Institutional Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
"The best way to learn something is by talking with someone who disagrees with us."
—Robert Reich, Former Secretary of Labor
The philosophy of the Office Institutional Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (IEDI) is to build on the assets individuals already possess. The framework employed within the department is "servant leadership:" being of service to others. IEDI engages students, staff, faculty and managers—as well as constituent communities—in a manner that prepares people to be successful in an increasingly diverse society and workforce. Essential to the work of IEDI is further developing the skills, abilities, and recognition capacity necessary to succeed in today’s world: focusing on cross-cultural fluency, or the ability to competently weave in and out of cultures. The department leads and facilitates a broad scope of the work occurring at LBCC and in a broader community context, always with equitable outcomes as the primary goal.
Demographic shifts and technology have shrunken the world, resulting in an increased
demand for culturally fluent individuals in the workforce and on campus. IEDI's work—encapsulated
by equity, diversity and inclusion—means that everyone has a stake in fostering a
learning/work environment in which everyone is challenged to become better protagonists.
Defining Terms
Diversity is a demographic. Diversity is a recognition and measure of difference across one or more of the dimensions within protected classes, among other characteristics. Diversity is an essential prerequisite to Inclusion.
Inclusion is a strategy toward and measure of meaningful and purposeful participation. It is not enough just to have a diverse mix: real participation is necessary to achieve justice and experience the potential that diversity affords us. Inclusion is an essential prerequisite to Equity.
Equity is an outcome. It’s not a value, a strategy, a program or an initiative. It means that the same achievements of life are equally attainable – and actually attained – by all people regardless of race, religion, culture, gender, economics, etc.
"Diversity is a fact; inclusion is an act." It is with this in mind that we at IEDI, and LBCC in general, have adopted a strategy
that focuses on inclusion as the critical work toward achieving our equity outcomes.
Key IEDI Initiatives/Programmatic Focus Areas
LBCC recognizes that Latino students represent the fastest-growing demographic in
the college’s service district. As a result, LBCC actively strives to make the college
their first choice institution upon graduation. This effort is an attempt to increase
the enrollment, presence and completion rates of Latino students at LBCC. By increasing
the number of Latinos at LBCC, the college’s culture and climate has begun to shift,
thus exposing majority students to a more realistic view of the diverse global workforce
and therefore preparing them for a future that changes almost daily. This initiative
has strategically built relationships and created outreach programming and retention
efforts designed to increase student presence and boost their success.
Univision created two television ads in late 2017; click the below photos to view
each ad.
The College of Choice effort has also been a key partner in making the college's workforce
more reflective of the district it serves. This is achieved in partnership with Human
Resources as we expand access to diverse applicants in order to be as inclusive as
possible when seeking professionals to work at the college.
This was a 30-hour training delivered over four days during Fall and Winter terms. The workshops were delivered by trained campus facilitators utilizing three days of the Navigating Difference curriculum created by Washington State University Extensions as its base teaching module. More than one hundred LBCC employees were trained on essential skills like cultural awareness, cultural understanding, cultural knowledge, cultural interaction and cultural sensitivity. The fourth day of the training focused on understanding implicit bias, identifying microagressions, understanding ideological diversity, freedom of expression and contempt.
What participants have said about this training:
“The Leadership LBCC experience provided an opportunity for me to reflect and grow
through some engaging discussions with my colleagues. These conversations are important
as we work to serve a diverse population of students and have meaningful relationships
with one another.”
--Jennifer Clayton, Diagnostic Imaging
“I wanted to express how meaningful this series was…It was life-changing for me as
a person and as an employee who works with our diverse population of students. Since
my position is grant-funded to support international students, it was particularly
useful.”
--Ariana Chandler, Instructional Specialist-ELL
“In Human Resources, knowledge of people, cultural competency, difference...all these
are key to facilitating good outcomes for our staff. Leadership LBCC helped me understand
myself better, as well as how to navigate difference between others in productive
ways, so that we can all move forward in service of our mission and strategic goals.
It's a curriculum I would recommend to anyone interested in personal/professional
growth.”
--Scott Rolen, former Director of Human Resources
Location
The Office of Institutional Equity, Diversity & Inclusion lives at LBCC's main campus in Forum 220.
"The EDI"--our student use space--is also located in Forum 220. All students and members of the campus community are welcome to attend events, engage in activities and learn about diversity, inclusion and unity.
- Six 3' work tables and chairs
- White board and flip chart easel
- Media podium, document camera, webcam, projector and screen for in-person and/or virtual presentations
Stop by and see us, and ask for a tour of the space. We look forward to hosting your next meeting or event!
LOCATION: Forum 220 (2nd floor) facing the courtyard, directly above the Student Union and next door to The Commuter student newspaper office.
What student leaders have to say about participating in the EDI Co-Curricular Program:
“This place was the one place I felt comfortable walking in and talking to people,
and that shouldn’t change.”
--V.C.
“I feel prepared to interact with people who are different from me in the sense that
I accept that everyone is different and that not everyone will necessarily ‘like me.’
But that doesn’t mean we can’t work together or respect each other. I have learned
everyone is different in their own way, which is what makes them who they are.”
--A.C.
“While working at the EDI, there were many skills I gained such as adaptability: there
were many times in events or when the pandemic began; we had to learn how to adapt
quickly when things didn't go as planned. I gained more confidence when speaking in
public about controversial topics and events that are happening due to inequality.
I learned many new skills when creating a presentation and presenting a program. I
gained a lot more leadership skills, teamwork. I learned many skills that will soon
help me in my professional life.”
--Y. H.
More Resources
LBCC Policy
- Equal Opportunity & Statement of Nondiscrimination
- See or experience something? Report an issue.
Accessibility at LBCC
Office of Institutional Equity, Diversity & Inclusion staff
Jason J. Dorsette
Executive Director
541-917-4299
Angel Dorantes
Latino Outreach & Retention Manager
541-917-4292
Yanci Duran Aviles
Administrative Assistant
