The Santa Rosa Junior College Board of Trustees highlighted the employee of the month, heard protests from students about the continued employment of a dance teacher and listened to a speech on employee demographic data and workplace engagement at its meeting Jan.13.
Board members began the open session by recognizing grounds maintenance technician Chloe Anthony as employee of the month, presented by the building and equipment maintenance and grounds manager Hank Lankford.
Lankford described Anthony as a dedicated employee and appreciated her initiative and positive attitude toward her work.
“She regularly jumps in to help others, often without being asked, just to make sure that things don’t fall behind,” Lankford said. “She’s always willing to learn, ask questions and pitch in whenever she’s needed.”
Board members transitioned to a presentation on employee demographic data and workplace engagement from Vice President of Human Resources Alia Dunphy. Dunphy highlighted changes in faculty diversity over the past five years and emphasized the importance of student representation among their faculty.
“If students can’t see themselves in the curriculum, the classroom and in many of our programs, they may not see themselves at our institution,” she said.
Board member Mariana Martinez valued Dunphy’s presentation and echoed the importance of fostering student and staff connections.
Four students made public comments addressing the reemergence of dance coordinator Casandra Hillman, criticizing the board members’ lack of attendance at their dance show, “out of bounds.”
SRJC dance students have been calling for Hillman’s removal after dance student Jordan Tauzer-Pardo filed a discriminatory disability grievance, and have called out Hillman for alleged abuse and unprofessional behavior. SRJC put Hillman on paid administrative leave in November 2024, before she returned in August to teach 12 sections. This semester, she is on the schedule to teach 13 sections after three were cancelled, according to the schedule of classes.
“I haven’t seen you guys try to make a personal connection with any of us dancers; it just feels like you’re ignoring us,” said former SRJC dance student Braylon Ernest.
Tauzer-Pardo concluded by sharing statistics on the number of students enrolled in Hillman’s spring classes.
“Students are simply not enrolling when her name is attached,” Tauzer-Pardo said. “Worse still, required classes and units needed for certificates, degrees, and transfers are listed only under her name. These classes then get cancelled, costing students their units, financial aid, moral status and valuable time.”
Of the 13 sections Hillman is scheduled to teach, eight of them have more seats available than students currently enrolled, according to the schedule of classes.
President Dr. Angélica Garcia stressed the importance of student success, retention and completion as the new semester begins, while also acknowledging the current political and social climate.
“We continue to serve our community with integrity and dignity and with the highest levels of professionalism. I just want to remind students that if you are experiencing any hardships or you’re requiring support, please do not hesitate to reach out,” Garcia said.
Hazen Ou • Feb 3, 2026 at 2:04 pm
Dance is an art form. Art is to express yourself through moving the air around you. It is unbelievable to keep someone on staff who is directly involved with students, around said students, especially as she is not reliable to keep us safe and comfortable. This has been going on for many years in silence, and years being screamed aloud. How disgraceful and discouraging is it to even try to pursue a career or hobby in dance, when management listens to only the oppressors and not the victims.
Eismael Sandoval • Jan 27, 2026 at 11:53 am
It’s so unfortunate that the dance program has had this ongoing issue for over a year… as a student u feel ignored and as if the school is doing nothing to solve this issue!!! Get her out!
Terry Tauzer • Jan 26, 2026 at 10:27 pm
Oak Leaf Staff:
The ongoing story of the suffering of the SRJC Dance Program because of Cassandra Hillman’s illegal and damaging practices got a brief nod in the current issue of the Oak Leaf. Although well-written, it lacked the student passion underlying this issue. Distressed dance students continue to cry, yell out, picket in large numbers, avoid classes, and beg the Board at every meeting, to do something to relieve their suffering. Along with staff, they have been bravely standing up for what is right for over a year. From this vantage point, in all this time, it appears that nothing is being done by the adults who should be protecting them. The Board has not responded and President Garcia, who spouts beautiful principles in every speech, it not acting upon them. Grievances against Ms. Hillman have been substantiated after a thorough investigation by H.R. Yet, this teacher remains in the classroom. The real story here is why? Why is this offender allowed to continue to pollute this school? Why hasn’t she been removed to prevent further damage to the SRJC dance program and allow these students to practice their art without fear?
Could you delve further into this question in your next article?
Jennell Tauzer-Pardo • Jan 26, 2026 at 4:28 pm
Thank you Hamami for summarizing the last SRJC board meeting. It is important to continue to keep the unjust situation that Jordan and many others have endured in the KAD department at the forefront! For over a year now students and faculty have been speaking their painful truths at boarding meetings (monthly for over a year), with HR (all 3 heads), filing grievances (multiple with sustained allegations) and holding peaceful protests (with over 35 students, faculty and family members in attendance). When will President Angelica Garcia put action to her promises? Garcia in 2 years, has not responded to the multiple emails and requests for meetings, “reached out” or made any effort to make dancers or KAD employees feel safe or supported! Enough is Enough! Instead of giving Hillman a year’s paid leave, show her the door! The enrollment in courses where Hillman is on the roster do not have enough registration to continue per admission and records requirements! If the board won’t take action the students will and are by boycotting her classes! This speaks volumes. With the current political and social climate, make SRJC the safe place students and faculty can come together. SRJC Board, President Garcia-Remove Hillman, you know it is the right thing to do. If you have been wronged by Hillman, no matter how small, reach out to Alia Dunphy in HR and file an official complaint. Your voice matters, you are believed and supported. Hope to see you all at the next board meeting.
Braylon Earnest • Jan 26, 2026 at 4:16 pm
The amount of students not enrolled in those dance classes is astounding. If the board can’t listen to the students about that teacher, I hope they can listen to the numbers….