Share: [Editor’s Desk, 2024: The birth of Pasadena City College in 1947 didn’t just mark the start of a new institution—it also brought about a transition for its student newspaper. With the merging of John Muir College and Pasadena Junior College, the Pasadena Chronicle, which had served as the voice of the student body, was set to evolve into something new: the PCC Courier. Much like the college itself, the newspaper faced the challenge of building an identity from the foundation up. The Pasadena Chronicle …
Newly formed Students for Justice in Palestine aims to educate and empower
Share: When Omar Khatib returned to college at age 28, joining a club wasn’t on his agenda. “I just wanted to get in, do my thing and go,” he said. That all changed when Khatib, who is Jordanian-Palestinian, learned about Pasadena City College’s newly formed chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). “There was no way I could say no to this,” he said at a club meeting in September. The club’s leadership—made up of President Anja Kelley, Vice President Diego Santoyo, Secretary Saira …
Every 15 to 30: A step-by-step guide on how to take the PCC shuttle
Share: Despite the slew of parking lots, Pasadena City College offers students and staff a free shuttle service which connects the Foothill, Rosemead, and Colorado campuses, as well as the Allen Avenue A Line Station. With shuttles running every 15 to 30 minutes, the service is a practical solution for managing your commute to campus. Here’s how to take advantage of this free service. 1. Understand the shuttle schedule The PCC Shuttle operates every 15 to 30 minutes. It services four locations: Foothill Campus, …
Adjunct professor sues PCC over unpaid work
Share: Pasadena City College (PCC) has been named as a defendant in a class action lawsuit filed by adjunct faculty across California. Dr. James Keller, an adjunct assistant professor of German at PCC is among the plaintiffs in the case, which seeks back pay, damages, and systemic reforms to ensure adjuncts are paid for work they do outside of instruction time. Originally filed in 2022 by seven adjunct professors at other districts, the lawsuit now includes PCC as a defendant, according to the second amended …
There’s nothing neutral about ‘institutional neutrality’
Share: In a world increasingly fraught with political tension and social upheaval, the concept of “institutional neutrality” has become a convenient fig leaf for organizations looking to dodge accountability and controversy. Harvard University’s recent decision to reject calls for a stronger stance on social and political issues under the guise of neutrality is a prime example of this misguided and fundamentally political stance. Harvard’s leadership, in opting for neutrality, ostensibly aims to create an environment where academic freedom and open discourse can flourish unimpeded by …
Incoming student trustee finds her spirit at PCC
Share: During her years at Temple City High School, Irene Wong immersed herself in the rules and procedures of Model United Nations. “I tried out [for student government in high school] but I didn’t have enough spirit,” Wong said in an interview, laughing. In the diplomatic, collaborative environment of Model UN, Wong discovered a passion for social and political advocacy. “I really got into political advocacy around high school,” Wong said. “I think that ingrained interest is what drew me to being a part of …
Divestment calls persist, but path forward still unclear
Share: Efforts to pressure the Pasadena City College (PCC) Foundation to divest from major polluters and defense contractors are pressing on, but the path forward remains unclear due to the foundation’s independent governance, fears of professional repercussions among faculty, and a lack of concrete action in response to student protests and resolutions. Following a 300-person demonstration led by the PCC Anti-War Club in late April, PCC’s student government unanimously passed a resolution calling on the foundation to divest from companies involved in fossil fuels and …
A vegan’s guide to eating at PCC
Share: For vegans at Pasadena City College (PCC), navigating meal options can be challenging. While the campus dining scene is slowly evolving, finding vegan-friendly food requires some creativity and resourcefulness. This guide aims to help fellow vegans discover the best places to eat, both on and off campus, ensuring that dietary restrictions don’t compromise the enjoyment of your college experience. On-Campus Options PCC’s on-campus food options for vegans are, frankly, embarrassingly bad. If you’re looking for something more than a snack but don’t want to …
Associated Students unanimously passes divestment resolution
Share: In a unanimous vote, the Associated Students at Pasadena City College passed a resolution that pressures PCC and the school’s foundation to divest from major polluters and defense contractors by July 2025. The vote comes a week after around 300 students demonstrated on campus calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the foundation’s investments in companies linked to Israel’s military and profiting off war. “The Associated Students of Pasadena City College calls on Pasadena City College Foundation to refrain from making …
Planned demolition of W building leaves uncertain future for dance program
Share: Pasadena City College’s (PCC) Facilities Master Plan, endorsed by voters in 2022, is facing a wave of apprehension from students and faculty in the dance department as the college gears up to demolish the W and L buildings. The W building, which houses the dance department, has become a point of particular contention. At a recent Board of Trustees meeting in April, students enrolled in the dance program voiced their concerns about the impending demolition, citing worries over the lack of suitable replacement facilities. …