 Gayle Barge, Vice President Institutional Advancement Bellevue College Bellevue, WA 98007 RE: Administrative Leave Dear Gayle: This letter confirms this afternoon’s discussion regarding being placed on administrative leave. Effective immediately and until further notice, you will be placed on administrative leave pending the College’s investigation into recent events related to the “Never Again is Now” art installation by Seattle artist Erin Shigaki. While on administrative leave, you will not be required to report to your office or the Bellevue College campuses nor engage in activities on behalf of Institutional Advancement, other than as directed or approved by me. You will continue to have access to your Bellevue College email account; however, you are not to respond to any work related emails unless they are requests from me. You are to continue to accurately report and submit your leave in accordance with College policy. Retaliation against any person participating in, or whom you believe will participate in our review of the events, is prohibited and constitutes a separate and distinct violation of Bellevue College policy. Retaliation includes activities or communications that may be perceived as a reprisal for participating in any aspect of the investigation, or otherwise interfere with an investigator’s ability to elicit facts from potential witnesses. For emotional support, employees are encouraged to contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 877-313-4455 or www.eap.wa.gov. Sincerely, Jerry Weber, PhD President file:///C/Users/megan.cipolla/Downloads/Fwd_%20CONFIDENTIAL_%20Attorney%20Client%20Privledge%20Leave%20Assignment.htm[3/23/2020 4:15:16 PM] From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Tonya Estes Denise Johnson; [1] Leslie Lum; Belle Nishioka; Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Classified; ASG Officers; [1] Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Friday, February 28, 2020 2:23:19 AM On Tuesday, the Commons can be open as a space for discussions. I'm not sure what else might be useful.  If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know.  and I met on Wednesday and the Faculty Commons has purchased 3 copies of Strawberry Days for APISAC to distribute for reading prior to David Neiwert's presentation. They are out of print, which made purchasing tricky. They will arrive on Monday, so will be available on Tuesday. We are also looking into providing an honorarium for him.  [1] I really love Leslie's suggestion of having a sheet of paper/pens in the cafeteria for people to write their feelings and thoughts. We don't stock those kinds of supplies, but perhaps if we ordered some on Friday, they would arrive in time.  Take Care, Tonya Tonya Estes (She, Her, Hers) Faculty Commons Chair, Bellevue College website: www.bellevuecollege.edu/facultycommons/ 425-564-3345 Closing the Equity Gap at the Faculty Commons with High 5  1. Interact with your students by name during the first week;  2. Monitor student behavior and progress, and intervene when an issue arises;  3. Use the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) model for assignments;  4. Meet with students one-on-one and communicate routinely about their course performance;   5. Become a "master of paradox"   From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:45 PM To: [1] [1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thank you so much for this, [1] Since the artist will be here at 130 on Tuesday, how about we gather as many people as possible to meet at the fountain at 1pm on that day? We can certainly pull something supportive together. Tonya, what can the faculty commons do on this day to contribute? In support, Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 8:29 PM, [1] [1] wrote:  Thank you all for the support.   There are a few actions we can all take in response to this act of vandalism.   1. March 1st - Accompany APISA this Sunday, March 1st at 11: am. to the Wing Luke Museum and learn more about Asian Pacific History. I believe that knowledge frees us from our own limitations, including our own ignorance.  If you need additional information please contact me at: [1] 2. March 3rd – At 1:30 p.m. Erin Shigaki, author of “Never Again Is Now” will be at Bellevue College, let’s all be there and support the artist. 3. March 11th – At 12:30, in N201 David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community, will be speaking at Bellevue College. We can all attend the lecture and learn more about our own history. 4. July 9-12 - https://www.minidokapilgrimage.org/ accompany APISA to the Minidoka Pilgrimage. Every year Nora Lance organizes and incentivizes Bellevue College students and staff to visit Minidoka incareration camp near Twin Falls, Idaho. The bus departs from and returns to Bellevue College. This is an opportunity of a life time! For all who didn't have the opportunity to watch Prof. Leslie Lum spoke about the incident to Kiro 7 News - https://www.kiro7.com/video/?id=4849543 We are welcome to all suggestions. The way the affinity groups have come together has touched me profoundly. Please let me know of any other activity so we can work together to organize them.  Once again thank you, [1] From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:04 PM To: Denise Johnson ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement The artist will be here on 3/3 to restore the art tag beside the defaced one (which a student corrected). Erin will arrive at 1:30 pm and will be meeting with Bellevue City Councilperson Janice Zahn at 2:30 pm. Although I don't want to overwhelm her, it would be nice to show support. Perhaps we could post a sheet in the cafeteria where people could write the impact of the art installation and its censorship on you. Leslie Get Outlook for Android From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:28 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps. Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity, collective support, and to demonstrate our concern? A time to come together, have each other’s backs. Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote:  Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus list- serve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, coveredup or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years. USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.” BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College. We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanesemovement-led-development-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/     From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Valencio Socia Tonya Estes; Denise Johnson; [1] Leslie Lum; Belle Nishioka; Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Classified; ASG Officers; [1] RE: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Friday, February 28, 2020 7:48:32 AM The Academic Success Center as supplies if you all want to do something where students can write their feelings and thoughts.   Valencio Socia   From: Tonya Estes Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 2:23 AM To: Denise Johnson ; [1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement On Tuesday, the Commons can be open as a space for discussions. I'm not sure what else might be useful.  If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know.    and I met on Wednesday and the Faculty Commons has purchased 3 copies of Strawberry [1] Days for APISAC to distribute for reading prior to David Neiwert's presentation. They are out of print, which made purchasing tricky. They will arrive on Monday, so will be available on Tuesday. We are also looking into providing an honorarium for him.    I really love Leslie's suggestion of having a sheet of paper/pens in the cafeteria for people to write their feelings and thoughts. We don't stock those kinds of supplies, but perhaps if we ordered some on Friday, they would arrive in time.        Take Care, Tonya Tonya Estes (She, Her, Hers) Faculty Commons Chair, Bellevue College website: www.bellevuecollege.edu/facultycommons/ 425-564-3345   Closing the Equity Gap at the Faculty Commons with High 5  1. Interact with your students by name during the first week;  2. Monitor student behavior and progress, and intervene when an issue arises;  3. Use the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) model for assignments;  4. Meet with students one-on-one and communicate routinely about their course performance;   5. Become a "master of paradox"     From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:45 PM To: [1] [1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thank you so much for this, [1] Since the artist will be here at 130 on Tuesday, how about we gather as many people as possible to meet at the fountain at 1pm on that day? We can certainly pull something supportive together. Tonya, what can the faculty commons do on this day to contribute? In support, Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 8:29 PM,[1] [1] wrote:  Thank you all for the support.   There are a few actions we can all take in response to this act of vandalism.   1. March 1st - Accompany APISA this Sunday, March 1st at 11: am. to the Wing Luke Museum and learn more about Asian Pacific History. I believe that knowledge frees us from our own limitations, including our own ignorance.  If you need additional information please contact me at: [1] 2. March 3rd – At 1:30 p.m. Erin Shigaki, author of “Never Again Is Now” will be at Bellevue College, let’s all be there and support the artist. 3. March 11th – At 12:30, in N201 David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community, will be speaking at Bellevue College. We can all attend the lecture and learn more about our own history. 4. July 9-12 - https://www.minidokapilgrimage.org/ accompany APISA to the Minidoka Pilgrimage. Every year Nora Lance organizes and incentivizes Bellevue College students and staff to visit Minidoka incareration camp near Twin Falls, Idaho. The bus departs from and returns to Bellevue College. This is an opportunity of a life time! For all who didn't have the opportunity to watch Prof. Leslie Lum spoke about the incident to Kiro 7 News - https://www.kiro7.com/video/?id=4849543   We are welcome to all suggestions. The way the affinity groups have come together has touched me profoundly. Please let me know of any other activity so we can work together to organize them.    Once again thank you,   [1]   From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:04 PM To: Denise Johnson ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement The artist will be here on 3/3 to restore the art tag beside the defaced one (which a student corrected). Erin will arrive at 1:30 pm and will be meeting with Bellevue City Councilperson Janice Zahn at 2:30 pm. Although I don't want to overwhelm her, it would be nice to show support. Perhaps we could post a sheet in the cafeteria where people could write the impact of the art installation and its censorship on you. Leslie Get Outlook for Android   From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:28 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps. Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity, collective support, and to demonstrate our concern? A time to come together, have each other’s backs. Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote:  Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus listserve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, coveredup or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues: I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time. It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years. USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma. Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997). We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.” BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted. As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market. Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land. Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered. Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square. Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College. We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other. Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanesemovement-led-development-bellevue/62732 Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997. Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community. https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136   With gratitude,     Belle   Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/         From: To: Cc: Chiew Jones [1] Leslie Lum; Denise Johnson; Belle Nishioka; Tonya Estes; Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Classified; ASG Officers; [1] Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Friday, February 28, 2020 7:50:22 AM Subject: Date: Dear [1] and Leslie  Thank you for sending this out.  I have suggestion regarding artist, Erin Shigaki’s visit to campus. When we gather around the fountain where the art installation resides at 1.30pm on 3 Mar,  it will be great if we can take a few minutes to acknowledge her and rally our support behind her. It will be powerful for her to see the support she has on campus. She can choose to say a few words or otherwise before she proceeds to meet Council member Janice Zahn.  Cheers  Chiew On Feb 27, 2020, at 8:29 PM, [1] [1] wrote:  Thank you all for the support.   There are a few actions we can all take in response to this act of vandalism.   1. March 1st - Accompany APISA this Sunday, March 1st at 11: am. to the Wing Luke Museum and learn more about Asian Pacific History. I believe that knowledge frees us from our own limitations, including our own ignorance.  If you need additional information please contact me at: [1] 2. March 3rd – At 1:30 p.m. Erin Shigaki, author of “Never Again Is Now” will be at Bellevue College, let’s all be there and support the artist. 3. March 11th – At 12:30, in N201 David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community, will be speaking at Bellevue College. We can all attend the lecture and learn more about our own history. 4. July 9-12 - https://www.minidokapilgrimage.org/ accompany APISA to the Minidoka Pilgrimage. Every year Nora Lance organizes and incentivizes Bellevue College students and staff to visit Minidoka incareration camp near Twin Falls, Idaho.  The bus departs from and returns to Bellevue College.  This is an opportunity of a life time!  For all who didn't have the opportunity to watch Prof. Leslie Lum spoke about the incident to Kiro 7 News - https://www.kiro7.com/video/?id=4849543 We are welcome to all suggestions. The way the affinity groups have come together has touched me profoundly. Please let me know of any other activity so we can work together to organize them.  Once again thank you, [1] From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:04 PM To: Denise Johnson ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   The artist will be here on 3/3 to restore the art tag beside the defaced one (which a student corrected). Erin will arrive at 1:30 pm and will be meeting with Bellevue City Councilperson Janice Zahn at 2:30 pm. Although I don't want to overwhelm her, it would be nice to show support. Perhaps we could post a sheet in the cafeteria where people could write the impact of the art installation and its censorship on you. Leslie Get Outlook for Android From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:28 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps.   Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity,  collective support, and to  demonstrate our concern?  A time to come together, have each other’s backs.   Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote:  Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus listserve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, coveredup or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanesemovement-led-development-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/     From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Elena Maans-Lorincz Tonya Estes; Denise Johnson; [1] Leslie Lum; Belle Nishioka; Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Classified; ASG Officers; [1] Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Friday, February 28, 2020 7:54:15 AM Hello all, Please know the Library is here to support in any way we can.   In the Library we also have big rolls of paper, in light blue, yellow and white. We could cut a long piece and hang it up, or even cover a table with it for the campus community to write on. Unless you were thinking of copy paper sized sheets which would be easier to the present to the artist. Just let us know what would be needed and the Library can bring over what we can.  I think meeting at 1pm on Tuesday by the fountain is a great idea.  Thank you all! In solidarity, Elena Elena I. Maans-Lorincz, MLIS (she/her/hers) Outreach Librarian Library (425) 564- 4119 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room D126D Bellevue, Washington 98007 www.bellevuecollege.edu From: Tonya Estes Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 2:23:10 AM To: Denise Johnson ; [1] [1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   On Tuesday, the Commons can be open as a space for discussions. I'm not sure what else might be useful.  If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know.  and I met on Wednesday and the Faculty Commons has purchased 3 copies of Strawberry Days for APISAC to distribute for reading prior to David Neiwert's presentation. They are out of print, [1] which made purchasing tricky. They will arrive on Monday, so will be available on Tuesday. We are also looking into providing an honorarium for him.  I really love Leslie's suggestion of having a sheet of paper/pens in the cafeteria for people to write their feelings and thoughts. We don't stock those kinds of supplies, but perhaps if we ordered some on Friday, they would arrive in time.  Take Care, Tonya Tonya Estes (She, Her, Hers) Faculty Commons Chair, Bellevue College website: www.bellevuecollege.edu/facultycommons/ 425-564-3345 Closing the Equity Gap at the Faculty Commons with High 5  1. Interact with your students by name during the first week;  2. Monitor student behavior and progress, and intervene when an issue arises;  3. Use the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) model for assignments;  4. Meet with students one-on-one and communicate routinely about their course performance;   5. Become a "master of paradox"   From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:45 PM To: [1] [1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   Thank you so much for this, [1] Since the artist will be here at 130 on Tuesday, how about we gather as many people as possible to meet at the fountain at 1pm on that day?  We can certainly pull something supportive together.    Tonya, what can the faculty commons do on this day to contribute?   In support, Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 8:29 PM, [1] [1] wrote:  Thank you all for the support.   There are a few actions we can all take in response to this act of vandalism.   1. March 1st - Accompany APISA this Sunday, March 1st at 11: am. to the Wing Luke Museum and learn more about Asian Pacific History. I believe that knowledge frees us from our own limitations, including our own ignorance.  If you need additional information please contact me at: [1] 2. March 3rd – At 1:30 p.m. Erin Shigaki, author of “Never Again Is Now” will be at Bellevue College, let’s all be there and support the artist. 