Campus Communications on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

 The Office of Multicultural Affairs is committed to continuing to be a source of support for our underrepresented students and a focal point for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at North Central College.  We would like to share some news and upcoming events from our office with the campus community.

It is essential for North Central College to provide a safe environment for all community members regardless of identity. Acts that are motivated by intolerance or bigotry have a profoundly negative impact on our campus. While the College adheres to and supports the principles of academic freedom and free speech, each member of the North Central College community also shares a common responsibility to maintain an environment free from bias and hate. To assist with these efforts, North Central College established the Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) and the Bias Incident Reporting Form in 2016.

Our work does not occur in isolation from the rest of the world. The past few months in particular have been characterized by acute pain and compounded fatigue for many members of our community. In our first Task Force meeting, we reflected on the events of the summer.  We have been disheartened by continuing high-profile incidents of anti-Black racism and the startlingly callous response by so many Americans (including some of our family members and friends).  Yet we are optimistic about the growth that we have witnessed and the energy that has emerged. We begin this academic year with a clear focus and a steadfast determination to assist North Central in realizing its mission.

President Hammond sent a message to the campus community as a reminder of the College’s values, and how those values apply to our commitments to keep one another healthy and safe during this global health crisis, as well as to respect and affirm one another as our country grapples with the continuing effects of racism.

President Hammond hosted a College Town Hall on Thursday, June 18, as one of the many steps the College will take regarding our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. President Hammond and a group of panelists addressed a number of questions, and shared more with the campus community regarding how the College will move forward by listening and learning from students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and using what is learned to take specific actions toward making North Central College a more inclusive institution.

President Hammond sent a message to the campus community regarding the recent Naperville Police Department presence on campus.

President Hammond states that, consistent with the values at North Central College, Black lives matter, and outlines next steps in making greater change on this campus.

President Hammond comments on destruction in downtown Naperville after what started as a peaceful protest, and responds to calls from members of the campus community advocating for additional campus-based change in wake of recent racist events.

President Hammond and Provost Goke-Pariola reaffirm the College's commitment to equity, diversity, and support for all Black members of the North Central community.