Reflections from the Chair

by Ken Clarke, Chair Diversity Coordinators 2007 - 2008

With the closing of another academic year, so does my tenure as the chair of the diversity coordinators.  With that in mind and from a learning centered foundation I have to ask the following questions: 1) what did I learn in the past year, 2) what did students learn and, 3) what did the organization learn?  And of course, is there something I could have done differently or could I have learned more?

What I knew at the beginning was that diversity and inclusion (D&I) are researchable topics.  During this entire piece, I will refer to Diversity and Inclusion together.  Diversity describes all of us.  Inclusion is the operation of bring all of us together towards greater excellence.  Please see the MCCCD definition of D&I. 

This year brought a greater understanding of D&I.  There are no one size fits all in analyzing the history of individual groups and what might lead to their greater inclusion in society and organizations.  I learned that there are a great many people around with a great deal of hope.  Many of them work for the MCCCD.  There are so many compelling issues facing MCCCD now and in the future.  That is just the nature of an organization.   When it comes to D&I it always occupies a subordinate position on the schedules, meeting agendas and minds of most people.  I discovered that many people are interested in D&I but do not know how to approach this anxiety ridden topic.  

I learned that when approaching D&I on a social justice level, many of us choose to avoid the discussion or try to discredit the research.  When D&I are approached from an organizational level where it can enhance productivity, the discussions and research have more creditability. While a considerable amount of research has been conducted regarding D&I much more needs to be produced.  Some of the existing research needs to be reevaluated, their data disaggregated.  Looking at past and current research with a fresh perspective can illuminate areas of D&I which seem like a dead end in the past.  Disaggregating the data can yield greater challenges and opportunities.   

Looking back over the past year I discovered some important things about our students.  They have hope.  They look for and want opportunities to be around and work with students who are different from themselves.  They want the college to offer those opportunities in a safe supportive environment.  It appeared that the younger the student the more courageous they were in their pursuit to learn and understand differences.  Additionally, many gravitated towards the opportunity to practice their leadership skills.  We as faculty and staff need to ask ourselves, are we ready to meet their needs when it comes to D&I.   Do we embrace conversations that revolve around D&I?  Do we present opportunities for students to see themselves in the curriculum that we teach in our classrooms?  Do we ensure that our student support offices are safe, respectful, welcoming environments?  Are we the one impeding their persistence and success because of our own fears, lack of knowledge about D&I and old perceptions and behaviors that play themselves out as stereotype threats?  

As an organization, I applaud MCCCD for having D&I as part of its mission.  I applaud the years of history and success.  But, over the past year, I learned to be afraid.   I am afraid that social justice issues regarding D&I are in jeopardy.  We all need to step up our leadership to continue to ensure civil rights and justice for all.   If anything, I learned that we all should become more involved in the issues regarding D&I.   I learned that I need to look for opportunities to learn more.  I am embarrassed to say that with all of the reading I have done in the past year; I have only been to one MOSAIC workshop.  I applaud RIO for making MOSAIC a leadership enhancement learning opportunity. 

As I leave the honored position of Chair of the college diversity coordinators, I will continue to take what I learned forward.  I am looking forward to new opportunities to learn more and engage with our students and staff regarding D&I.