Dr. Lester Rápalo, President of Rockland Community College, emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in creating educational environments where every student can thrive. He believes that community colleges have a pivotal role in leading the charge for DEI initiatives. Over the years, Rockland Community College has implemented several initiatives to prioritize DEI principles and integrate them into every aspect of campus life.
One of the crucial steps in achieving DEI aspirations is developing a comprehensive plan with all stakeholders to establish a clear vision and actionable steps. Dr. Rápalo mentions RCC’s “Inclusive Excellence Plan,” a framework with goals ranging from diversifying faculty to creating robust support groups. College leaders should evaluate existing DEI practices, set specific measurable goals, and involve faculty, staff, students, and community partners to ensure diverse perspectives and inclusivity.
Diversifying faculty and leadership is crucial for reflecting the student body and enhancing decision-making, but it comes with challenges. Institutions should evaluate their recruitment and hiring processes for biases, build diverse talent pipelines through partnerships, and develop mentorship programs for underrepresented faculty and staff. Incentivizing inclusion through recognition and rewards for departments that diversify their teams can also drive sustained progress.
Support systems for marginalized groups, including counseling services, peer mentorship programs, and funding for student organizations, play a crucial role in helping students thrive academically and socially. Institutions should enhance accessibility and disability support through tailored accommodations, disability awareness training, and regular feedback channels to improve services. Moreover, inviting local agencies to provide evaluations and reports on services for individuals with disabilities can lead to valuable, overlooked accommodations.
Creating safe spaces and resource centers, implementing inclusive policies with non-binary and gender-neutral language, and incorporating visible symbols of support are essential for supporting LGBTQIA+ communities. Reviewing and revising institutional policies to ensure recognition and respect for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community is a pivotal step in fostering inclusivity.
Implementing DEI principles into the curriculum prepares students for a diverse and interconnected world. Leaders should audit existing curriculum, introduce courses exploring diversity, and form diverse curriculum committees to ensure comprehensive and inclusive DEI efforts. Dr. Rápalo believes that community colleges and higher education institutions have a unique opportunity to make tangible progress toward overarching DEI goals, ultimately creating a more inclusive and empowering environment that benefits every student and equips them for success after graduation.
