This year’s MLK Day celebration theme is “Living King’s Legacy: Making the Dream a Reality.” The celebration will take place on Jan. 16 on the second floor of the Student Center.
Paula Farmer | Voice File Photo
Lily Cole
Editor
Cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs have been occurring nationwide as the country assesses the importance of DEI in education and communities.
According to Education Trust, 15 out of 50 states have anti-DEI effects in place–the most being Iowa, with four effects. In 2023, more than 45 bills were introduced on the state level, targeting DEI in higher education.
On Dec. 5, the University of Michigan (U-M) released a press letter stating that diversity statements from faculty will no longer be required for future hiring, promotion, or tenure. The reason provided was a faculty workgroup’s finding that using diversity statements in the hiring process could potentially limit freedom of expression and diversity on campus.
Such cuts have sparked backlash on campus, as U-M’s faculty and students have largely criticized proposed changes to DEI efforts. More than 100 students and faculty marched outside U-M President Santa Ono’s office on Dec. 5 to protest the decision, according to a Bridge Michigan article reporting on the changes.
According to Clarence Jennings, vice president of student services, DEI is one of WCC’s core values and part of its DNA. “The support [WCC has] creates a place where people feel safe, valued and welcomed,” he said.
WCC’s main policy regarding DEI is Policy 8028, which states that WCC promotes a diverse, inclusive environment that fosters equity, access, and success for individuals of all backgrounds. It aims to build community and unity and provide everyone with the best educational opportunities.
“The policy focuses on providing access and success for all students regardless of their ethnic and racial background–regardless of age, religion, sexual orientation or physical capacity,” Jennings explains.
Jennings adds that the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion runs various workshops for faculty to learn how to support students. He also said that WCC faculty incorporates DEI principles into their academic curriculum.
“[For example] students taking film studies–our faculty are looking at the diversity of the films that are available and representative of our students and our community,” Jennings said. “So, as they look at their curriculum, our faculty are looking at ensuring that students can see themselves in [it].”
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hosts various events, from film screenings to writing workshops, to encourage students to learn about different individuals and cultures. The most recent event is the MLK Day celebration on Jan. 16 on the second floor of the Student Center from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Students can also apply for internships through the four-year institutions that WCC partners with, such as Eastern and U-M.
“We offer, through our career services, opportunities for students to learn about apprenticeship programs. In many cases, some of those are trying to get more women in the apprenticeship programs,” Jennings said. “Our goal is to ensure that women have access to knowing about those programs and how to engage.”
Jennings explains that the college handles discrimination through a proper investigation and ensures due process is followed. He also points to the Dean of Students Office, along with the counseling office, to support students experiencing alleged discrimination.
According to Jennings, WCC doesn’t receive many discrimination reports. “I think the college does a very good job of ensuring that students know we are a very diverse institution and that from the time that a student is going through our admission process, to orientation, to school onboarding, they know we do not tolerate that.”
“It’s not just letters or words. It’s in the fabric of what we do … WCC stands in support of ensuring that all our students not only feel welcome, but we welcome their diversity. We are here to support them from the time they apply to us from the time they graduate with their associates or certificates,” he said.
Editor’s Note: This story’s headline was changed to reflect that WCC stands strong on its DEI policy.
