CCV strives to be a college that values all voices, and that embraces the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that all people should have access to a high-quality, affordable postsecondary education. Amid this historic moment in our state and in our country, it is imperative that we acknowledge our shortcomings and reaffirm our core values.
Open, honest, respectful discussion and self-reflection are the first steps toward fully understanding the wrongs of systemic and structural racism in our society. CCV is committed to engaging in this dialogue, and also to taking swift and meaningful actions.
In solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and nationwide protests against racial injustice, and in recognition of the Vermont State Colleges Board of Trustees resolution to demonstrate this solidarity at its member institutions, CCV is prominently displaying signs at our 12 academic centers that state our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Rather than a declaration of achievement, these signs are a declaration of intent. They will serve as a reminder of our collective responsibility to uphold these ideals, and to hold one another accountable for ensuring that the messages conveyed are true.
We recently announced the formation of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force that will be made up of students, faculty, and staff. This group will be charged with recommending and implementing specific actions that will advance CCV’s work to promote equity and justice throughout our learning community.
For several years, our Racial, Ethnic, and Linguistic (REaL) Diversity Team has led the College’s diversity and inclusion efforts, providing trainings for faculty and staff and serving as an important resource for our community. Most recently, members of the REaL team hosted a series of Zoom conversations for CCV staff focused on bias and racism. This group will work closely with the DEI Task Force in the weeks and months ahead.
I am proud that so many faculty, students, and staff have stepped forward asking how they can help promote equity and justice at CCV. This is all of our work, and I am confident that we will make progress when we engage in it together.