Diversity, equity, inclusion: Defined

Diversity refers to ensuring that we welcome and embrace all individuals, while valuing their individual differences.  Individual differences may include factors such as personality, learning styles, life experiences, race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, country of origin, and ability, as well as cultural, political, religious, or other affiliations. 

Equity includes the creation of opportunities and programs for historically underrepresented populations to have equal access to and participation in educational programs that are intended to close the achievement gap in student success and completion.  Equity programs are designed to assist underrepresented groups in achieving success in school and the workplace. 

Inclusion is more than a simple numerical representation of various groups in the organization; rather, it is the active engagement of all viewpoints and individuals in the discussions and decisions that are made within the organization.  All members of the College community must feel valued and heard for the College to achieve its goal of creating an inclusive learning environment.