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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Mission of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Lower Columbia College celebrates and embraces diversity of all kinds, including differing beliefs, cultures, people, and experiences. We commit to institutional and individual changes that recognize, understand, and challenge patterns of social inequity and systemic disparities within our ever-changing world. As part of this commitment, we strive to strengthen practices involving student success, cultural enrichment, diversity education, curricular transformation, and employee development. We are dedicated to promoting an accessible, inclusive, and safe environment that fosters cultural competency, educational equity, and social justice for all students, staff, faculty, and our local and global communities.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan 2022-27

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan 2022-27 Priorities are listed below. Click the link for the seven-page plan!

  • Priority Area One: Develop a culture of safety and belonging for all
  • Priority Area Two: Invest in a campus experience where all succeed
  • Priority Area Three: Create a sustainable infrastructure to bolster continued DEI success

Please see page 3 of the plan for LCC’s definitions of equity, diversity and inclusion.


Bias Response Team

A diverse group of campus representatives available to determine a rapid and effective response to incidents of bias. See Bias Response Team.


Campus Climate Assessments

Pursuant to SB 5227, community colleges in Washington are now expected to regularly administer campus climate assessments to students and employees and post the findings. Reports will be posted here as they become available.


Diversity Training for Employees

In addition to the "Diversity at LCC" training required of all new employees (to be replaced by "DEI in the Workplace - Higher Ed - All Employees" in September 2022), LCC's DEI training framework is a shared, collaborative effort between Human Resources, the Diversity and Equity Committee, and the Instructional Assessment Committee designed to provide both general and targeted training for employees.

Date and details of session/s

Evaluation Results

3/31/2022 - Facilitated breakout sessions re: creating action plans related to equity in the classroom (LCC faculty led); all full-time faculty

8/30/2022 - Search Advocate training (Oregon State University); open to all employees; "The mission of the Search Advocate program is to enhance diversity, validity, and equity in our search and selection processes."

9/9/2022 - "Neutral" Student Grievance Processes in White Supremacist Institutions of Higher Education (Dr. Farhana Loonat); all staff

9/9/2022 - Overview of culture change and the role of guided pathways and equity (Dr. Al Solano); all staff; and Getting our feet wet with the guided pathways and equity typology (Dr. Al Solano); breakout session option during all staff

9/15/2022 - Creating Gravity Activity in the Classroom (Dr. Al Solano); all full-time faculty

NA


Safe Zone Training

The Safe Zone Project

The Safe Zone Project is a new program on the LCC Campus that will offer a visible message of inclusion, affirmation, and support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people. Trainings will be available to help staff, faculty and students become more aware of the problems facing our students of diverse gender and sexualities and offer guidance on how to support those students.

Our curriculum is a three hour program provided through The Safe Zone Project.


Undocumented Students/DREAMers

Undocumented students in Washington state have the right to attend colleges and universities. Many qualify for state-funded financial aid because of the Washington Dream Act, also called the The Real Hope Act which was signed into law in 2014.

Learn more about who to contact at LCC, and policies and practices that protect LCC students.


Workforce Diversity Plan

Lower Columbia College is committed to hiring and retaining a workforce that reflects the diversity of
our student body. Read the Lower Columbia College Workforce Diversity Plan for more information.

Diversity & Equity Center

Located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center, Room 201. See Campus Map.

  • Events and Activities - focusing on diversity and equity for students and employees

Diversity Clubs, Groups & Organizations

Participate in diversity-focused events at Lower Columbia College. See Campus Calendars.

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