Resources & Support

Bias Education Webinar Series

Unpacking Biases: Conversations That Matter to the MiraCosta Community is a thought-provoking webinar series that fosters greater awareness and understanding of the various biases today and their impact on our MiraCosta College community. Featuring distinguished speakers from diverse fields, the series offers unique perspectives. Whether you're a student, faculty member, or part of our extended community, this series will provide valuable insights into how biases shape our experiences and what we can do to foster a more inclusive environment. Join the Bias Education Support Team (BEST) for meaningful discussions, enrich your understanding, and be part of the solution.

Wednesday, September 6 with Rick Barton

Topic: Anti-Semitism

Webinar Recording

This series aims to shed light on biases that are common today, such as anti-Semitism, and how they impact our MiraCosta community. Our featured guest this month is Rick Barton, an experienced lawyer and an advocate for social issues. Barton often speaks about conflicts in the Middle East, anti-Semitism, the Holocaust, and topics related to religious freedom.

About the Speaker: Rick Barton brings a wealth of experience from multiple arenas. He is a partner at the San Diego law firm of Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP, where he has specialized in representing healthcare providers for over 25 years. A seasoned litigator, Barton has argued cases in various courts, including the California Court of Appeal, California Supreme Court, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Outside of his legal practice, Barton has served in local and national leadership roles in the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for over 30 years. These include Chair of the San Diego Regional Board, National Vice-Chair of International Affairs, Chair of National Leadership, Chair of the National Education Committee, and Chair of the National Task Force on Education Equity. He currently serves as a member of ADL’s Global Advisory Council and Co-Chair of San Diego Region’s Civil Rights and Government Affairs. Barton is an impassioned speaker on subjects like conflict in the Middle East, anti-Semitism, the Holocaust, religious freedom, and church-state issues. He has traveled internationally to engage with government and organization officials, further enriching his perspectives.

Wednesday, October 4 Sandra Miles

Topic: Anti-DEI

9 – 10 a.m.

Webinar Link

About the Speaker: Dr. Miles has spent most of the last two decades serving as a leader and administrator in higher education. Specifically, she has extensive experience managing crisis, strategic planning, developing leadership programs, working with persons with disabilities, mediating disputes, and serving as a Dean of Students, Chief Student Affairs Officer, Chief Diversity Officer, and Deputy Title IX Coordinator. In 2022, Sandra joined Academic Impressions full-time as the Head of Practice for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion due to her experience with the organization as a subject-matter expert who facilitated trainings and workshops in higher-ed, as well as to her passion for making DEI concepts resonate for individuals from all walks of life.

Dr. Miles completed her doctoral work at Florida State University in 2012, earning a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration. She also completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Central Florida. In addition to her career and educational achievements, Sandra is on the editorial board for EVOLVE Magazine – First Coast Edition; is a former Chair of the NASPA Center for Women Board; is a former National Director of the Black Female Development Circle, Inc.; and is the current President of the Palm Coast-Flagler County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.