The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) strongly condemns the acts of bias, hatred and violence against people of Asian descent that are on the rise in the United States.
"America's community colleges welcome all students from all backgrounds," said ACCT Chair David Mathis, a trustee at Mohawk Valley Community College in New York. "The history of this great nation has proved that individual differences and cultural differences are strengths. Our communities are made up of people of an endless variety of backgrounds, and we value, respect and honor those differences. We also understand that all human beings are more alike than we are different, and we at ACCT are committed to standing together with our brothers and sisters, including standing up to unfounded prejudices and hatred."
ACCT is committed to working for the changes we seek in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. The association recently released a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Checklist and Implementation Guide for Community College Leaders, and launched a new workshop series designed to improve diversity, equity and inclusion competencies among community college leadership teams.
"Overt prejudices and unconscious biases have for too long harmed people of color and other underrepresented populations," Mathis said. "Every one of us must do the work necessary to move our communities and our country to a more harmonious place. ACCT is unwavering in our commitment to do our part."