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The Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Compliance (OEIC) aims to create intentionally inclusive spaces and equitable opportunities and outcomes for all students, faculty, staff, administrators, and members of our community. Whether you have long been establishing inclusive spaces in your classroom and community or are just becoming familiar with the concept, you are encouraged to review and explore the resources on this page and throughout this site.
The Mayor of Minneapolis, Betsy Hodges, recently explained the distinction between equality and equity: "Equality is everybody gets a pair of shoes. Equity is everybody gets a pair of shoes that fits" (Pod Save the People, "Stay in Your Lane Sounds a Lot Like Stay in Your Place").
When we talk about equity in the community college classroom, we are referring to the process of providing tools that fit each student. Equity-minded faculty, staff, and administrators consider the inequities that students face and take proactive steps to dismantle personal and systemic barriers to students' success. For an introduction to equity in the community colleges and to equity-minded practices, start here:
Inclusive spaces must be established and maintained through intentional acts. Community colleges - which are prized for the diversity of our students and employees - are ideal sites for inclusive spaces: all are welcome, and all can thrive.
All constituents of the community college setting play a role in creating and strengthening inclusive, safe spaces. For information on specific topics, be sure to view the materials attached to each button on the Inclusion Resources page. Here are some tips to get you started on establishing inclusive spaces in any role:
One of the most effective ways to become more inclusive and equitable in your personal and professional practices is to further your education through ally trainings, webinars, and attendance at on-campus talks and events. Engaging with others, sharing experiences, and thinking critically and collaboratively will help you address assumptions, biases, and barriers and assess the success of your practices.
For information on District-wide training opportunities, be sure to check these links:
There are a number of podcasts that regularly cover themes relating to equity, inclusion, and social justice. Because of their focuses, certain episodes may contain subject matter that some audience members find offensive, inappropriate, and/or challenging at times. Those interested in up-to-date and often unfiltered conversations about race, sexuality, gender, equity, inclusion, and social justice may enjoy investigating the below options. Please note that the descriptions listed here come from each podcast's linked website:
The Coast Community College District is committed to equal opportunity in educational programs, employment, and all access to institutional programs and activities.
The District does not discriminate unlawfully in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race or ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or genetic information or because he/she is perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