3. March 11th – At 12:30, in N201 David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community, will be speaking at Bellevue College. We can all attend the lecture and learn more about our own history. 4. July 9-12 - https://www.minidokapilgrimage.org/ accompany APISA to the Minidoka Pilgrimage. Every year Nora Lance organizes and incentivizes Bellevue College students and staff to visit Minidoka incareration camp near Twin Falls, Idaho.  The bus departs from and returns to Bellevue College.  This is an opportunity of a life time!  For all who didn't have the opportunity to watch Prof. Leslie Lum spoke about the incident to Kiro 7 News - https://www.kiro7.com/video/?id=4849543 We are welcome to all suggestions. The way the affinity groups have come together has touched me profoundly. Please let me know of any other activity so we can work together to organize them.  Once again thank you, [1] From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:04 PM To: Denise Johnson ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   The artist will be here on 3/3 to restore the art tag beside the defaced one (which a student corrected). Erin will arrive at 1:30 pm and will be meeting with Bellevue City Councilperson Janice Zahn at 2:30 pm. Although I don't want to overwhelm her, it would be nice to show support. Perhaps we could post a sheet in the cafeteria where people could write the impact of the art installation and its censorship on you. Leslie Get Outlook for Android From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:28 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps.   Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity,  collective support, and to  demonstrate our concern?  A time to come together, have each other’s backs.   Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote:  Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus listserve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, coveredup or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanesemovement-led-development-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/     From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Valencio Socia Elena Maans-Lorincz; Tonya Estes; Denise Johnson; [1] Leslie Lum; Belle Nishioka; Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Classified; ASG Officers; [1] RE: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Friday, February 28, 2020 8:06:17 AM Hi Elena,                 I think it would be nice to possibly use the button maker machine the library has to put “Never Again is Now” and hand out the buttons to student, faculty and staff in solidarity. What is everyone elses thoughts on this?   Valencio Socia   From: Elena Maans-Lorincz Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 7:53 AM To: Tonya Estes ; Denise Johnson ; [1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; [1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Hello all, Please know the Library is here to support in any way we can. In the Library we also have big rolls of paper, in light blue, yellow and white. We could cut a long piece and hang it up, or even cover a table with it for the campus community to write on. Unless you were thinking of copy paper sized sheets which would be easier to the present to the artist. Just let us know what would be needed and the Library can bring over what we can. I think meeting at 1pm on Tuesday by the fountain is a great idea. Thank you all! In solidarity, Elena Elena I. Maans-Lorincz, MLIS (she/her/hers) Outreach Librarian Library (425) 564- 4119 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room D126D Bellevue, Washington 98007 www.bellevuecollege.edu From: Tonya Estes Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 2:23:10 AM To: Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement On Tuesday, the Commons can be open as a space for discussions. I'm not sure what else might be useful.  If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know.    and I met on Wednesday and the Faculty Commons has purchased 3 copies of Strawberry [1] Days for APISAC to distribute for reading prior to David Neiwert's presentation. They are out of print, which made purchasing tricky. They will arrive on Monday, so will be available on Tuesday. We are also looking into providing an honorarium for him.  I really love Leslie's suggestion of having a sheet of paper/pens in the cafeteria for people to write their feelings and thoughts. We don't stock those kinds of supplies, but perhaps if we ordered some on Friday, they would arrive in time.      Take Care, Tonya Tonya Estes (She, Her, Hers) Faculty Commons Chair, Bellevue College website: www.bellevuecollege.edu/facultycommons/ 425-564-3345   Closing the Equity Gap at the Faculty Commons with High 5  1. Interact with your students by name during the first week;  2. Monitor student behavior and progress, and intervene when an issue arises;  3. Use the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) model for assignments;  4. Meet with students one-on-one and communicate routinely about their course performance;   5. Become a "master of paradox"     From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:45 PM To: [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thank you so much for this, [1] Since the artist will be here at 130 on Tuesday, how about we gather as many people as possible to meet at the fountain at 1pm on that day? We can certainly pull something supportive together. Tonya, what can the faculty commons do on this day to contribute? In support, Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 8:29 PM, [1] <[1] wrote:  Thank you all for the support.   There are a few actions we can all take in response to this act of vandalism.   1. March 1st - Accompany APISA this Sunday, March 1st at 11: am. to the Wing Luke Museum and learn more about Asian Pacific History. I believe that knowledge frees us from our own limitations, including our own ignorance.  If you need additional information please contact me at: [1] 2. March 3rd – At 1:30 p.m. Erin Shigaki, author of “Never Again Is Now” will be at Bellevue College, let’s all be there and support the artist. 3. March 11th – At 12:30, in N201 David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community, will be speaking at Bellevue College. We can all attend the lecture and learn more about our own history. 4. July 9-12 - https://www.minidokapilgrimage.org/ accompany APISA to the Minidoka Pilgrimage. Every year Nora Lance organizes and incentivizes Bellevue College students and staff to visit Minidoka incareration camp near Twin Falls, Idaho. The bus departs from and returns to Bellevue College. This is an opportunity of a life time! For all who didn't have the opportunity to watch Prof. Leslie Lum spoke about the incident to Kiro 7 News - https://www.kiro7.com/video/?id=4849543   We are welcome to all suggestions. The way the affinity groups have come together has touched me profoundly. Please let me know of any other activity so we can work together to organize them.    Once again thank you,   [1]   From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:04 PM To: Denise Johnson ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement The artist will be here on 3/3 to restore the art tag beside the defaced one (which a student corrected). Erin will arrive at 1:30 pm and will be meeting with Bellevue City Councilperson Janice Zahn at 2:30 pm. Although I don't want to overwhelm her, it would be nice to show support. Perhaps we could post a sheet in the cafeteria where people could write the impact of the art installation and its censorship on you. Leslie Get Outlook for Android   From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:28 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps. Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity, collective support, and to demonstrate our concern? A time to come together, have each other’s backs. Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote:  Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus listserve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, coveredup or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues: I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time. It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years. USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma. Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997). We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.” BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted. As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market. Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land. Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered. Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square. Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College. We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other. Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanesemovement-led-development-bellevue/62732 Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997. Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community. https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136   With gratitude,     Belle   Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/         From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Clifford Cawthon Elena Maans-Lorincz; Tonya Estes; Denise Johnson; [1] Valencio Socia Leslie Lum; Belle Nishioka; Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Classified; ASG Officers; [1] Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Friday, February 28, 2020 8:11:19 AM Do you guys mind taking me off the thread. Thank you. Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device Get Outlook for Android From: Valencio Socia Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 8:05:43 AM To: Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Tonya Estes ; Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: RE: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Hi Elena,                 I think it would be nice to possibly use the button maker machine the library has to put “Never Again is Now” and hand out the buttons to student, faculty and staff in solidarity. What is everyone elses thoughts on this? Valencio Socia From: Elena Maans-Lorincz Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 7:53 AM To: Tonya Estes ; Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Hello all, Please know the Library is here to support in any way we can. In the Library we also have big rolls of paper, in light blue, yellow and white. We could cut a long piece and hang it up, or even cover a table with it for the campus community to write on. Unless you were thinking of copy paper sized sheets which would be easier to the present to the artist. Just let us know what would be needed and the Library can bring over what we can. I think meeting at 1pm on Tuesday by the fountain is a great idea. Thank you all! In solidarity, Elena Elena I. Maans-Lorincz, MLIS (she/her/hers) Outreach Librarian Library (425) 564- 4119 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room D126D Bellevue, Washington 98007 www.bellevuecollege.edu From: Tonya Estes Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 2:23:10 AM To: Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement On Tuesday, the Commons can be open as a space for discussions. I'm not sure what else might be useful.  If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know.  and I met on Wednesday and the Faculty Commons has purchased 3 copies of Strawberry Days for APISAC to distribute for reading prior to David Neiwert's presentation. They are out of print, which made purchasing tricky. They will arrive on Monday, so will be available on Tuesday. We are also looking into providing an honorarium for him.  [1] I really love Leslie's suggestion of having a sheet of paper/pens in the cafeteria for people to write their feelings and thoughts. We don't stock those kinds of supplies, but perhaps if we ordered some on Friday, they would arrive in time.  Take Care, Tonya Tonya Estes (She, Her, Hers) Faculty Commons Chair, Bellevue College website: www.bellevuecollege.edu/facultycommons/ 425-564-3345 Closing the Equity Gap at the Faculty Commons with High 5  1. Interact with your students by name during the first week;  2. Monitor student behavior and progress, and intervene when an issue arises;  3. Use the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) model for assignments;  4. Meet with students one-on-one and communicate routinely about their course performance;   5. Become a "master of paradox"   From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:45 PM To: [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thank you so much for this, [1] Since the artist will be here at 130 on Tuesday, how about we gather as many people as possible to meet at the fountain at 1pm on that day? We can certainly pull something supportive together. Tonya, what can the faculty commons do on this day to contribute? In support, Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 8:29 PM, [1] <[1] wrote:  Thank you all for the support. There are a few actions we can all take in response to this act of vandalism. 1. March 1st - Accompany APISA this Sunday, March 1st at 11: am. to the Wing Luke Museum and learn more about Asian Pacific History. I believe that knowledge frees us from our own limitations, including our own ignorance.  If you need additional information please contact me at: [1] 2. March 3rd – At 1:30 p.m. Erin Shigaki, author of “Never Again Is Now” will be at Bellevue College, let’s all be there and support the artist. 3. March 11th – At 12:30, in N201 David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community, will be speaking at Bellevue College. We can all attend the lecture and learn more about our own history. 4. July 9-12 - https://www.minidokapilgrimage.org/ accompany APISA to the Minidoka Pilgrimage. Every year Nora Lance organizes and incentivizes Bellevue College students and staff to visit Minidoka incareration camp near Twin Falls, Idaho. The bus departs from and returns to Bellevue College. This is an opportunity of a life time! For all who didn't have the opportunity to watch Prof. Leslie Lum spoke about the incident to Kiro 7 News - https://www.kiro7.com/video/?id=4849543 We are welcome to all suggestions. The way the affinity groups have come together has touched me profoundly. Please let me know of any other activity so we can work together to organize them.  Once again thank you, [1] From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:04 PM To: Denise Johnson ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement The artist will be here on 3/3 to restore the art tag beside the defaced one (which a student corrected). Erin will arrive at 1:30 pm and will be meeting with Bellevue City Councilperson Janice Zahn at 2:30 pm. Although I don't want to overwhelm her, it would be nice to show support. Perhaps we could post a sheet in the cafeteria where people could write the impact of the art installation and its censorship on you. Leslie Get Outlook for Android From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:28 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps. Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity, collective support, and to demonstrate our concern? A time to come together, have each other’s backs. Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote:  Dear Colleagues: We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II. This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building. This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen. We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected. We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus listserve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, coveredup or modified. In solidarity, Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty _____________ Dear Colleagues: I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time. It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years. USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma. Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997). We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.” BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.” Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted. As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market. Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land. Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered. Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square. Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College. We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups. Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other. Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanesemovement-led-development-bellevue/62732 Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997. Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community. https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/ From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Attachments: Elena Maans-Lorincz Tonya Estes; Denise Johnson; [1] Leslie Lum; Belle Nishioka; Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Classified; ASG Officers; [1] Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Friday, February 28, 2020 8:12:23 AM Outlook-fcodssrz.png Hello all, Valencio that is a fantastic idea, count the Library in.   I just wanted to add that we have an exhibit up in the Library that supports the art installation.  We have further information about Japanese Incarceration, and the local history that directly impacted the lives of Japanese-Americans in Bellevue.  We also have stories of BC faculty's family members who were impacted by the Holocaust in World War Two, and information on what children are facing NOW in federal detention centers.  Materials available for check out include books, graphic novels, DVD's, and Zines.   A new addition to the display was added yesterday, student art done in response to the defacement.  The art is moving to say the very least, we have the art on display along with the students explanation of why they created it and what it represents.  The exhibit is behind the Tech Hub desk on the windows, and it will be up for the rest of the quarter.  Thank you! Elena Elena I. Maans-Lorincz, MLIS (she/her/hers) Outreach Librarian Library (425) 564- 4119 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room D126D Bellevue, Washington 98007 www.bellevuecollege.edu From: Elena Maans-Lorincz Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 7:53 AM To: Tonya Estes ; Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Hello all, Please know the Library is here to support in any way we can. In the Library we also have big rolls of paper, in light blue, yellow and white. We could cut a long piece and hang it up, or even cover a table with it for the campus community to write on. Unless you were thinking of copy paper sized sheets which would be easier to the present to the artist. Just let us know what would be needed and the Library can bring over what we can. I think meeting at 1pm on Tuesday by the fountain is a great idea. Thank you all! In solidarity, Elena Elena I. Maans-Lorincz, MLIS (she/her/hers) Outreach Librarian Library (425) 564- 4119 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room D126D Bellevue, Washington 98007 www.bellevuecollege.edu From: Tonya Estes Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 2:23:10 AM To: Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement On Tuesday, the Commons can be open as a space for discussions. I'm not sure what else might be useful.  