Statement from the College President, Dr. L. Joy Gates Black
Dear Community Members,
Our country continues to witness painful events that have sparked a new wave of awareness and action around race, inequality, civil rights and social justice. Though there are continuing injustices occurring in our nation, I want to assure you that Delaware County Community College is a place where diversity is valued and equity for everyone in our community is the goal. The College is committed to providing an environment that is safe for all, and intolerant of racism and discrimination in every form. We continuously take steps to evaluate our own institutional practices to ensure that they are welcoming and inclusive, especially to those from marginalized communities.
The College’s new Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a central hub for these efforts. Through programming, campus partnerships and opportunities for continuous education, the office promotes systematic ways that we can work to create more inclusive and equitable spaces on our campuses and beyond. However, ensuring that we provide an equitable space for students and staff is the responsibility and expectation of everyone at the College.
While the climate and conversation in our country is ever-evolving, there are resources at the College that are always available to those in need of support.
One-on-One Support
Delaware County Community College counselors are currently available for remote appointments for current students through the Career & Counseling Center. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call 610-359-5324.
Students and staff are also highly encouraged to reach out to the College’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Simuelle Myers. Simmee is available for meetings and consultations upon request and you are encouraged to send her an email to schedule a time to speak. Simmee will also be happy to accept suggestions for future College diversity and inclusion programming.
If you feel that you have experienced discrimination at the College
We do not and will not tolerate any form of discrimination, as stated in our College’s nondiscrimination and harassment policy. If you have experienced discrimination or harassment, please visit our policy’s website for information on how to report it.
If you have experienced or witnessed actions by a student that you believe may violate the College’s code of conduct, we encourage you to visit the Student Code of Conduct page.
Additional Resources
There is so much we can read, watch and listen to stay informed, educate ourselves further and remain empowered in these tumultuous times. In addition to resources at the college, here are a few great sources that we recommend:
Talking About Race by National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National Museum of African American History has created an online portal with resources to help guide discussions around race and racism for multiple audiences.
NPR Code Switch Podcast
An ongoing series that explores the “overlapping themes of race, ethnicity and culture, how they play out in our lives and communities, and how all of this is shifting”.
The Next Question Web Series
This web series “engages leaders, activists, creatives, and thinkers imagining how expansive racial justice can be”.
In closing, I remind you of the words of President John F. Kennedy, “It ought to be possible, in short, for every American to enjoy the privileges of being American without regard to his race or his color.”
Sincerely,
Dr. L. Joy Gates Black
President
