Allan Hancock College approves formation of Black Student Union Club

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Allan Hancock College's Associated Student Body Government approved the creation of a Black Student Union (BSU) Club.

The BSU Club was one of several ideas voiced by students at a virtual forum in June. The club will be open to all students and will hold meetings, host educational events and activities.

The BSU club’s faculty advisor, Adjunct Business Professor Earl Murray Jr. said the new club represented an opportunity for Hancock students of all races to celebrate Black culture, lifestyle and history.

Hancock College said the creation of the BSU Club continues a systemwide review to ensure that all students have access to an equitable and inclusive education regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, age, or sexual orientation.

The college also recently created a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task force to examine policies, procedures, and programs.

The task force said it will work to remove systemic barriers that inhibit the ability of underrepresented groups to fully participate in the opportunities provided at Hancock.