The Clarion Online

Issue date: 10/12/05 Section: Editorial

Jokes demean importance of community colleges

In an open forum at Citrus College on Sept. 28, the chancellor of the California Community Colleges took a question about the system's image problem. His response -"who cares" -took us back.

We understand that Dr. Mark Drummond's flip answer was aimed at scoffing skeptics who dismiss community colleges as inferior institutions of higher learning. After all, the chancellor also commented that most people "know what we do."

However, community colleges do have an image problem, and Drummond's quick retort does nothing to help improve it.

Consider NBC's "Tonight show." In an April monologue, Jay Leno made fun of a San Francisco group that sponsored a one-day "whore college" for prostitutes. Leno then got to the punch line, saying that it was "less embarrassing than going to a junior college."

We don't think that nasty put-down was funny, but millions of television viewers laughed at his wisecrack.

So what do the masses really believe? How can we convince uber-wealthy snobs that community colleges play a vital role in training and educating students?

As Drummond pointed out with pride, California's 109 community colleges educate nearly 2.5 million students, both for transfer and for careers.

The system's "open door policy" allows individuals of all backgrounds to pursue their abilities and interests. Students who received a diploma but lacked the maturity to sustain high grades in high school still have an opportunity to attend a four-year school through community college. But who cares?

Individuals who are unable to afford the fees at a four-year college can usually afford a community college. But who cares?

Community colleges prepare students for the academic challenges of four-year schools. Community college professors usually teach smaller classes, enabling them to provide students with more personal attention. But who cares?

Community colleges provide the springboard for aspiring athletes, writers, architects, and journalists. But who cares?

Educational leaders must take responsibility for improving the image of community colleges, not dismiss the issue as unimportant.


Clearly, Drummond does care. But his choice of words was careless.

Educators should never utter the words "who cares?" Education is the key to solving society's problems, and community college are the door through which many of us will walk on the way to better lives.

That is the message leaders need to convey. Too bad celebrities like Leno don't get it.

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