If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know.  [1] and I met on Wednesday and the Faculty Commons has purchased 3 copies of Strawberry Days for APISAC to distribute for reading prior to David Neiwert's presentation. They are out of print, which made purchasing tricky. They will arrive on Monday, so will be available on Tuesday. We are also looking into providing an honorarium for him.  I really love Leslie's suggestion of having a sheet of paper/pens in the cafeteria for people to write their feelings and thoughts. We don't stock those kinds of supplies, but perhaps if we ordered some on Friday, they would arrive in time.  Take Care, Tonya Tonya Estes (She, Her, Hers) Faculty Commons Chair, Bellevue College website: www.bellevuecollege.edu/facultycommons/ 425-564-3345 Closing the Equity Gap at the Faculty Commons with High 5  1. Interact with your students by name during the first week;  2. Monitor student behavior and progress, and intervene when an issue arises;  3. Use the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) model for assignments;  4. Meet with students one-on-one and communicate routinely about their course performance;   5. Become a "master of paradox"   From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:45 PM To: [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thank you so much for this, [1] Since the artist will be here at 130 on Tuesday, how about we gather as many people as possible to meet at the fountain at 1pm on that day? We can certainly pull something supportive together. Tonya, what can the faculty commons do on this day to contribute? In support, Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 8:29 PM, [1] <[1] wrote:  Thank you all for the support.   There are a few actions we can all take in response to this act of vandalism.   1. March 1st - Accompany APISA this Sunday, March 1st at 11: am. to the Wing Luke Museum and learn more about Asian Pacific History. I believe that knowledge frees us from our own limitations, including our own ignorance.  If you need additional information please contact me at: [1] 2. March 3rd – At 1:30 p.m. Erin Shigaki, author of “Never Again Is Now” will be at Bellevue College, let’s all be there and support the artist. 3. March 11th – At 12:30, in N201 David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community, will be speaking at Bellevue College. We can all attend the lecture and learn more about our own history. 4. July 9-12 - https://www.minidokapilgrimage.org/ accompany APISA to the Minidoka Pilgrimage. Every year Nora Lance organizes and incentivizes Bellevue College students and staff to visit Minidoka incareration camp near Twin Falls, Idaho. The bus departs from and returns to Bellevue College. This is an opportunity of a life time! For all who didn't have the opportunity to watch Prof. Leslie Lum spoke about the incident to Kiro 7 News - https://www.kiro7.com/video/?id=4849543 We are welcome to all suggestions. The way the affinity groups have come together has touched me profoundly. Please let me know of any other activity so we can work together to organize them.  Once again thank you, [1] From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:04 PM To: Denise Johnson ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement The artist will be here on 3/3 to restore the art tag beside the defaced one (which a student corrected). Erin will arrive at 1:30 pm and will be meeting with Bellevue City Councilperson Janice Zahn at 2:30 pm. Although I don't want to overwhelm her, it would be nice to show support. Perhaps we could post a sheet in the cafeteria where people could write the impact of the art installation and its censorship on you. Leslie Get Outlook for Android From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:28 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps. Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity, collective support, and to demonstrate our concern? A time to come together, have each other’s backs. Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote:  Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus listserve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, coveredup or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years. USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.” BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College. We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanesemovement-led-development-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/   I BELLEVUE From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Attachments: Clifford Cawthon Tonya Estes; Denise Johnson; [1] Elena Maans-Lorincz Leslie Lum; Belle Nishioka; Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Classified; ASG Officers; [1] Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Friday, February 28, 2020 8:16:22 AM Outlook-fcodssrz.png Hey all, Can you please remove me from the thread.  I don't have the capacity to be involved here. Thanks! ~Cliff Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device Get Outlook for Android From: Elena Maans-Lorincz Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 8:11:52 AM To: Tonya Estes ; Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Hello all, Valencio that is a fantastic idea, count the Library in.   I just wanted to add that we have an exhibit up in the Library that supports the art installation.  We have further information about Japanese Incarceration, and the local history that directly impacted the lives of Japanese-Americans in Bellevue.  We also have stories of BC faculty's family members who were impacted by the Holocaust in World War Two, and information on what children are facing NOW in federal detention centers.  Materials available for check out include books, graphic novels, DVD's, and Zines.   A new addition to the display was added yesterday, student art done in response to the defacement.  The art is moving to say the very least, we have the art on display along with the students explanation of why they created it and what it represents.  The exhibit is behind the Tech Hub desk on the windows, and it will be up for the rest of the quarter.  Thank you! Elena Elena I. Maans-Lorincz, MLIS (she/her/hers) Outreach Librarian Library (425) 564- 4119 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room D126D Bellevue, Washington 98007 www.bellevuecollege.edu From: Elena Maans-Lorincz Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 7:53 AM To: Tonya Estes ; Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Hello all, Please know the Library is here to support in any way we can. In the Library we also have big rolls of paper, in light blue, yellow and white. We could cut a long piece and hang it up, or even cover a table with it for the campus community to write on. Unless you were thinking of copy paper sized sheets which would be easier to the present to the artist. Just let us know what would be needed and the Library can bring over what we can. I think meeting at 1pm on Tuesday by the fountain is a great idea. Thank you all! In solidarity, Elena Elena I. Maans-Lorincz, MLIS (she/her/hers) Outreach Librarian Library (425) 564- 4119 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room D126D Bellevue, Washington 98007 www.bellevuecollege.edu From: Tonya Estes Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 2:23:10 AM To: Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement On Tuesday, the Commons can be open as a space for discussions. I'm not sure what else might be useful.  If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know.  and I met on Wednesday and the Faculty Commons has purchased 3 copies of Strawberry Days for APISAC to distribute for reading prior to David Neiwert's presentation. They are out of print, which made purchasing tricky. They will arrive on Monday, so will be available on Tuesday. We are also looking into providing an honorarium for him.  [1] I really love Leslie's suggestion of having a sheet of paper/pens in the cafeteria for people to write their feelings and thoughts. We don't stock those kinds of supplies, but perhaps if we ordered some on Friday, they would arrive in time.  Take Care, Tonya Tonya Estes (She, Her, Hers) Faculty Commons Chair, Bellevue College website: www.bellevuecollege.edu/facultycommons/ 425-564-3345 Closing the Equity Gap at the Faculty Commons with High 5  1. Interact with your students by name during the first week;  2. Monitor student behavior and progress, and intervene when an issue arises;  3. Use the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) model for assignments;  4. Meet with students one-on-one and communicate routinely about their course performance;   5. Become a "master of paradox"   From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:45 PM To: [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thank you so much for this, [1] Since the artist will be here at 130 on Tuesday, how about we gather as many people as possible to meet at the fountain at 1pm on that day? We can certainly pull something supportive together. Tonya, what can the faculty commons do on this day to contribute? In support, Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 8:29 PM, [1] <[1] wrote:  Thank you all for the support.   There are a few actions we can all take in response to this act of vandalism.   1. March 1st - Accompany APISA this Sunday, March 1st at 11: am. to the Wing Luke Museum and learn more about Asian Pacific History. I believe that knowledge frees us from our own limitations, including our own ignorance.  If you need additional information please contact me at: [1] 2. March 3rd – At 1:30 p.m. Erin Shigaki, author of “Never Again Is Now” will be at Bellevue College, let’s all be there and support the artist. 3. March 11th – At 12:30, in N201 David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community, will be speaking at Bellevue College. We can all attend the lecture and learn more about our own history. 4. July 9-12 - https://www.minidokapilgrimage.org/ accompany APISA to the Minidoka Pilgrimage. Every year Nora Lance organizes and incentivizes Bellevue College students and staff to visit Minidoka incareration camp near Twin Falls, Idaho. The bus departs from and returns to Bellevue College. This is an opportunity of a life time! For all who didn't have the opportunity to watch Prof. Leslie Lum spoke about the incident to Kiro 7 News - https://www.kiro7.com/video/?id=4849543 We are welcome to all suggestions. The way the affinity groups have come together has touched me profoundly. Please let me know of any other activity so we can work together to organize them.  Once again thank you, [1] From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:04 PM To: Denise Johnson ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement The artist will be here on 3/3 to restore the art tag beside the defaced one (which a student corrected). Erin will arrive at 1:30 pm and will be meeting with Bellevue City Councilperson Janice Zahn at 2:30 pm. Although I don't want to overwhelm her, it would be nice to show support. Perhaps we could post a sheet in the cafeteria where people could write the impact of the art installation and its censorship on you. Leslie Get Outlook for Android From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:28 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps. Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity, collective support, and to demonstrate our concern? A time to come together, have each other’s backs. Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote:  Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus listserve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, coveredup or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years. USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.” BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College. We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanesemovement-led-development-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/     From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Attachments: Blaise Mitsutama Clifford Cawthon Leslie Lum; Belle Nishioka; Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Classified; ASG Officers; [1] Tonya Estes; Denise Johnson; [1] Elena Maans-Lorincz RE: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Friday, February 28, 2020 8:31:47 AM image001.png Hi, Cliff (and anyone else who may be interested),   I believe you’re included in this discussion because you’re a member of one of the administrative email groups (Faculty / Fulltime, Faculty / Part Time, etc.). That being the case, you can’t be individually removed from this discussion.   Most email programs (Outlook Web, Outlook app, etc.) have a Rules or Filter feature that you can use to automatically delete or move email to specific folders. ITS HelpDesk may have a Knowledge Base article that can help or you should be able to find instructions for whatever email tool you use by doing an internet search.   I hope that helps.   Blaise   From: Clifford Cawthon Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 8:16 AM To: Tonya Estes ; Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Elena Maans-Lorincz Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   Hey all, Can you please remove me from the thread.  I don't have the capacity to be involved here. Thanks! ~Cliff Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device Get Outlook for Android   From: Elena Maans-Lorincz Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 8:11:52 AM To: Tonya Estes ; Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   Hello all,   Valencio that is a fantastic idea, count the Library in.     I just wanted to add that we have an exhibit up in the Library that supports the art installation.  We have further information about Japanese Incarceration, and the local history that directly impacted the lives of Japanese-Americans in Bellevue.  We also have stories of BC faculty's family members who were impacted by the Holocaust in World War Two, and information on what children are facing NOW in federal detention centers.  Materials available for check out include books, graphic novels, DVD's, and Zines.   A new addition to the display was added yesterday, student art done in response to the defacement.  The art is moving to say the very least, we have the art on display along with the students explanation of why they created it and what it represents.  The exhibit is behind the Tech Hub desk on the windows, and it will be up for the rest of the quarter.    Thank you! Elena     Elena I. Maans-Lorincz, MLIS (she/her/hers) Outreach Librarian Library (425) 564- 4119 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room D126D Bellevue, Washington 98007 www.bellevuecollege.edu   From: Elena Maans-Lorincz Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 7:53 AM To: Tonya Estes ; Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   Hello all,   Please know the Library is here to support in any way we can.   In the Library we also have big rolls of paper, in light blue, yellow and white. We could cut a long piece and hang it up, or even cover a table with it for the campus community to write on. Unless you were thinking of copy paper sized sheets which would be easier to the present to the artist. Just let us know what would be needed and the Library can bring over what we can.    I think meeting at 1pm on Tuesday by the fountain is a great idea.    Thank you all!   In solidarity, Elena   Elena I. Maans-Lorincz, MLIS (she/her/hers) Outreach Librarian Library (425) 564- 4119 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room D126D Bellevue, Washington 98007 www.bellevuecollege.edu From: Tonya Estes Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 2:23:10 AM To: Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   On Tuesday, the Commons can be open as a space for discussions. I'm not sure what else might be useful.  If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know.    and I met on Wednesday and the Faculty Commons has purchased 3 copies of Strawberry [1] Days for APISAC to distribute for reading prior to David Neiwert's presentation. They are out of print, which made purchasing tricky. They will arrive on Monday, so will be available on Tuesday. We are also looking into providing an honorarium for him.  I really love Leslie's suggestion of having a sheet of paper/pens in the cafeteria for people to write their feelings and thoughts. We don't stock those kinds of supplies, but perhaps if we ordered some on Friday, they would arrive in time.      Take Care, Tonya Tonya Estes (She, Her, Hers) Faculty Commons Chair, Bellevue College website: www.bellevuecollege.edu/facultycommons/ 425-564-3345   Closing the Equity Gap at the Faculty Commons with High 5  1. Interact with your students by name during the first week;  2. Monitor student behavior and progress, and intervene when an issue arises;  3. Use the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) model for assignments;  4. Meet with students one-on-one and communicate routinely about their course performance;   5. Become a "master of paradox"     From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:45 PM To: [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   Thank you so much for this, [1]   Since the artist will be here at 130 on Tuesday, how about we gather as many people as possible to meet at the fountain at 1pm on that day?  We can certainly pull something supportive together.      Tonya, what can the faculty commons do on this day to contribute?     In support,   Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 8:29 PM, [1] <[1] wrote:  Thank you all for the support.   There are a few actions we can all take in response to this act of vandalism.   1. March 1st - Accompany APISA this Sunday, March 1st at 11: am. to the Wing Luke Museum and learn more about Asian Pacific History. I believe that knowledge frees us from our own limitations, including our own ignorance.  If you need additional information please contact me at: [1] 2. March 3rd – At 1:30 p.m. Erin Shigaki, author of “Never Again Is Now” will be at Bellevue College, let’s all be there and support the artist. 3. March 11th – At 12:30, in N201 David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community, will be speaking at Bellevue College. We can all attend the lecture and learn more about our own history. 4. July 9-12 - https://www.minidokapilgrimage.org/ accompany APISA to the Minidoka Pilgrimage. Every year Nora Lance organizes and incentivizes Bellevue College students and staff to visit Minidoka incareration camp near Twin Falls, Idaho.  The bus departs from and returns to Bellevue College.  This is an opportunity of a life time!    For all who didn't have the opportunity to watch Prof. Leslie Lum spoke about the incident to Kiro 7 News - https://www.kiro7.com/video/?id=4849543   We are welcome to all suggestions. The way the affinity groups have come together has touched me profoundly. Please let me know of any other activity so we can work together to organize them.    Once again thank you,   [1]   From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:04 PM To: Denise Johnson ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   The artist will be here on 3/3 to restore the art tag beside the defaced one (which a student corrected). Erin will arrive at 1:30 pm and will be meeting with Bellevue City Councilperson Janice Zahn at 2:30 pm. Although I don't want to overwhelm her, it would be nice to show support. Perhaps we could post a sheet in the cafeteria where people could write the impact of the art installation and its censorship on you. Leslie Get Outlook for Android   From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:28 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement   Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps.   Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity,  collective support, and to  demonstrate our concern?  A time to come together, have each other’s backs.     Denise   Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote:  Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus listserve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, coveredup or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years.   USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.”  BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College.  We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanesemovement-led-development-bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136   With gratitude,     Belle   Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/         From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Nora Lance Elena Maans-Lorincz; Tonya Estes; Denise Johnson; [1] Leslie Lum; Belle Nishioka; Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Classified; ASG Officers; [1] RE: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Friday, February 28, 2020 8:32:00 AM Should I put in a request for a tent and table in front of the fountain?   Nora   From: Elena Maans-Lorincz Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 7:53 AM To: Tonya Estes ; Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Hello all, Please know the Library is here to support in any way we can. In the Library we also have big rolls of paper, in light blue, yellow and white. We could cut a long piece and hang it up, or even cover a table with it for the campus community to write on. Unless you were thinking of copy paper sized sheets which would be easier to the present to the artist. Just let us know what would be needed and the Library can bring over what we can. I think meeting at 1pm on Tuesday by the fountain is a great idea. Thank you all! In solidarity, Elena Elena I. Maans-Lorincz, MLIS (she/her/hers) Outreach Librarian Library (425) 564- 4119 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room D126D Bellevue, Washington 98007 www.bellevuecollege.edu From: Tonya Estes Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 2:23:10 AM To: Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement On Tuesday, the Commons can be open as a space for discussions. I'm not sure what else might be useful.  If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know.    and I met on Wednesday and the Faculty Commons has purchased 3 copies of Strawberry [1] Days for APISAC to distribute for reading prior to David Neiwert's presentation. They are out of print, which made purchasing tricky. They will arrive on Monday, so will be available on Tuesday. We are also looking into providing an honorarium for him.  I really love Leslie's suggestion of having a sheet of paper/pens in the cafeteria for people to write their feelings and thoughts. We don't stock those kinds of supplies, but perhaps if we ordered some on Friday, they would arrive in time.      Take Care, Tonya Tonya Estes (She, Her, Hers) Faculty Commons Chair, Bellevue College website: www.bellevuecollege.edu/facultycommons/ 425-564-3345   Closing the Equity Gap at the Faculty Commons with High 5  1. Interact with your students by name during the first week;  2. Monitor student behavior and progress, and intervene when an issue arises;  3. Use the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) model for assignments;  4. Meet with students one-on-one and communicate routinely about their course performance;   5. Become a "master of paradox"     From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:45 PM To: [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thank you so much for this, [1] Since the artist will be here at 130 on Tuesday, how about we gather as many people as possible to meet at the fountain at 1pm on that day? We can certainly pull something supportive together. Tonya, what can the faculty commons do on this day to contribute? In support, Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 8:29 PM, [1] <[1] wrote:  Thank you all for the support.   There are a few actions we can all take in response to this act of vandalism.   1. March 1st - Accompany APISA this Sunday, March 1st at 11: am. to the Wing Luke Museum and learn more about Asian Pacific History. I believe that knowledge frees us from our own limitations, including our own ignorance.  If you need additional information please contact me at: [1] 2. March 3rd – At 1:30 p.m. Erin Shigaki, author of “Never Again Is Now” will be at Bellevue College, let’s all be there and support the artist. 3. March 11th – At 12:30, in N201 David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community, will be speaking at Bellevue College. We can all attend the lecture and learn more about our own history. 4. July 9-12 - https://www.minidokapilgrimage.org/ accompany APISA to the Minidoka Pilgrimage. Every year Nora Lance organizes and incentivizes Bellevue College students and staff to visit Minidoka incareration camp near Twin Falls, Idaho. The bus departs from and returns to Bellevue College. This is an opportunity of a life time! For all who didn't have the opportunity to watch Prof. Leslie Lum spoke about the incident to Kiro 7 News - https://www.kiro7.com/video/?id=4849543   We are welcome to all suggestions. The way the affinity groups have come together has touched me profoundly. Please let me know of any other activity so we can work together to organize them.    Once again thank you,   [1]   From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:04 PM To: Denise Johnson ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement The artist will be here on 3/3 to restore the art tag beside the defaced one (which a student corrected). Erin will arrive at 1:30 pm and will be meeting with Bellevue City Councilperson Janice Zahn at 2:30 pm. Although I don't want to overwhelm her, it would be nice to show support. Perhaps we could post a sheet in the cafeteria where people could write the impact of the art installation and its censorship on you. Leslie Get Outlook for Android   From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:28 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps. Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity, collective support, and to demonstrate our concern? A time to come together, have each other’s backs. Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote:  Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus listserve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, coveredup or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues: I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time. It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years. USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma. Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997). We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.” BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted. As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market. Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land. Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered. Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square. Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College. We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other. Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanesemovement-led-development-bellevue/62732 Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997. Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community. https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136   With gratitude,     Belle   Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/         From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Heath Hayden Elena Maans-Lorincz; Tonya Estes; Denise Johnson; [1] Leslie Lum; Belle Nishioka; Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Classified; ASG Officers; [1] RE: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Friday, February 28, 2020 8:32:15 AM All:   I am working in an interim administrator capacity at the moment, and I appreciate all of the conversations that are happening around the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. I am interested to see how these conversations move forward and how we can sit with the complexity through some critical context, referenced by Kim Pollock and Donna Miguel in another thread. From the standpoint of using the college campus environment and setting to challenge dominant/master narratives/norms, I am reminded of the work the LGBTQ Task Force engaged in last year to get rainbow sidewalks and the conversation furthered by Gilbert Vilallpando about the BC campus as a sterile white space. This exhibit is a public facing commitment to addressing a fraught history of Bellevue as a whole and for that I am deeply grateful. The whiting out of references to the Miller Freeman family is now forever a part of this artist’s work and of Bellevue College history. I am hopeful we are at a turning point in BC history where we can serve as a mirror to the larger Bellevue community, hold each other accountable, disrupt power-over, and create systemic change.   A few of the Deans attended a retreat last week on inclusion and equity. We had the opportunity to meet with Jan Yoshiwara, now Executive Director for SBCTC, and we talked about the 2019 SBCTC Vision Statement: “Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities.” My sincere hope is that we continuously keep this as our focus, even in the face of monied interests. The hurt feelings of the Miller Freeman family are not more important than the displacement, incarceration, and disenfranchisement of Japanese Americans families. To acknowledge that history and take steps toward repair/reparations is powerful; dwelling on guilt and shame gets us nowhere and only continues the history of power-over. It is painful to see faculty and staff of color be silenced and erased once again and I believe BC has the capacity and the groundswell to be and do better.   Thank you all for your activism and love.   Heath   From: Elena Maans-Lorincz Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 7:53 AM To: Tonya Estes ; Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Hello all, Please know the Library is here to support in any way we can. In the Library we also have big rolls of paper, in light blue, yellow and white. We could cut a long piece and hang it up, or even cover a table with it for the campus community to write on. Unless you were thinking of copy paper sized sheets which would be easier to the present to the artist. Just let us know what would be needed and the Library can bring over what we can. I think meeting at 1pm on Tuesday by the fountain is a great idea. Thank you all! In solidarity, Elena Elena I. Maans-Lorincz, MLIS (she/her/hers) Outreach Librarian Library (425) 564- 4119 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room D126D Bellevue, Washington 98007 www.bellevuecollege.edu From: Tonya Estes Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 2:23:10 AM To: Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement On Tuesday, the Commons can be open as a space for discussions. I'm not sure what else might be useful.  If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know.    and I met on Wednesday and the Faculty Commons has purchased 3 copies of Strawberry [1] Days for APISAC to distribute for reading prior to David Neiwert's presentation. They are out of print, which made purchasing tricky. They will arrive on Monday, so will be available on Tuesday. We are also looking into providing an honorarium for him.  I really love Leslie's suggestion of having a sheet of paper/pens in the cafeteria for people to write their feelings and thoughts. We don't stock those kinds of supplies, but perhaps if we ordered some on Friday, they would arrive in time.      Take Care, Tonya Tonya Estes (She, Her, Hers) Faculty Commons Chair, Bellevue College website: www.bellevuecollege.edu/facultycommons/ 425-564-3345   Closing the Equity Gap at the Faculty Commons with High 5  1. Interact with your students by name during the first week;  2. Monitor student behavior and progress, and intervene when an issue arises;  3. Use the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) model for assignments;  4. Meet with students one-on-one and communicate routinely about their course performance;   5. Become a "master of paradox"     From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:45 PM To: [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thank you so much for this, [1] Since the artist will be here at 130 on Tuesday, how about we gather as many people as possible to meet at the fountain at 1pm on that day? We can certainly pull something supportive together. Tonya, what can the faculty commons do on this day to contribute? In support, Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 8:29 PM, [1] <[1] wrote:  Thank you all for the support.   There are a few actions we can all take in response to this act of vandalism.   1. March 1st - Accompany APISA this Sunday, March 1st at 11: am. to the Wing Luke Museum and learn more about Asian Pacific History. I believe that knowledge frees us from our own limitations, including our own ignorance.  If you need additional information please contact me at: [1] 2. March 3rd – At 1:30 p.m. Erin Shigaki, author of “Never Again Is Now” will be at Bellevue College, let’s all be there and support the artist. 3. March 11th – At 12:30, in N201 David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community, will be speaking at Bellevue College. We can all attend the lecture and learn more about our own history. 4. July 9-12 - https://www.minidokapilgrimage.org/ accompany APISA to the Minidoka Pilgrimage. Every year Nora Lance organizes and incentivizes Bellevue College students and staff to visit Minidoka incareration camp near Twin Falls, Idaho. The bus departs from and returns to Bellevue College. This is an opportunity of a life time! For all who didn't have the opportunity to watch Prof. Leslie Lum spoke about the incident to Kiro 7 News - https://www.kiro7.com/video/?id=4849543   We are welcome to all suggestions. The way the affinity groups have come together has touched me profoundly. Please let me know of any other activity so we can work together to organize them.    Once again thank you,   [1]   From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:04 PM To: Denise Johnson ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement The artist will be here on 3/3 to restore the art tag beside the defaced one (which a student corrected). Erin will arrive at 1:30 pm and will be meeting with Bellevue City Councilperson Janice Zahn at 2:30 pm. Although I don't want to overwhelm her, it would be nice to show support. Perhaps we could post a sheet in the cafeteria where people could write the impact of the art installation and its censorship on you. Leslie Get Outlook for Android   From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:28 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps. Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity, collective support, and to demonstrate our concern? A time to come together, have each other’s backs. Denise Sent from my iPhone  On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote: Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus listserve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, coveredup or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues: I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time. It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years. USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma. Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997). We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.” BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted. As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market. Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land. Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered. Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square. Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College. We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other. Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanesemovement-led-development-bellevue/62732 Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997. Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community. https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136   With gratitude,     Belle   Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/       From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Nora Lance Valencio Socia; Tonya Estes; Denise Johnson; [1] Leslie Lum; Belle Nishioka; Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Classified; ASG Officers; [1] RE: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Friday, February 28, 2020 8:32:48 AM Student Programs too.   Nora   From: Valencio Socia Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 7:48 AM To: Tonya Estes ; Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: RE: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement The Academic Success Center as supplies if you all want to do something where students can write their feelings and thoughts.   Valencio Socia   From: Tonya Estes Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 2:23 AM To: Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement On Tuesday, the Commons can be open as a space for discussions. I'm not sure what else might be useful.  If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know.    and I met on Wednesday and the Faculty Commons has purchased 3 copies of Strawberry [1] Days for APISAC to distribute for reading prior to David Neiwert's presentation. They are out of print, which made purchasing tricky. They will arrive on Monday, so will be available on Tuesday. We are also looking into providing an honorarium for him.    I really love Leslie's suggestion of having a sheet of paper/pens in the cafeteria for people to write their feelings and thoughts. We don't stock those kinds of supplies, but perhaps if we ordered some on Friday, they would arrive in time.        Take Care, Tonya Tonya Estes (She, Her, Hers) Faculty Commons Chair, Bellevue College website: www.bellevuecollege.edu/facultycommons/ 425-564-3345   Closing the Equity Gap at the Faculty Commons with High 5  1. Interact with your students by name during the first week;  2. Monitor student behavior and progress, and intervene when an issue arises;  3. Use the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) model for assignments;  4. Meet with students one-on-one and communicate routinely about their course performance;   5. Become a "master of paradox"     From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:45 PM To: [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thank you so much for this, [1] Since the artist will be here at 130 on Tuesday, how about we gather as many people as possible to meet at the fountain at 1pm on that day? We can certainly pull something supportive together. Tonya, what can the faculty commons do on this day to contribute? In support, Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 8:29 PM, [1] <[1] wrote:  Thank you all for the support.   There are a few actions we can all take in response to this act of vandalism.   