Strung among notes on bathroom walls saying “trans joy” and “the bathroom belongs to everyone” in the Analy Hall women’s restroom, The Oak Leaf reporters found a back-and-forth clash between black and red ink on April 22.
In black ink someone wrote “love always wins” above the standard symbol for transgenderism enclosed in a heart. Next to it someone wrote “Doen’t” [sic] in red ink attempting to say “Love doesn’t always win.” The red ink also crossed out the heart and symbol.
By April 24, The Oak Leaf staff discovered the red-penned author escalated the severity of the messages, calling for the death of transgender people.
Not the first of its kind on the Santa Rosa Junior College campus, the sighting comes after students spotted transphobic graffiti in the Forsyth Hall women’s restroom in January.
SRJC Queer Resource Center (QRC) programmers Aria Bonifacio, 27, and Felix Santiago Reyes, 26, were disheartened to hear of another act of anti-trans graffiti on campus.
“This just shows that trans students are in need of more support,” Santiago Reyes said. “They can’t even use the restroom without seeing hate like that.”
When asked for comment, Sarah Pew, SRJC’s senior director of marketing, communications and public affairs, referred reporters to President Dr. Garcia’s district-wide email on Feb 3. In the email, Garcia said SRJC condemns hate speech and intimidation, actively monitors these issues, and addresses them when they arise.
“These acts are not just violations of policy—they are attacks on the sense of belonging and safety that every member of our community deserves. One of my top priorities is ensuring that our community remains open to all— without exception and without threats of exclusion or hate,” Garcia said.
Dr. Garcia noted that although there may not be written communication campus-wide after each occurrence of graffiti, the district is working behind the scenes to ensure a safe and welcoming campus for all.
Santiago Reyes and Bonifacio did not have faith in the school’s response after the last graffiti incident. They gave credit to Dr. Garcia’s email, but they were disappointed it did not list the QRC as a resource. Official communication from the school to the QRC has been lacking, Bonifacio said.
Bonifacio and Santiago Reyes are the only two student programmers for the center. “How are students going to come in here and try to connect with people if there is no one working?” asked Santiago Reyes.
Since the last act of graffiti, Bonifacio has not seen a change in actions or support from the college. Bonifacio said they want school officials and the greater community to show support during the good times as well, not just when there is a tragedy or injustice.
“The school only shows up and says something when something like this happens. What about all of the other times?” Bonifacio said.
Since April 24, staff from the SRJC facilities department painted over the graffiti in the bathrooms across campus and posted signage stating, “Graffiti is vandalism and subject to disciplinary action.”
