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Recent commentary about my conduct at the February Cabrillo College board meeting deserves clarification.

First, I did not leave the meeting out of disrespect. I had an Uber driver waiting in the parking lot of the horticulture building and had already kept him waiting nearly 10 minutes. I do not drive at night because I have night blindness, so leaving when I did was a practical necessity.

Questions have also been raised about why I mentioned our campus leader, Travaris Harris. I selected him for a positive reason. Harris is from Chicago and served there for years as an administrator. Because former president Barack Obama lived much of his adult life in Chicago, it seemed entirely possible their paths might have crossed. My intent was to highlight that connection in a respectful way.

We are also living in a time when many communities feel under attack politically. Many LGBTQ people and people of color see this clearly. That is why I believe it is important for our schools and communities to recognize and celebrate months that honor historically marginalized groups and their contributions.

Some of my colleagues on the governing board are uncomfortable addressing these topics publicly. I am not. My role as a trustee is not only to manage budgets and policies but also to stand up for inclusion and speak honestly about issues affecting our community.

Despite the controversy that followed the meeting, I received no phone calls or emails of complaint from community members. I do not respond to anonymous emails, as I believe public discourse should be conducted openly and respectfully.

I also want to note that Mr. Harris himself told me at the February meeting, “Steve, I appreciate your support.” That meant a great deal to me.

At the same meeting, I apologized to anyone I may have hurt with my remarks. I meant that apology sincerely. However, there is one moment I will not apologize for. A woman in the audience shouted that my late partner, Ed, a Black man, was a “token.” That was a racist insult to someone I loved deeply. I defended Ed and then chose to leave the meeting.

I will always stand up against racism and defend the dignity of people who cannot speak for themselves. On that point, I have no apologies.

Steve Trujillo

Cabrillo College trustee