1. March 1st - Accompany APISA this Sunday, March 1st at 11: am. to the Wing Luke Museum and learn more about Asian Pacific History. I believe that knowledge frees us from our own limitations, including our own ignorance.  If you need additional information please contact me at: [1] 2. March 3rd – At 1:30 p.m. Erin Shigaki, author of “Never Again Is Now” will be at Bellevue College, let’s all be there and support the artist. 3. March 11th – At 12:30, in N201 David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community, will be speaking at Bellevue College. We can all attend the lecture and learn more about our own history. 4. July 9-12 - https://www.minidokapilgrimage.org/ accompany APISA to the Minidoka Pilgrimage. Every year Nora Lance organizes and incentivizes Bellevue College students and staff to visit Minidoka incareration camp near Twin Falls, Idaho. The bus departs from and returns to Bellevue College. This is an opportunity of a life time! For all who didn't have the opportunity to watch Prof. Leslie Lum spoke about the incident to Kiro 7 News - https://www.kiro7.com/video/?id=4849543   We are welcome to all suggestions. The way the affinity groups have come together has touched me profoundly. Please let me know of any other activity so we can work together to organize them.    Once again thank you,   [1]   From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:04 PM To: Denise Johnson ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement The artist will be here on 3/3 to restore the art tag beside the defaced one (which a student corrected). Erin will arrive at 1:30 pm and will be meeting with Bellevue City Councilperson Janice Zahn at 2:30 pm. Although I don't want to overwhelm her, it would be nice to show support. Perhaps we could post a sheet in the cafeteria where people could write the impact of the art installation and its censorship on you. Leslie Get Outlook for Android   From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:28 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps. Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity, collective support, and to demonstrate our concern? A time to come together, have each other’s backs. Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote:  Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus listserve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, coveredup or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues: I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time. It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years. USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma. Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997). We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.” BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted. As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market. Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land. Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered. Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square. Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College. We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other. Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanesemovement-led-development-bellevue/62732 Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997. Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community. https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136   With gratitude,     Belle   Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/         From: To: Judith Paquette Nora Lance; Elena Maans-Lorincz; Tonya Estes; Denise Johnson; [1] Cc: Leslie Lum; Belle Nishioka; Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Classified; ASG Officers; [1] Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Friday, February 28, 2020 8:35:55 AM Subject: Date: Nora, I think that is a good idea.  Tabling will allow for a comment space or whatever other people want. “Arguing with a person over what to believe is even more difficult than arguing about how to behave.” ― Frank H Wu (Yellow, Race in America Beyond Black and White, 2002) “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”   ― Nelson Mandela Judith Paquette Bellevue College - Faculty  Social Science Division - Business Administration Transfer 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Mailstop D110 Bellevue, WA  98007-6484 425-564-2133 division: 425-564-2311 fax:  425-564-4197 From: Nora Lance Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 8:31 AM To: Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Tonya Estes ; Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: RE: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Should I put in a request for a tent and table in front of the fountain? Nora From: Elena Maans-Lorincz Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 7:53 AM To: Tonya Estes ; Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Hello all, Please know the Library is here to support in any way we can. In the Library we also have big rolls of paper, in light blue, yellow and white. We could cut a long piece and hang it up, or even cover a table with it for the campus community to write on. Unless you were thinking of copy paper sized sheets which would be easier to the present to the artist. Just let us know what would be needed and the Library can bring over what we can. I think meeting at 1pm on Tuesday by the fountain is a great idea. Thank you all! In solidarity, Elena Elena I. Maans-Lorincz, MLIS (she/her/hers) Outreach Librarian Library (425) 564- 4119 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room D126D Bellevue, Washington 98007 www.bellevuecollege.edu From: Tonya Estes Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 2:23:10 AM To: Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement On Tuesday, the Commons can be open as a space for discussions. I'm not sure what else might be useful.  If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know.  [1] and I met on Wednesday and the Faculty Commons has purchased 3 copies of Strawberry Days for APISAC to distribute for reading prior to David Neiwert's presentation. They are out of print, which made purchasing tricky. They will arrive on Monday, so will be available on Tuesday. We are also looking into providing an honorarium for him.  I really love Leslie's suggestion of having a sheet of paper/pens in the cafeteria for people to write their feelings and thoughts. We don't stock those kinds of supplies, but perhaps if we ordered some on Friday, they would arrive in time.  Take Care, Tonya Tonya Estes (She, Her, Hers) Faculty Commons Chair, Bellevue College website: www.bellevuecollege.edu/facultycommons/ 425-564-3345 Closing the Equity Gap at the Faculty Commons with High 5  1. Interact with your students by name during the first week;  2. Monitor student behavior and progress, and intervene when an issue arises;  3. Use the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) model for assignments;  4. Meet with students one-on-one and communicate routinely about their course performance;   5. Become a "master of paradox"   From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:45 PM To: [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thank you so much for this, [1] Since the artist will be here at 130 on Tuesday, how about we gather as many people as possible to meet at the fountain at 1pm on that day? We can certainly pull something supportive together. Tonya, what can the faculty commons do on this day to contribute? In support, Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 8:29 PM, [1] <[1] wrote:  Thank you all for the support. There are a few actions we can all take in response to this act of vandalism. 1. March 1st - Accompany APISA this Sunday, March 1st at 11: am. to the Wing Luke Museum and learn more about Asian Pacific History. I believe that knowledge frees us from our own limitations, including our own ignorance.  If you need additional information please contact me at: [1] 2. March 3rd – At 1:30 p.m. Erin Shigaki, author of “Never Again Is Now” will be at Bellevue College, let’s all be there and support the artist. 3. March 11th – At 12:30, in N201 David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community, will be speaking at Bellevue College. We can all attend the lecture and learn more about our own history. 4. July 9-12 - https://www.minidokapilgrimage.org/ accompany APISA to the Minidoka Pilgrimage. Every year Nora Lance organizes and incentivizes Bellevue College students and staff to visit Minidoka incareration camp near Twin Falls, Idaho. The bus departs from and returns to Bellevue College. This is an opportunity of a life time! For all who didn't have the opportunity to watch Prof. Leslie Lum spoke about the incident to Kiro 7 News - https://www.kiro7.com/video/?id=4849543 We are welcome to all suggestions. The way the affinity groups have come together has touched me profoundly. Please let me know of any other activity so we can work together to organize them.  Once again thank you, [1] From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:04 PM To: Denise Johnson ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement The artist will be here on 3/3 to restore the art tag beside the defaced one (which a student corrected). Erin will arrive at 1:30 pm and will be meeting with Bellevue City Councilperson Janice Zahn at 2:30 pm. Although I don't want to overwhelm her, it would be nice to show support. Perhaps we could post a sheet in the cafeteria where people could write the impact of the art installation and its censorship on you. Leslie Get Outlook for Android From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:28 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps. Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity, collective support, and to demonstrate our concern? A time to come together, have each other’s backs. Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote:  Dear Colleagues: We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II. This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building. This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen. We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected. We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus listserve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, coveredup or modified. In solidarity, Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty _____________ Dear Colleagues: I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time. It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years. USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma. Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997). We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.” BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.” Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted. As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market. Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land. Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered. Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square. Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College. We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups. Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other. Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanesemovement-led-development-bellevue/62732 Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997. Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community. https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/ From: To: Doug Hicks Judith Paquette; Nora Lance; Elena Maans-Lorincz; Tonya Estes; Denise Johnson; [1] Cc: Leslie Lum; Belle Nishioka; Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Classified; ASG Officers; [1] Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Friday, February 28, 2020 8:56:01 AM Subject: Date: You may all be aware of this article.  Some of you, like myself, may be interested in it.   https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-led-developmentbellevue/62732 As a relatively new resident to Bellevue and the area I had no idea who any of these people were or what happened here in the 1940's in regards to Japanese Americans.  It has been a great educational experience for me so far to be exposed to the emails here and the publicity this issue is receiving.   To learn that the Freeman family is Kemper Development and owns much of down town Bellevue was also an eye opener.   Thank you, and may we all learn many things from this incident and the fallout it is receiving.   Doug From: Judith Paquette Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 8:35 AM To: Nora Lance ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Tonya Estes ; Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Nora, I think that is a good idea.  Tabling will allow for a comment space or whatever other people want. “Arguing with a person over what to believe is even more difficult than arguing about how to behave.” ― Frank H Wu (Yellow, Race in America Beyond Black and White, 2002) “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”   ― Nelson Mandela Judith Paquette Bellevue College - Faculty  Social Science Division - Business Administration Transfer 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Mailstop D110 Bellevue, WA  98007-6484 425-564-2133 division: 425-564-2311 fax:  425-564-4197 From: Nora Lance Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 8:31 AM To: Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Tonya Estes ; Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: RE: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Should I put in a request for a tent and table in front of the fountain? Nora From: Elena Maans-Lorincz Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 7:53 AM To: Tonya Estes ; Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Hello all, Please know the Library is here to support in any way we can. In the Library we also have big rolls of paper, in light blue, yellow and white. We could cut a long piece and hang it up, or even cover a table with it for the campus community to write on. Unless you were thinking of copy paper sized sheets which would be easier to the present to the artist. Just let us know what would be needed and the Library can bring over what we can. I think meeting at 1pm on Tuesday by the fountain is a great idea. Thank you all! In solidarity, Elena Elena I. Maans-Lorincz, MLIS (she/her/hers) Outreach Librarian Library (425) 564- 4119 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room D126D Bellevue, Washington 98007 www.bellevuecollege.edu From: Tonya Estes Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 2:23:10 AM To: Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement On Tuesday, the Commons can be open as a space for discussions. I'm not sure what else might be useful.  If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know.  and I met on Wednesday and the Faculty Commons has purchased 3 copies of Strawberry Days for APISAC to distribute for reading prior to David Neiwert's presentation. They are out of print, which made purchasing tricky. They will arrive on Monday, so will be available on Tuesday. We are also looking into providing an honorarium for him.  [1] I really love Leslie's suggestion of having a sheet of paper/pens in the cafeteria for people to write their feelings and thoughts. We don't stock those kinds of supplies, but perhaps if we ordered some on Friday, they would arrive in time.  Take Care, Tonya Tonya Estes (She, Her, Hers) Faculty Commons Chair, Bellevue College website: www.bellevuecollege.edu/facultycommons/ 425-564-3345 Closing the Equity Gap at the Faculty Commons with High 5  1. Interact with your students by name during the first week;  2. Monitor student behavior and progress, and intervene when an issue arises;  3. Use the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) model for assignments;  4. Meet with students one-on-one and communicate routinely about their course performance;   5. Become a "master of paradox"   From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:45 PM To: [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thank you so much for this, [1] Since the artist will be here at 130 on Tuesday, how about we gather as many people as possible to meet at the fountain at 1pm on that day? We can certainly pull something supportive together. Tonya, what can the faculty commons do on this day to contribute? In support, Denise Sent from my iPhone  On Feb 27, 2020, at 8:29 PM, [1] <[1] Thank you all for the support. wrote: There are a few actions we can all take in response to this act of vandalism. 1. March 1st - Accompany APISA this Sunday, March 1st at 11: am. to the Wing Luke Museum and learn more about Asian Pacific History. I believe that knowledge frees us from our own limitations, including our own ignorance.  If you need additional information please contact me at: [1] 2. March 3rd – At 1:30 p.m. Erin Shigaki, author of “Never Again Is Now” will be at Bellevue College, let’s all be there and support the artist. 3. March 11th – At 12:30, in N201 David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community, will be speaking at Bellevue College. We can all attend the lecture and learn more about our own history. 4. July 9-12 - https://www.minidokapilgrimage.org/ accompany APISA to the Minidoka Pilgrimage. Every year Nora Lance organizes and incentivizes Bellevue College students and staff to visit Minidoka incareration camp near Twin Falls, Idaho. The bus departs from and returns to Bellevue College. This is an opportunity of a life time! For all who didn't have the opportunity to watch Prof. Leslie Lum spoke about the incident to Kiro 7 News - https://www.kiro7.com/video/?id=4849543 We are welcome to all suggestions. The way the affinity groups have come together has touched me profoundly. Please let me know of any other activity so we can work together to organize them.  Once again thank you, [1] From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:04 PM To: Denise Johnson ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement The artist will be here on 3/3 to restore the art tag beside the defaced one (which a student corrected). Erin will arrive at 1:30 pm and will be meeting with Bellevue City Councilperson Janice Zahn at 2:30 pm. Although I don't want to overwhelm her, it would be nice to show support. Perhaps we could post a sheet in the cafeteria where people could write the impact of the art installation and its censorship on you. Leslie Get Outlook for Android From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:28 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps. Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity, collective support, and to demonstrate our concern? A time to come together, have each other’s backs. Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote:  Dear Colleagues: We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II. This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building. This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen. We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected. We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus listserve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, coveredup or modified. In solidarity, Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty _____________ Dear Colleagues: I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time. It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years. USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma. Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997). We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.” BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.” Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted. As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market. Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land. Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered. Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square. Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College. We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups. Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other. Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanesemovement-led-development-bellevue/62732 Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997. Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community. https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/ From: To: Leigh Marlowe Zoller Judith Paquette; Nora Lance; Elena Maans-Lorincz; Tonya Estes; Denise Johnson; [1] Cc: Leslie Lum; Belle Nishioka; Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time; Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Classified; ASG Officers; [1] LGBTQ Resource Center Coordinator Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Friday, February 28, 2020 9:46:42 AM Subject: Date: Hi, all,  Thank you for these emails. I have asked our LGBTQ Resource Center students to attend the installation and will pass along the information on the other upcoming events. I've also cc'd Rhys (he/him), our coordinator. I plan to attend the on-campus events. Giving those impacted a place to write their thoughts and requests and a place for others to read them is powerful. Regarding the paper rolls, on Trans Day of Remembrance, we did a similar activity. We offered two half-sheets of paper for attendees to fill out: "I need an ally because..." or "I will be an ally by..." I believe it was helpful for cisgender folks to see the needs of the trans community and individuals in their lives as well as to reflect on what they could do to help; for our trans students, staff and faculty, it was nice to see the support and impact our words and event had.  To touch on Heath's note, when the LGBTQ Task Force requested the rainbow crosswalk, we were told it was "divisive" and that we were asking for favoritism over other affinity groups. Which is absurd, of course, but it speaks to how those with privilege and power seek to pit marginalized groups against each other while claiming that they're protecting us--when all they're doing is protecting their own interests. I see this sentiment again with the excuses for defacing of Never Again is Now: being told that you are being divisive when you speak up about injustice. An injury to one affinity group is an injury to all of us. And to quote the immortal words of one of our local drag queens: "Not today, Satan." In solidarity, Marlowe Zoller, M.A.  Pronouns: they/them International Admissions Specialist (Last Names R-Z) LGBTQ Resource Center Advisor 2019-2020 425-564-3081 International Education  Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE B144 Bellevue, WA 98007 https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/international/ From: Judith Paquette Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 8:35 AM To: Nora Lance ; Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Tonya Estes ; Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Nora, I think that is a good idea.  Tabling will allow for a comment space or whatever other people want. “Arguing with a person over what to believe is even more difficult than arguing about how to behave.” ― Frank H Wu (Yellow, Race in America Beyond Black and White, 2002) “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”   ― Nelson Mandela Judith Paquette Bellevue College - Faculty  Social Science Division - Business Administration Transfer 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Mailstop D110 Bellevue, WA  98007-6484 425-564-2133 division: 425-564-2311 fax:  425-564-4197 From: Nora Lance Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 8:31 AM To: Elena Maans-Lorincz ; Tonya Estes ; Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: RE: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Should I put in a request for a tent and table in front of the fountain? Nora From: Elena Maans-Lorincz Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 7:53 AM To: Tonya Estes ; Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Hello all, Please know the Library is here to support in any way we can. In the Library we also have big rolls of paper, in light blue, yellow and white. We could cut a long piece and hang it up, or even cover a table with it for the campus community to write on. Unless you were thinking of copy paper sized sheets which would be easier to the present to the artist. Just let us know what would be needed and the Library can bring over what we can. I think meeting at 1pm on Tuesday by the fountain is a great idea. Thank you all! In solidarity, Elena Elena I. Maans-Lorincz, MLIS (she/her/hers) Outreach Librarian Library (425) 564- 4119 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Room D126D Bellevue, Washington 98007 www.bellevuecollege.edu From: Tonya Estes Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 2:23:10 AM To: Denise Johnson ; [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement On Tuesday, the Commons can be open as a space for discussions. I'm not sure what else might be useful.  If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know.  and I met on Wednesday and the Faculty Commons has purchased 3 copies of Strawberry Days for APISAC to distribute for reading prior to David Neiwert's presentation. They are out of print, which made purchasing tricky. They will arrive on Monday, so will be available on Tuesday. We are also looking into providing an honorarium for him.  [1] I really love Leslie's suggestion of having a sheet of paper/pens in the cafeteria for people to write their feelings and thoughts. We don't stock those kinds of supplies, but perhaps if we ordered some on Friday, they would arrive in time.  Take Care, Tonya Tonya Estes (She, Her, Hers) Faculty Commons Chair, Bellevue College website: www.bellevuecollege.edu/facultycommons/ 425-564-3345 Closing the Equity Gap at the Faculty Commons with High 5  1. Interact with your students by name during the first week;  2. Monitor student behavior and progress, and intervene when an issue arises;  3. Use the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) model for assignments;  4. Meet with students one-on-one and communicate routinely about their course performance;   5. Become a "master of paradox"   From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:45 PM To: [1] <[1] Cc: Leslie Lum ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes ; Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; BSU Coordinator <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Thank you so much for this, [1] Since the artist will be here at 130 on Tuesday, how about we gather as many people as possible to meet at the fountain at 1pm on that day? We can certainly pull something supportive together. Tonya, what can the faculty commons do on this day to contribute? In support, Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 8:29 PM, [1] <[1] wrote:  Thank you all for the support. There are a few actions we can all take in response to this act of vandalism. 1. March 1st - Accompany APISA this Sunday, March 1st at 11: am. to the Wing Luke Museum and learn more about Asian Pacific History. I believe that knowledge frees us from our own limitations, including our own ignorance.  If you need additional information please contact me at: [1] 2. March 3rd – At 1:30 p.m. Erin Shigaki, author of “Never Again Is Now” will be at Bellevue College, let’s all be there and support the artist. 3. March 11th – At 12:30, in N201 David Neiwert, author of Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community, will be speaking at Bellevue College. We can all attend the lecture and learn more about our own history. 4. July 9-12 - https://www.minidokapilgrimage.org/ accompany APISA to the Minidoka Pilgrimage. Every year Nora Lance organizes and incentivizes Bellevue College students and staff to visit Minidoka incareration camp near Twin Falls, Idaho. The bus departs from and returns to Bellevue College. This is an opportunity of a life time! For all who didn't have the opportunity to watch Prof. Leslie Lum spoke about the incident to Kiro 7 News - https://www.kiro7.com/video/?id=4849543 We are welcome to all suggestions. The way the affinity groups have come together has touched me profoundly. Please let me know of any other activity so we can work together to organize them.  Once again thank you, [1] From: Leslie Lum Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:04 PM To: Denise Johnson ; Belle Nishioka ; Tonya Estes Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement The artist will be here on 3/3 to restore the art tag beside the defaced one (which a student corrected). Erin will arrive at 1:30 pm and will be meeting with Bellevue City Councilperson Janice Zahn at 2:30 pm. Although I don't want to overwhelm her, it would be nice to show support. Perhaps we could post a sheet in the cafeteria where people could write the impact of the art installation and its censorship on you. Leslie Get Outlook for Android From: Denise Johnson Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:46:28 PM To: Belle Nishioka Cc: Faculty / Fulltime ; Faculty / Part Time ; Diversity Caucus ; Black Employee BC ; [1] <[1] Classified ; ASG Officers ; [1] <[1] [1] <[1] Subject: Re: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Just kinda thinking “aloud” here, as I read folks asking about next steps. Just one idea...What if we arranged a gathering at the art exhibit to show unity, collective support, and to demonstrate our concern? A time to come together, have each other’s backs. Denise Sent from my iPhone On Feb 27, 2020, at 5:32 PM, Belle Nishioka wrote:  Dear Colleagues: We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II. This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building. This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen. We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected. We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus listserve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, coveredup or modified. In solidarity, Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty _____________ Dear Colleagues: I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time. It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years. USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma. Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997). We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.” BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.” Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted. As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the back-breaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market. Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land. Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered. Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square. Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College. We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups. Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other. Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanesemovement-led-development-bellevue/62732 Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997. Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community. https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/ From: To: Cc: Belle Nishioka Faculty / Fulltime; Faculty / Part Time Diversity Caucus; Black Employee BC; [1] Subject: Date: Statement from Leslie, Nan and Belle re: exhibit defacement Friday, February 28, 2020 1:34:47 PM Classified; ASG Officers; [1] [1] Dear Colleagues:  We sent this statement out yesterday about 5:30 p.m. Since then, there have been quite a few emails, so we wanted to send it out one more time to make sure you saw it. Leslie, Nan and Belle ____ Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:32 PM Subject: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus list-serve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, covered-up or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years. USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.” BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the backbreaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College. We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-led-development- bellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/     From: To: Subject: Date: Lonnie Lopez Gayle Barge What in the fuck is WRONG with you? Friday, February 28, 2020 2:16:11 PM How do you, a black woman, support white supremacy by vandalizing the art display?  I'm so fucking sick of black folks like you supporting racism. From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Belle Nishioka Administrators Nan Ma; Leslie Lum Statement from Leslie, Nan and Belle re: exhibit defacement Friday, February 28, 2020 4:54:34 PM Hi, My sincere apologies for not sending this email to the Administrators list yesterday and again today. I am learning how to communicate with the whole campus, so it was my oversight.  Dear Colleagues:  We sent this statement out yesterday about 5:30 p.m. Since then, there have been quite a few emails, so we wanted to send it out one more time to make sure you saw it. Leslie, Nan and Belle ____ Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:32 PM Subject: Response to incarceration exhibit defacement Dear Colleagues:   We are deeply grateful for those of you who have emailed, written and spoken up to support our community after the recent defacement of the Japanese American incarceration exhibit. The exhibit honors the 126,000 people of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of whom were American-born citizens and 50% of whom were children, who were unjustly imprisoned during World War II.   This has been an emotionally challenging time for many of us, especially for our Asian Pacific Islander community. However, we feel uplifted by the unexpected groundswell of support across campus, including from numerous students and student clubs. And we feel hopeful that coalitions are forming and solidarity is building.   This is especially painful for us because the Vice President is another woman of color, with whom we can identify, and we do not want her to be scapegoated or targeted. While we believe that she should be held accountable for her actions, we want the administration to closely examine the institutional inequities and racism that enabled such actions to happen.   We hope that the College administration will address the deeper systemic issues on campus to ensure that all community members feel included, valued and respected.   We have attached Belle’s email ("It's Personal, The Facts, Call to Action, Gratitude") that she sent to the Diversity Caucus list-serve and several of the governance councils last Sunday night to share her perspective about the impact, to provide some facts about the Miller Freeman family, and to state that the history of racism in this country should not be erased, covered-up or modified.   In solidarity,     Leslie Lum, Nan Ma and Belle Nishioka Faculty   _____________ Dear Colleagues:   I want to express my deep gratitude to Leslie Lum, Nan Ma, Nora Lance and Pavy Thao for their many hours of heartfelt work to bring the “Never Again is Now” art exhibit to BC. I also want to thank Erin Shigaki, the artist for the exhibit, whose family also was imprisoned. For the Day of Remembrance and on the 78th Anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, the exhibit commemorates and honors the 120,000 innocent people of Japanese ancestry who were incarcerated during World War II, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. As represented by the two young children in the exhibit, 50% were children, including my father, who was only 11 years old at the time.   It’s Personal For many BC staff, including a Board member, faculty, students and me, this exhibit and history are personal because our families and friends also were incarcerated. When I heard about the defacement of the exhibit, I felt deeply disturbed, sad, pained and demoralized. I thought about my grandfather, who came to the USA alone as a 16 year old, built his own shoe repair business in Oakland while raising two young children as a widow and single father, and then lost everything due to the incarceration. I thought about my aunt, who described the stench of horse manure in the California Tanforan horse stalls, where my father, grandfather and she were forced to live for five months before being moved to the barracks in the Utah desert for another three-plus years. USA History of Racism Should Not Get Erased, Modified, or Covered-up While I want to acknowledge Dr. Barge’s apology, the United States’ history of racism should not get erased, covered up, or modified, just because it is uncomfortable for some, especially given the current atrocities of the incarceration and abuse of families and the inhumane separation of children from their parents, which is happening at our borders now. We can’t prevent similar atrocities from happening again if we refuse to acknowledge our mistakes from the past and present -- if we try to distance or disassociate ourselves from the truth, including about people in our own community who caused harm and trauma, including intergenerational trauma.   Even today, very little is taught about the incarceration, and most Americans do not know that American citizens were unjustly imprisoned based solely on "race prejudice, war hysteria and a failure of political leadership" (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, 1997).   We are an educational institution, responsible for educating students about American history and politics, and as a core value, BC states “We acknowledge our responsibility to society and embrace the belief that widespread access to excellent post-secondary education is the cornerstone of a democratic society.” BC also states that part of its mission is to “advance pluralism.”   Facts about the Miller Freeman Family It is well documented that for decades, Bellevue’s prominent Miller Freeman family persistently stoked anti-Japanese/Japanese American sentiment, including through the newspapers that they owned. And economically, they hugely benefitted.   As noted in Marsha’s article, “How Bellevue Businessmen Who Stoked Fears Benefitted after Japanese American Incarceration,” before the war, the Japanese immigrants “did the backbreaking work of clearing the large and deeply rooted stumps and made Bellevue suitable for farming and homes” (2017). They contributed to 75% of the produce grown in the region and they occupied many of the vendor stalls in the Pike Place market.   Miller Freeman also strongly campaigned for land laws to prevent immigrants, such as my grandfather, from owning land.   Because Japanese American families were only given one to two weeks’ notice to leave their homes and only were allowed to bring what they could carry, they were exploited and consequently, on average, were only offered one percent (1%) of the value of their belongings and land. In 1942, my grandfather had to sell $4,000 worth of shoe repair equipment at a damaging loss and close his business. Economically, like most families, he never recovered.   Once forced out, the Freeman family and others began building profitable businesses on the land where the Japanese/Japanese American families previously resided, which includes what is now Bellevue Square.   