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6
March 2025
Volume 60 Issue 6
PHOTO BY: GRETA MCGLAWN David Brooks performs as Jason acting out a scene with a puppet during the production of “Hand to God” in the Meramec Theater. The play production was directed by Rick Wilmore and debuted after a snow delay on Feb. 20. See story on p. 6
STLCC re ady to respond to Missouri’s changes to education Bill in State House echoes Trump administration’s agenda to eliminate ‘D.E.I.’ JACOB POLITTE
MANAGING EDITOR
T
he trickle-down effect of the Trump Administration’s longterm agenda for education may very well affect programs, courses and potential employment that STLCC will offer in the future. Recently, a resolution was proposed in the Republican controlled Missouri State House of Representatives that calls for no state funding for the 2025-2026 school year to be awarded to institutions that are “focused solely on diversity, equity and inclusion, or similar initiatives.” This language, which can be found in House Bill 2 of the Journal of the House from Feb. 19, echoes the agenda of the current Presidential administration. With that in mind, Chancellor Jeff Pittman
first addressed the matter in a Feb. 14 update. At that time, he wrote “There has been much talk about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts at colleges, universities and many companies and agencies. Recently, new laws have been proposed in Missouri, and some federal orders have been issued (though they were taken back for now) that focus on DEI initiatives.” He continued, “These laws could mean that institutions not following the rules might lose funding. Because of this, we need to examine and respond to any local, state, or federal rules that require changes in our operations. As a precaution, we have formed a College Response Team to review these rules.” Two weeks later, that seven person team is in place. The team is comprised of Chancellor Pittman, Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Regina Blackshear, South County Dean and
Director Rob Lee, General Counsel Amy Clendennen, controller Patrick Miller, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Jennifer Arvin and Director of Labor and Employee Relations Shirley Simmons. Pittman says that they are prepared to take action to assess and comply with the state’s potential new agenda. On Monday, he issued this updated statement to The Montage: “The new administration is rapidly making changes that impact higher education in several areas,” Pittman said. “A Legislative College Response Team, co-chaired by Regina Blackshear, associate vice chancellor of student affairs, and Rob Lee, dean and director of STLCC South County, has been formed and is tasked with assessing these changes and ensuring we comply with state and federal regulations. Community colleges nationwide provide educational opportunities for all that
lead to life-changing transformation and economically vibrant communities.” He continued, “Our mission remains unchanged. We will celebrate what makes us unique, ensure fair access to opportunities, and value and respect differences. As we navigate these changes, we will stay true to STLCC’s values.” Despite this, rumors have been circulating that some courses may be cut if this bill is formally passed through the Missouri Senate chamber, though these rumors remain unsubstantiated. Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Andrew Langrehr was contacted late last week regarding these changes, but was unable to speak with The Montage before press time due to time constraints. The college has not commented on the matter. The Montage will continue to monitor the course catalog and report any changes.
meramecmontage.com S er ving the St. L ouis Communi ty Colle ge - Me ra me c Ca mpus c o m m u n i t y s in c e 1 96 4
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