Statement on Recent Violence

We are deeply saddened by the horrendous shootings that recently occurred in California and the January 11th stabbing of an Indiana University student who was of Asian descent. We know these incidents of anti-Asian hate are painful for many at the college, especially members of our AAPI community. Yesterday, there was also a shooting that took place at a school in Iowa. As we process the news, our hearts are with the victims, their families and all who mourn in the face of these senseless tragedies.

Sadly, these incidents seem to be increasing in frequency, and as an institution, we are troubled by how these heartbreaking events tear at the fabric of our society and contribute to the feeling of being unsafe. As SLCC students, faculty and staff, we are committed to treating everyone with kindness, love and respect, and as such we stand in solidarity with the members of our AAPI community, and we grieve with them in light of these recent events.

We encourage anyone who needs support to reach out and take advantage of the following resources available at SLCC:

Students:

Center for Health and Counseling

Faculty and Staff:

EAP – Uprise Health

Let’s continue to support our fellow Bruins – today and every day.

Statement from SLCC on Club Q Incident

We are deeply saddened by the news that at least five people were murdered and over 25 were injured in a mass shooting this past weekend at Club Q—an LGBTQ+ club in Colorado Springs. Our hearts go out to the victims and survivors of this shooting, as well as the LGBTQ+ community in the Colorado Springs area who are navigating the trauma that comes with an assault on one’s life and communities.

Our thoughts are also with those in our own community who identify as LGBTQ+ or have loved ones who have been emotionally harmed by this incident. On Monday, we had a moment of silence during the meet and greet hosted by Institutional Equity, Inclusion and Transformation to remember the victims of this attack as well as victims of the recent shooting at the University of Virginia and the four students who were murdered at the University of Idaho.

The incident in Colorado Springs is reminiscent of the violence and harm that some use to instill fear and to share their hatred. We know that for some members in our community, this painful event is a reminder of their own experiences of being targeted, threatened and harassed because of their gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation and/or race and ethnicity. Know that you are not alone, and that you are part of a community that cares about you. If you find yourself in need of support and want to talk with someone, here are some resources:

Other Resources:

Over the next year our team will revisit the vision and focus for the office. We will discuss here our purpose and initiatives like Hispanic-Serving Institution and middle school family engagement that the office will participate in as well as equity, inclusion, and transformation at the college and in the community. We will be defining terms and providing tools to support continued professional development.

Diversity Statement

We at Salt Lake Community College believe diversity enhances the richness of the educational experience and leads to the understanding of and appreciation for the differences and commonalities in each of us. It is imperative that we actively seek and welcome a student body, faculty, and staff who represent the diversity of our region, nation, and world to prepare students to participate as global citizens. Salt Lake Community College strives to create an equitable climate of learning, teaching, and working for all demographics, cultures, and abilities. We challenge and commit ourselves to identify and address inequality with civility and mutual respect to continually improve campus climate.

Purpose

The Office for Institutional Equity, Inclusion and Transformation facilitates efforts to advance and sustain an organizational culture and climate that fully welcomes diversity and inclusiveness for all Salt Lake Community College stakeholders. SLCC officers and deans, directors, department heads, and managers are responsible and accountable for the proactive implementation of our diversity mission and are expected to exercise leadership to fulfill it.

SLCC’s Inclusivity Definition

Inclusivity is the active, intentional and ongoing commitment to ensuring that all members of the campus community can fully and meaningfully participate in and contribute to all aspects of campus life (i.e., in the curriculum, programs and resources, and in practices and processes). It is the involvement and empowerment of all members of Salt Lake Community College, where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized and valued.