Call to Action We need to come together as a community to address deeper equity and diversity issues on campus in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Organizers of the AAPI Heritage Month events and I urge the College, and especially the president and Cabinet, to support more educational opportunities about the incarceration of Japanese Americans and the role that the Miller Freeman family played in the forced removal of innocent families from the Bellevue area. This includes funding for students, faculty, staff and administrators to attend the Minidoka Pilgrimage in Idaho; installing a permanent exhibit honoring those incarcerated during World War II; and inviting David Neiwert, who lives in Seattle and is the author of Strawberry Days, to speak at the College. We also urge the College to strongly support and fund additional equity efforts across campus, including those recommended by the Council for Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the campus affinity groups.   Final Note Nationally, the Asian Pacific Islander community is only designated one month a year for celebrations. Many other communities, such as the Jewish and Muslim communities, are not designated any month at all. Since this is a time for celebration and commemoration of those who struggled and survived before us, I hope that we can honor and respect the work of all of our communities, and as was intended by the organizers who brought the “Never Again is Now” exhibit to BC, continue to support and build solidarity with each other.   Sources include: https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/02/19/anti-japanese-movement-led-developmentbellevue/62732   Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Personal Justice Denied: Report of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians. Seattle: University of Washington Press and Washington D.C.: Civil Liberties Public Education Fund, 1997.   Neiwart, D. (2005). Strawberry Days: How Internment Destroyed a Japanese American Community.   https://twitter.com/DavidNeiwert/status/1101238202474459136 With gratitude, Belle Belle M. Nishioka, MA, LMHC (pronouns: she/her) Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Senior Associate Professor Credentialed Multicultural Mental Health Specialist Counseling Center, Bellevue College Room B234-O (425) 564-5747 (appointments/front desk) (425) 564-2152 (office phone) www.bellevuecollege.edu/counseling/     From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Benayah Israel Gayle Barge Coco McMillan featuring Gerald Levert Making my Way through the Storm (He has not left us yet) Friday, February 28, 2020 5:34:04 PM image001.png I pray in the mighty name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ this song Blesses you Dr. Barge!  Know that your sincere apology is accepted by myself and a host of others.  More than anyone/thing is God in Christ Jesus continually  forgive us…….   May they all see God in Christ Jesus in you…… henceforth……   https://youtu.be/rIl9uDMJI6Q         Your Brother in Christ Jesus……. Benayah Israel Library & Archives Paraprofessional/Student Mentor Reserve Collection/Interlibrary Loans Library Media Center Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   (425) 564-3059 benayah.israel@bellevuecollege.edu     Happyness is ageless…….   Jose Gallegos Bellevue College student    Humankind has not woven the web of life.  We are but one thread within it.  Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.  All things are bound together.  All things connect.    Chief Seattle (Sealth) 1854   Ho! Mitakuye Oyasin “We Are All Related”   Cherokee   I do not think the measure of a civilization is how tall buildings of concrete are, but rather how well it’s people have learned to relate to their environment and fellowman.   Sunbear Chippewa Tribe   "In the history of the human race, those periods which later appeared as great have been the periods when the men and women belonging to them has transcended the differences that divided them and recognized in their membership in the human race a common bond."   HIM Emperor Haile Selassie I (from his address to the Organization of African Unity 1962)   “More than ever, I realize that America, whose people assemble from the four corners of the earth in search of liberty and opportunity, is a second home for all of us.   HIM Emperor Haile Selassie I  (from his Majesty’s reply to President John F. Kennedy welcoming speech for HIM October 1, 1963)   "An individual has not started living fully until they can rise above the narrow confines of individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of humanity.  Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are You doing for Others?"   Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  (quote from the speech entitled, "Conquering SelfCenteredness 1957)   "We must rapidly begin a shift from a "thing"-oriented society to a "person"-oriented society.  When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, materialism and militarism are incapable of being conquered.  A civilization can flounder as readily in the face of moral and spiritual bankruptcy as it can through financial bankruptcy."   "Over the bleached bones and jumbled residues of numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words "Too late."  There is an invisible book of life that faithfully records our vigilance or our neglect.  "The moving finger writes, and having writ moves on..."  We still have a choice today: nonviolent coexistence or violent coannihilation.  This may well be mankind's last chance to choose between chaos and community."   Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  (these paragraphs are from his final book entitled, "Where do we go from here: Chaos or Community?" published April 1967)            From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Benayah Israel Re: Coco McMillan featuring Gerald Levert Making my Way through the Storm (He has not left us yet) Friday, February 28, 2020 5:39:58 PM There are no words to express my appreciation for your support and prayers.  God Bless,  Gayle Sent from my iPad On Feb 28, 2020, at 5:34 PM, Benayah Israel wrote:  I pray in the mighty name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ this song Blesses you Dr. Barge!  Know that your sincere apology is accepted by myself and a host of others.  More than anyone/thing is God in Christ Jesus continually  forgive us…….   May they all see God in Christ Jesus in you……henceforth……   https://youtu.be/rIl9uDMJI6Q         Your Brother in Christ Jesus……. Benayah Israel Library & Archives Paraprofessional/Student Mentor Reserve Collection/Interlibrary Loans Library Media Center Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   (425) 564-3059 benayah.israel@bellevuecollege.edu     Happyness is ageless…….   Jose Gallegos Bellevue College student    Humankind has not woven the web of life.  We are but one thread within it.  Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.  All things are bound together.  All things connect.    Chief Seattle (Sealth) 1854   Ho! Mitakuye Oyasin “We Are All Related”   Cherokee   I do not think the measure of a civilization is how tall buildings of concrete are, but rather how well it’s people have learned to relate to their environment and fellowman.   Sunbear Chippewa Tribe   "In the history of the human race, those periods which later appeared as great have been the periods when the men and women belonging to them has transcended the differences that divided them and recognized in their membership in the human race a common bond."   HIM Emperor Haile Selassie I (from his address to the Organization of African Unity 1962)   “More than ever, I realize that America, whose people assemble from the four corners of the earth in search of liberty and opportunity, is a second home for all of us.   HIM Emperor Haile Selassie I  (from his Majesty’s reply to President John F. Kennedy welcoming speech for HIM October 1, 1963)   "An individual has not started living fully until they can rise above the narrow confines of individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of humanity.  Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are You doing for Others?"   Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  (quote from the speech entitled, "Conquering Self-Centeredness 1957)   "We must rapidly begin a shift from a "thing"-oriented society to a "person"oriented society.  When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, materialism and militarism are incapable of being conquered.  A civilization can flounder as readily in the face of moral and spiritual bankruptcy as it can through financial bankruptcy."   "Over the bleached bones and jumbled residues of numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words "Too late."  There is an invisible book of life that faithfully records our vigilance or our neglect.  "The moving finger writes, and having writ moves on..."  We still have a choice today: nonviolent coexistence or violent coannihilation.  This may well be mankind's last chance to choose between chaos and community."   Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  (these paragraphs are from his final book entitled, "Where do we go from here: Chaos or Community?" published April 1967)  From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: My sympathy is with you. Friday, February 28, 2020 5:41:56 PM image001.png image002.png image003.png image004.png image005.png Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Gayle Barge Date: February 27, 2020 at 3:37:51 PM PST To: Gayle Barge Subject: Fwd: My sympathy is with you.  Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Gayle Barge Date: February 26, 2020 at 2:20:00 PM PST To: Jerry Weber , Kristen Jones Subject: FW: My sympathy is with you.  This is an example of the messages I have been receiving personally and via email.   Best, Gayle   From: Laeticia Nkinsi Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 1:52 PM To: Gayle Barge Subject: My sympathy is with you.   Hello Dr. Gayle,   I see you as a role model, you always have a word of encouragement and wisdom for me even though we don’t know each other so well. You never let us call you Dr Gayle;  call me Gayle” as you always respond, and most times we smile and try to get familiar with addressing you as Gayle. I wanted to check on you and see how you are doing. I came to the forum to show my support to you, I wanted to say a few words to the audience on how I see you as a role model. But I couldn’t stay longer, the line for the mic was taking longer to get, and I had a meeting with a student. You have shown us what humility truly means by standing there  respectfully, graciously, humbly listen to the audience. It is a sign of courage, leadership, bravery and humility. You’re a warrior and I’m praying for you.   Sincerely,   Laëticia Nkinsi Program Manager Workforce Education Direct Line:425-564-4045 Fax:425-564-4141 laeticia.nkinsi@bellevuecollege.edu     This e-mail and any files transmitted may contain confidential information as protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 USC § 1232g and/or Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2510-2521. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution is prohibited. Furthermore, if you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by telephone or return e-mail and completely delete this message from your system.   From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: "Never Again is Now" art installation Friday, February 28, 2020 5:46:47 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Gayle Barge Date: February 27, 2020 at 3:38:22 PM PST To: Gayle Barge Subject: Fwd: "Never Again is Now" art installation  Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Gayle Barge Date: February 25, 2020 at 6:09:00 PM PST To: "erin@purplegatedesign.com" Subject: RE: "Never Again is Now" art installation  Dear Ms. Shigaki,   Thank you very much for responding to my messages. I would like to humbly request an opportunity to meet with you and answer your questions in person. If you would be willing to do so, I would be very appreciative.   In the meeting yesterday at the College, Dr. Weber committed to restoring the art tag. Please accept our appreciation for your willingness to proceed with the restoration. The amount of $350 will be processed immediately. Dr. Weber indicated that he will be in contact with you.     Ms. Shigaki, I hope that we can meet and you will consider accepting my profuse apology.   Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282     From: Erin Shigaki 紫垣 Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 4:15 PM To: Gayle Barge Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" art installation   Dear Dr. Barge,   Thank you for writing and for your phone message. It would do my soul good to understand why you chose to deface my art tag. If there is anything more you can offer about your motivations or thought process, I would appreciate it. It was triggering to hear that my work including pieces of the history around the World War II incarceration of my community were literally whited out.   I would like to ask for $350 to account for the additional time and materials to reinstall the art tag. I am arranging a date to do so with the Bellevue College administrators who hired me.   Sincerely, Erin Shigaki .  .  .  .  .    Erin Shigaki (she/her) Purple Gate Design +1.718.909.5687 @purplegatedesign purplegatedesign.com www.minidokapilgrimage.org     On Fri, Feb 21, 2020 at 4:19 PM Gayle Barge wrote: Dear Ms. Shigaki, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   I left an initial voice mail message to apologize and request an opportunity to work with you to have that section of the installation restored. I am available to facilitate that endeavor at your convenience.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: Current dust-up Friday, February 28, 2020 5:47:06 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Gayle Barge Date: February 27, 2020 at 3:38:51 PM PST To: Gayle Barge Subject: Fwd: Current dust-up  Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Gayle Barge Date: February 24, 2020 at 2:32:00 PM PST To: Tracy Biga MacLean Subject: RE: Current dust-up  It has been devastating, colleague. Thank you for the message.   Best, Gayle   From: Tracy Biga MacLean Sent: Monday, February 24, 2020 10:50 AM To: Gayle Barge Subject: Current dust-up   Gayle, It’s been a bit shocking to me to see the flurry of emails around the campus mural. It is clear to me that the disputed sentence wasn’t approved by cabinet as part of the original proposal, and that you had little choice in addressing it. You have always been helpful and supportive to me (and many others), so it is difficult to see the spread of this inaccurate information. I’m sure there are many people like me who understand why the statement couldn’t stand as it was. tbm   Tracy Biga MacLean, Ph.D Accreditation Liaison Officer Assoc Dir, Effectiveness & Strategic Planning Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle Bellevue, WA 98007-6406 425.564.2035   From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: Coco McMillan featuring Gerald Levert Making my Way through the Storm (He has not left us yet) Friday, February 28, 2020 5:51:47 PM image001.png Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Benayah Israel Date: February 28, 2020 at 5:34:03 PM PST To: Gayle Barge Subject: Coco McMillan featuring Gerald Levert  Making my Way through the Storm (He has not left us yet)  I pray in the mighty name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ this song Blesses you Dr. Barge!  Know that your sincere apology is accepted by myself and a host of others.  More than anyone/thing is God in Christ Jesus continually  forgive us…….   May they all see God in Christ Jesus in you……henceforth……   https://youtu.be/rIl9uDMJI6Q         Your Brother in Christ Jesus……. Benayah Israel Library & Archives Paraprofessional/Student Mentor Reserve Collection/Interlibrary Loans Library Media Center Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   (425) 564-3059 benayah.israel@bellevuecollege.edu     Happyness is ageless…….   Jose Gallegos Bellevue College student    Humankind has not woven the web of life.  We are but one thread within it.  Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.  All things are bound together.  All things connect.    Chief Seattle (Sealth) 1854   Ho! Mitakuye Oyasin “We Are All Related”   Cherokee   I do not think the measure of a civilization is how tall buildings of concrete are, but rather how well it’s people have learned to relate to their environment and fellowman.   Sunbear Chippewa Tribe   "In the history of the human race, those periods which later appeared as great have been the periods when the men and women belonging to them has transcended the differences that divided them and recognized in their membership in the human race a common bond."   HIM Emperor Haile Selassie I (from his address to the Organization of African Unity 1962)   “More than ever, I realize that America, whose people assemble from the four corners of the earth in search of liberty and opportunity, is a second home for all of us.   HIM Emperor Haile Selassie I  (from his Majesty’s reply to President John F. Kennedy welcoming speech for HIM October 1, 1963)   "An individual has not started living fully until they can rise above the narrow confines of individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of humanity.  Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are You doing for Others?"   Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  (quote from the speech entitled, "Conquering Self-Centeredness 1957)   "We must rapidly begin a shift from a "thing"-oriented society to a "person"oriented society.  When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, materialism and militarism are incapable of being conquered.  A civilization can flounder as readily in the face of moral and spiritual bankruptcy as it can through financial bankruptcy."   "Over the bleached bones and jumbled residues of numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words "Too late."  There is an invisible book of life that faithfully records our vigilance or our neglect.  "The moving finger writes, and having writ moves on..."  We still have a choice today: nonviolent coexistence or violent coannihilation.  This may well be mankind's last chance to choose between chaos and community."   Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  (these paragraphs are from his final book entitled, "Where do we go from here: Chaos or Community?" published April 1967)            From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Friday, February 28, 2020 6:08:43 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Sue Nightingale Date: February 21, 2020 at 6:35:58 PM PST To: Gayle Barge Subject: Re: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation  Hey Gayle! Just wanted to say, thanks for the email. It’s never easy, but it does matter, it does help and I appreciate it.   Sue Nightingale On Feb 21, 2020, at 4:13 PM, Gayle Barge wrote:  Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Friday, February 28, 2020 6:09:49 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Becky Turnbull Date: February 21, 2020 at 4:20:47 PM PST To: Gayle Barge Subject: RE: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation  I could not love you more. Courage : the attitude of facing and dealing with anything recognized as dangerous, difficult, or painful, instead of withdrawing from it ….   