Building a more diverse and inclusive institution is a critical aspect for Richland Community College to grow and thrive. We build trust as we celebrate the diversity of our students, faculty and staff at Richland; we recognize that inclusive living, learning, and teaching require more than a campus of variety and difference. Our mission is to provide innovative educational environments, opportunities, and experiences that enable individuals, communities, and the region to grow, thrive, and prosper.

We believe we accomplish this mission, in part, by engaging in a vibrant exchange of ideas based on a multitude of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives and viewpoints. We are committed to fostering mutual respect, empathy and understanding, and to building constructive and rewarding educational, working, and social relationships.

A Core Institutional Value is Diversity and to this end, we believe that our similarities and differences are opportunities for establishing a common bond and strengthening the College.

In an effort to live this value we commit to:

  • Employing a College workforce that reflects the community we serve
  • Ensuring fair and equal access for all
  • Recognizing, appreciating, and celebrating the strength of diversity
  • Providing educational experiences that promote a greater appreciation for diversity
  • Implementing learning activities that integrate diversity topics in the classroom
  • Seeking and considering multiple points of view

We will continue to create a campus community that is broadly accessible to individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations. We respect and encourage activities, gatherings, and conversations in which individuals from all backgrounds are able and eager to fully participate.

Diversity Committee Forums

Identity, Intersectionality, & Inherent Immunity 
This session is designed to assist attendees in defining social identity and recognizing the components of their own social identity, understanding intersectionality (i.e., how multiple minorities identities equates to compound marginalization), and understanding privilege including which of their social identities are privileged identities.

Faces of the Community College
In celebration of Community College Month, we will examine national, state, and local trends for enrollment and completion at community colleges. We will also discuss the “face” of the person in front of the classroom and in the offices serving students. Do we still have ‘Baby Boomers” attending community colleges? Are “millennials” represented in key administrative positions? How do we balance the expectations of these groups? Join us to explore these questions!

Social Justice and Equity Today
In this session, participants will learn about the sociocultural and historical factors that shape life for minoritized youth and families. Attendees will begin to identify socially just approaches to teaching and learning in the community college space.

Meeting the Needs for Diverse Students of Color
Come to hear and share with your colleagues the various strategies which can be used to promote diversity in the classroom through inclusive activities.

Title IX & Campus Climate
This session will give participants the knowledge and tools to be an informed Richland employee in regards to sexual and gender-based harassment/violence. With increased attention to this subject via the #MeToo movement, it is an important time to be informed about Richland policy and the Title IX process. Participants will also have the chance to discuss ways we can hold each other accountable to maintain a safe campus environment.

Safe Zone 
Designed to increase the campus community’s understanding and awareness of issues faced by LGBTQ+ persons. This will help us become better allies to promote and support a more inclusive campus climate. Even if you’ve attended a Safe Zone training in the past, you are welcome to attend again to stay current on terminology and trends.

What activities and conversations would you find meaningful? Please provide your feedback, ask questions, and inquire about resources by emailing us at diversity@richland.edu.