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Aptos Today
By the People, for the People
Cabrillo College Community Condemns Trustee's Racist Conduct
Students and staff express disappointment over lack of accountability from Trustee Steve Trujillo.
Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:35pm
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The Cabrillo College community's calls for accountability over a trustee's racist conduct underscore the need for stronger leadership and a renewed commitment to inclusivity.Aptos TodayMembers of the Cabrillo College community, including students and staff, expressed continued disappointment with Trustee Steve Trujillo's racist comments made during recent board meetings. Trujillo was accused of singling out a Black administrator and making insensitive remarks, prompting calls for accountability that the board has so far failed to adequately address.
Why it matters
Cabrillo College prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive campus, but Trujillo's conduct has undermined those values and caused harm to the school's Black community. The board's handling of the situation has also raised concerns about their commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all.
The details
During a February board meeting, Trujillo singled out a Black administrator, Assistant Superintendent and Vice President of Instruction Travaris Harris, and asked him to share his experiences while discussing a racist video posted by former President Trump. In the March meeting, other board members acknowledged that Trujillo's comment was inappropriate, but he defended himself and abruptly left the meeting when other members encouraged him to apologize. This prompted condemnations from Cabrillo students and faculty, who called out the harm Trujillo's comments had caused and the board's lack of action.
- In February, Trujillo made racist comments during a board meeting.
- In March, Trujillo defended his comments and left the meeting when asked to apologize.
- On Monday, the Cabrillo community continued to express disappointment over Trujillo's conduct and the board's response.
The players
Steve Trujillo
A member of the Cabrillo College Governing Board of Trustees who has been accused of making racist comments during recent board meetings.
Travaris Harris
The Assistant Superintendent and Vice President of Instruction at Cabrillo College, who Trujillo singled out during a board meeting.
Donna Ziel
The Chair of the Cabrillo College Governing Board of Trustees, who moved to create an ad-hoc committee to investigate complaints against Trujillo.
Vivianna Moreno
The Associated Students President at Cabrillo College, who spoke out against Trujillo's conduct.
Alta Northcutt
The student activities and welcome services director at Cabrillo College, who condemned the board's inaction in response to Trujillo's comments.
What they’re saying
“The leadership on this campus hasn't done enough. There is nothing professional about letting someone cause harm openly then allowing them to be corrected privately. Your training, your title, your degree, your experience mean nothing if all you ever do is talk about it.”
— Alta Northcutt, Student activities and welcome services director
“The trustee member made statements that had hurt our community, and when many members of our community spoke up about the hurt, he refused to show remorse or growth.”
— Vivianna Moreno, Associated Students President
What’s next
The Cabrillo College Governing Board of Trustees has formed an ad-hoc committee to investigate complaints against Trustee Steve Trujillo. The committee is expected to report back with their findings at the board's May meeting, where they will also consider the possibility of censuring Trujillo.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the need for greater accountability and a stronger commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Cabrillo College leadership. The community's continued calls for action demonstrate the importance of fostering a truly welcoming and inclusive campus environment.