Becky   “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” – Maya Angelou   From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Benayah Israel Gayle Barge RE: Coco McMillan featuring Gerald Levert Making my Way through the Storm (He has not left us yet) Friday, February 28, 2020 6:26:25 PM image001.png tom-bradley_mayor.gif Dr. Barge, you are a Gift to our Community……  As David did, you repented of the mistake.  Having done all Stand with God in Christ Jesus and His Host of Angels and Continue to do Good as we were taught….  God is with you…….   As my Father a departed Minister of the Gospel, community leader in Los Angeles, Tom Bradley (his Mother Crener Bradley and his Brother Ellis live in my community) Mrs. Waters and others, forgave them for dumping Crack in LA and destroying the Civil Rights movement.  I worked on  political campaigns from 9yrs to 20—left to attend college in the PNW.  They modeled forgiveness.  Sometimes a reminder is needed, for we all fall short of the Glory of God in Christ Jesus.  Having done all—we Stand—in His Grace walking toward his Face……   Even our Lord and Savior with his Woolen Hair and Fleecy Locks shared tears.  Yes, tears are for cleansing and repentance.  You have a testimony to push our campus community forward.  Fear not!    God in Christ Jesus is Able as my Father said…..as an Evangelist for God in Christ Jesus I say by life’s experience—God is Able……   https://youtu.be/9UW95RiF7J0     Jeff Majors - God s Gift. feat. Kelly Price   https://youtu.be/3wX-YWOr8RQ  Sister Mahalia Jackson and Louis Armstrong  Just A Closer Walk With Thee (One of my Uncles sung with her)   Ephesians 3:20-21 King James Version (KJV) 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21  Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.          Hebrews 13: 1-6 King James Version (KJV) 13 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. 4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. 5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. 7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. 8  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.                   Romans 15: 1-7 King James Version (KJV) 15 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.     I just noticed the Bible verse of today on Bible Gateway II Timothy 1:7 King James Version (KJV) 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Ask Him to keep you Balance and Strong through this situation.  My favorite verse to repeat doing a trial  “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me……”   Pray my strength in the Lord as I pray yours….in Jesus name I pray……Amen God is Able…..   Benayah Israel Library & Archives Paraprofessional/Student Mentor Reserve Collection/Interlibrary Loans Library Media Center Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   (425) 564-3059 benayah.israel@bellevuecollege.edu     Happyness is ageless…….   Jose Gallegos Bellevue College student    Humankind has not woven the web of life.  We are but one thread within it.  Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.  All things are bound together.  All things connect.    Chief Seattle (Sealth) 1854   Ho! Mitakuye Oyasin “We Are All Related”   Cherokee   I do not think the measure of a civilization is how tall buildings of concrete are, but rather how well it’s people have learned to relate to their environment and fellowman.   Sunbear Chippewa Tribe   "In the history of the human race, those periods which later appeared as great have been the periods when the men and women belonging to them has transcended the differences that divided them and recognized in their membership in the human race a common bond."   HIM Emperor Haile Selassie I (from his address to the Organization of African Unity 1962)   “More than ever, I realize that America, whose people assemble from the four corners of the earth in search of liberty and opportunity, is a second home for all of us.   HIM Emperor Haile Selassie I  (from his Majesty’s reply to President John F. Kennedy welcoming speech for HIM October 1, 1963)   "An individual has not started living fully until they can rise above the narrow confines of individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of humanity.  Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are You doing for Others?"   Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  (quote from the speech entitled, "Conquering SelfCenteredness 1957)   "We must rapidly begin a shift from a "thing"-oriented society to a "person"-oriented society.  When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, materialism and militarism are incapable of being conquered.  A civilization can flounder as readily in the face of moral and spiritual bankruptcy as it can through financial bankruptcy."   "Over the bleached bones and jumbled residues of numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words "Too late."  There is an invisible book of life that faithfully records our vigilance or our neglect.  "The moving finger writes, and having writ moves on..."  We still have a choice today: nonviolent coexistence or violent coannihilation.  This may well be mankind's last chance to choose between chaos and community."   Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  (these paragraphs are from his final book entitled, "Where do we go from here: Chaos or Community?" published April 1967)        From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 28, 2020 5:40 PM To: Benayah Israel Subject: Re: Coco McMillan featuring Gerald Levert Making my Way through the Storm (He has not left us yet)   There are no words to express my appreciation for your support and prayers.    God Bless,  Gayle Sent from my iPad On Feb 28, 2020, at 5:34 PM, Benayah Israel wrote:  I pray in the mighty name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ this song Blesses you Dr. Barge!  Know that your sincere apology is accepted by myself and a host of others.  More than anyone/thing is God in Christ Jesus continually  forgive us…….   May they all see God in Christ Jesus in you……henceforth……   https://youtu.be/rIl9uDMJI6Q          Your Brother in Christ Jesus…….   Benayah Israel Library & Archives Paraprofessional/Student Mentor Reserve Collection/Interlibrary Loans Library Media Center Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   (425) 564-3059 benayah.israel@bellevuecollege.edu     Happyness is ageless…….   Jose Gallegos Bellevue College student    Humankind has not woven the web of life.  We are but one thread within it.  Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.  All things are bound together.  All things connect.    Chief Seattle (Sealth) 1854   Ho! Mitakuye Oyasin “We Are All Related”   Cherokee   I do not think the measure of a civilization is how tall buildings of concrete are, but rather how well it’s people have learned to relate to their environment and fellowman.   Sunbear Chippewa Tribe   "In the history of the human race, those periods which later appeared as great have been the periods when the men and women belonging to them has transcended the differences that divided them and recognized in their membership in the human race a common bond."   HIM Emperor Haile Selassie I (from his address to the Organization of African Unity 1962)   “More than ever, I realize that America, whose people assemble from the four corners of the earth in search of liberty and opportunity, is a second home for all of us.   HIM Emperor Haile Selassie I  (from his Majesty’s reply to President John F. Kennedy welcoming speech for HIM October 1, 1963)   "An individual has not started living fully until they can rise above the narrow confines of individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of humanity.  Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are You doing for Others?"   Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  (quote from the speech entitled, "Conquering Self-Centeredness 1957)   "We must rapidly begin a shift from a "thing"-oriented society to a "person"oriented society.  When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, materialism and militarism are incapable of being conquered.  A civilization can flounder as readily in the face of moral and spiritual bankruptcy as it can through financial bankruptcy."   "Over the bleached bones and jumbled residues of numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words "Too late."  There is an invisible book of life that faithfully records our vigilance or our neglect.  "The moving finger writes, and having writ moves on..."  We still have a choice today: nonviolent coexistence or violent coannihilation.  This may well be mankind's last chance to choose between chaos and community."   Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  (these paragraphs are from his final book entitled, "Where do we go from here: Chaos or Community?" published April 1967)            From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation Friday, February 28, 2020 6:30:41 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Becky Turnbull Date: February 21, 2020 at 4:20:47 PM PST To: Gayle Barge Subject: RE: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation  I could not love you more. Courage : the attitude of facing and dealing with anything recognized as dangerous, difficult, or painful, instead of withdrawing from it ….   Becky   “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” – Maya Angelou   From: Gayle Barge Sent: Friday, February 21, 2020 4:13 PM To: Diversity Caucus Subject: "Never Again is Now" Art Installation   Dear colleagues, Please accept my sincerest apology for any and all distress caused by the removal of the sentence from the art installation – “Never Again is Now.” The removal of the sentence was not based on any form of discrimination or disregard for artistic expression. To any colleagues who feel that this is the situation, please be assured that this is not the case. Throughout a lifetime of service both personally and professionally, I have been a tireless champion for racial harmony, peace and acceptance. I would never and have never been associated with discriminatory practices or beliefs.   The artwork will be completely restored.   Upon reflection, I can see that my actions were based on impulse without forethought and for that I ask your forgiveness. My commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion are synonymous with my familial background. I have lived a lifetime of working for harmony and will continue to do so. Sincerely, Gayle   Gayle Colston Barge, Ed.D. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle, S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007   gayle.barge@bellevuecollege.edu 425-564-2282       From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: +1 206-419-7510 Gayle Barge Voice Mail (1 minute and 6 seconds) Saturday, February 29, 2020 10:12:32 AM audio.mp3 Hi I am a Bellevue College Alumni Ann I am calling today because after learning about what is happened on campus with the Meryl? I really think it is best for you to resign if you care about the students. The employees and the overall community of Bellevue, please resign. What you have done is unacceptable and completely inappropriate. In my personal opinion, I think you have no place in higher education and quite frankly in education in general. What you've done is completely wrong and you need to resign. Don't think about yourself and your own personal wants and interests. Do what's best for the students, the employees, and the community resign. You have no place at Bellevue College. Students do not want you there. Alumni does not want you there, so please do what's best for everyone and resign. Thank you so much. Please resign. You have no place there. You received a voice mail from +1 206-419-7510. Thank you for using Transcription! If you don't see a transcript above, it's because the audio quality was not clear enough to transcribe. Set Up Voice Mail From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: Voice Mail (1 minute and 6 seconds) Saturday, February 29, 2020 2:56:56 PM audio.mp3 ATT00001.htm Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: +1 206-419-7510 <+1 206-419-7510> Date: February 29, 2020 at 10:12:31 AM PST To: Gayle Barge Subject: Voice Mail (1 minute and 6 seconds) Reply-To: "+1 206-419-7510"  Hi I am a Bellevue College Alumni Ann I am calling today because after learning about what is happened on campus with the Meryl? I really think it is best for you to resign if you care about the students. The employees and the overall community of Bellevue, please resign. What you have done is unacceptable and completely inappropriate. In my personal opinion, I think you have no place in higher education and quite frankly in education in general. What you've done is completely wrong and you need to resign. Don't think about yourself and your own personal wants and interests. Do what's best for the students, the employees, and the community resign. You have no place at Bellevue College. Students do not want you there. Alumni does not want you there, so please do what's best for everyone and resign. Thank you so much. Please resign. You have no place there. You received a voice mail from +1 206-419-7510. Thank you for using Transcription! If you don't see a transcript above, it's because the audio quality was not clear enough to transcribe. Set Up Voice Mail file:///C/Users/megan.cipolla/Downloads/Fwd_%20Voice%20Mail%20(1%20minute%20and%206%20seconds).htm[3/23/2020 4:15:49 PM] From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: What in the fuck is WRONG with you? Saturday, February 29, 2020 2:57:18 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message:  From: Lonnie Lopez Date: February 28, 2020 at 2:16:11 PM PST To: Gayle Barge Subject: What in the fuck is WRONG with you? How do you, a black woman, support white supremacy by vandalizing the art display?  I'm so fucking sick of black folks like you supporting racism. From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: Seattle Times article Saturday, February 29, 2020 2:57:31 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Debbie Heathers Date: February 27, 2020 at 1:00:09 PM PST To: Gayle Barge Subject: Seattle Times article I read with disgust the article in today’s Seattle Times how you defaced artwork about interment of Japanese Americans. You should be ashamed of yourself and YOU should apologize, not the college. That’s if you don’t think you did anything wrong. I think you should resign UNLESS the college has decided to fire you. I would expect a university vice president would display better judgement.   Debbie Heathers From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: Please leave the field of education Saturday, February 29, 2020 2:57:42 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Andy Sloan Date: February 27, 2020 at 10:34:25 AM PST To: Gayle Barge Subject: Please leave the field of education Reply-To: Andy Sloan  Censoring a mural to distort history indicates that you should not be in the field of education. To say nothing of the harm done to the artist by your actions. Please leave the field of education. Thank you. From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: Personal response to recent defacing of art installation Saturday, February 29, 2020 2:58:06 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message:  From: Rachel Endicott Date: February 27, 2020 at 8:02:29 AM PST To: Gayle Barge , Jerry Weber Subject: Personal response to recent defacing of art installation V.P. Barge and President Weber:   As a former Continuing Education Student at Bellevue College and resident of Bellevue, it has been a long time since I have been moved to write to someone because of my strong feelings about an action.   Ms. Barge, I am not Asian American, but am absolutely appalled that you would delete a portion of Erin Shigaki’s art installation, something that still (unfortunately) speaks to the racism and xenophobia of our culture.  You, I’m sure, are an educated woman.  But it appears that you are still in need of ongoing work on racial sensitivity and awareness.   Mr. Weber, if Ms. Barge is under such pressure to not “piss off”  the Kemper family that you asked or even acquiesced to her defacing the art work, then you – too – are in the same place.  Holding potential donations to more value than admitting to an individual’s role in the incarceration of a whole group of people is beyond what I would hope of leaders of what I have considered to be a forward-moving educational institution.   At a minimum, I would hope that the two of you would take time to read all of the following: -        White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo and Michael Eric Dyson -        Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston -        They Called Us Enemy by George Takei , Justin Eisinger , et al. as well as researching where Asian Americans from BELLEVUE, including the Mercer Slough and Beaux Arts areas, were sent during World War II.   I hope you will spend some time looking inward and being open to change.  My husband, usually fairly mild-mannered, is not so forgiving and thinks at least you, Ms. Barge, should be fired.   I hope you will both consider what I have written.   With hope,   Rachel Endicott rendicott@comcast.net 15114 SE 48th Dr. Bellevue, WA  98006     From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: Former alumni fundraising Saturday, February 29, 2020 2:58:21 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: "tulstein@hotmail.com" Date: February 27, 2020 at 8:25:30 AM PST To: Gayle Barge Cc: Media Relations , Human Resources , Jerry Weber Subject: Former alumni fundraising  Hi Gayle, What will you be doing to erase the disgrace of your actions? The American Japanese community stands with Black Americans, why do you stand against us? At Internment Camp pilgrimages we hold sessions to talk about how we can use our place in society to advance the safety and equality of our POC peers. You are beholden to money, not truth. You have no place at Bellevue College. Please resign.  Signed, Tor Ulstein DTA '99 From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: Never Again Is Now Saturday, February 29, 2020 2:58:38 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Jason Curtis Date: February 27, 2020 at 7:51:32 AM PST To: Gayle Barge Subject: Never Again Is Now  You are an embarrassment to higher education. What you did is disgraceful. You should be (but I expect you are not) ashamed of yourself.  I guess "Never Again Is Now" IS now.   From: To: Subject: Date: Gayle Barge Gayle Barge Fwd: Defacement of Art Saturday, February 29, 2020 2:58:50 PM Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Brian King Date: February 26, 2020 at 9:04:52 PM PST To: Gayle Barge Subject: Defacement of Art Dear Dr. Barge, I am writing to you concerning your recent actions defacing art displayed on the BCC campus that (accurately) describes the local history surrounding the internment of Japanese-Americans during WWII. I have extended family members who were placed in camps during this time period. Will you please publicly comment on why you removed information from a work of art without permission of the artist? The fact that the information you removed is demonstrably true only enhances my confusion over your act. The only reasonable interpretation is that you were encouraged to do so by a wealthy local businessman who happens to be a relative of the person mentioned in the artist’s work. Is there any other explanation? If so, I think you owe it to the community to explain it. Thank you. Brian King