Navigating Intersectional Oppression & Fostering Campus Safety at Mt. SAC with April Tellez Episode 232

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of systemic and individual violence, including sexual assault and rape. Please listen with care.On March 18, 2026, Dolores Huerta, distinguished farmworker rights activist and feminist, published a statement sharing her personal story of surviving sexual abuse and rape perpetrated by Cesar Chavez. In her statement she shared that she, “carried this secret for as long as I did because building the movement and securing farmworker rights was my life’s work.” She put the movement ahead of herself because of her commitment to improving the lives of farm workers and their families. In this episode we will be talking with April Tellez, Mt. SAC professor of History and of Ethnic Studies, who authored the book, Dolores Huerta: A Life in American History. Join us as we reflect on the message of Dolores Huerta’s work, the repercussions of intersectional oppression, and how we can contribute to providing safe learning environments for students. Resources:Huerta, Dolores. “A Statement from Dolores Huerta.” Medium. 18 Mar. 2026, https://medium.com/@dolores_huerta/march-18-2026-e74c20430555? The Dolores Huerta Foundation For Community Organizing. “Sexual Assault Resources.” https://doloreshuerta.org/sexual_assault_resources/ Mt. SAC Behavioral Health (for students) multi-disciplinary, multilingual, and multiethnic team of licensed professionals that offer short-term confidential mental health counseling and crisis intervention.Mt. SAC Behavior and Wellness Team (BW&T) Non-emergency multidisciplinary campus team that guides the campus community in effectively assessing and addressing concerning and/or threatening behavior. The B&WT aims to support students who may be experiencing an emotional problem or before their behavior reaches a potentially dangerous level. Mt. SAC employees can submit referrals to B&WT when they are concerned about a student. The team will follow up to provide support and resources.Mt. SAC Employee Counseling Center Offers free, voluntary and confidential counseling, workshops, information and referrals for Mt. SAC employees. Bilingual counseling in Spanish is also available. Mt. SAC Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Title IX states that: No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. If you have questions or concerns learn more on the Mt. SAC Title IX Contact Information. AP3540 Sexual Misconduct, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking End Rape on Campus Your experience is valid, it’s not your fault, and you are not alone. This organization works to end campus sexual violence through direct support for survivors and their communities; prevention through education; and policy reform at the campus, local, state, and federal levels. Survivor Resources are also listed on their website.A Call to Men: Helping create a world where all men and boys are loving and respectful and all women, girls, and those at the margins of the margins are valued and safe.Crisis Intervention Resources:Call the Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255Text COURAGE to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text LineDeaf and Hard of Hearing Crisis Support: Text “HEARME” to 839863, available 24/7StrongHearts Native Helpline 1-844-762-8483 is a 24/7 confidential and anonymous domestic and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans.Trevor Project1-866-488-7386, or text START to 678-678 offers immediate crisis support for LGBTQIA+ youth. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S via text, chat, or phone–100% confidential and 100% free. After Hours Emotional Support: Just need someone to talk to?LA County Department of Mental Health 24/7 1-(800) 854-7771, press 2California Peer-Run Warm Line 855-845-7415Run Time: 35 min, 19 secTo Find the full transcript for this episode click HERE