PCC Board Chair Steps Down Over 'Sanctuary College' Vote

By Rob Manning (OPB)
Portland, Oregon Jan. 4, 2017 8:31 p.m.

The chairman of Portland Community College’s elected board is stepping down.

Related: Students 'Come Out Of The Shadows' At PCC Event

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Gene Pitts is reacting to a recent vote to identify PCC as a "sanctuary college" for undocumented students.

PCC followed Portland Public Schools and Portland State University in opposing potential immigration enforcement under the Trump Administration. In his resignation email, Pitts said the designation “politicizes” the college and risks federal financial aid for many PCC students.

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Pitts represents Beaverton and the southwestern portion of PCC's region. He said the designation could reduce voter support for a future bond campaign.

This is Pitts' full resignation notice, which he sent to PCC President Mark Mitsui and his fellow board members Dec. 20:

President Mitsui and Board members,

I have spoken to each of you, so it should not be a surprise that I was not
aligned with the College's decision to deem itself a "sanctuary college". As
I've shared with you, I felt that the decision to use the term "sanctuary
college" politicizes the college, places risk on the backs of the 40+
percent of the college's students that receive Pell grant monies (and
ultimately on the college's Federal funding), and alienates a percentage of
voters as we approach the college's next bond campaign. From my Intel
career, I understand and have embraced the importance of "disagree and
commit" in order to provide a one-voice on matters. However, on this issue I
cannot commit. For that reason, I am resigning my position as Board Chair
and as Board Member serving Zone 6.

I wish the Board and the College well.

Best regards,
Gene Pitts

PCC spokeswoman Kate Chester said the board is taking two steps in response to Pitts' announced resignation:

1.) The board intends to appoint Director Kali Thorne-Ladd to the role of chair at this month's board meeting -- set for Thursday, Jan. 19.

2.) The board is in discussion about a replacement to complete Gene's current term, which ends this year. Candidates interested in the permanent role will need to run for election in May 2017, with the term beginning July 1, 2017.

Pitts' resignation was originally reported by Willamette Week.

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