The College of the Sequoias (COS) Visalia campus was recently vandalized by members of the Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) club on the night of Tuesday, February 18th. Members posted on Instagram of the club using chalk to write messages on the pavement, including phrases like “Blue Lives Matter,” “Pro-Life” and “There Are Only Two Genders.” Some students have said that these messages have made them feel uncomfortable and unwelcome.

Unfortunately, the YAF club’s actions aren’t the only source of discomfort. Some individuals have also been preaching on campus under the guise of religious messaging while spreading hate, causing some students to feel so uncomfortable that they’ve stopped attending classes.

When asked for comment, Student Trustee Toby Shirk stated, “College is all about challenging ideas and expressing your own. However, I think there’s a certain standard for which these are expected to be presented: in a respectful, academic, and conscientious manner.”

To address these ongoing issues, the Student Senate has invited Yocelyn Torres, a student at COS, to speak at an upcoming meeting. This meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 25th, at 11:10 a.m. in the COS Board Meeting Room. Torres will highlight the impact of the YAF club’s behavior and other incidents affecting the campus climate. This will be an opportunity for students to share their experiences, voice concerns and advocate for a more respectful and inclusive environment.

If you’ve experienced discomfort, witnessed similar incidents, or have information that could help address these issues, please reach out to Yocelyn Torres:

Instagram: @fknyocelyn

Email: [email protected]

Students are strongly encouraged to attend and participate in this important discussion. Together, we can work toward a safer, more supportive campus for everyone.