Resolution Affirming Support for Diversity and Equity in Accreditation Standards

Fall
2013
Resolution Number
02.09
 
Contact
Assigned to
President
Category
Accreditation
Status
Completed
Status Report

Letter to ACCJC

Whereas, A highly diverse college community has academic value for all students because it creates a rich learning environment that encourages critical thinking while honoring different points of view and supports society’s compelling interest in increasing diversity in leadership;

Whereas, Improving educational success for all students must include modeling the principles of student equity and fostering respect for diversity;

Whereas, Requiring community and junior colleges to make progress in these areas has always been and ought to continue to be included in accreditation standards; and

Whereas, The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) is moving towards adopting standards with less focus on the diversity and equity by making the following changes in particular:

  • The following language is removed from the new draft ACCJC Standard II.A.1.a. without replacement: The institution identifies and seeks to meet the varied educational needs of its students through programs consistent with their educational preparation and the diversity, demographics, and economy of its communities;
  • The following language is removed from the new draft ACCJC Standard II.B. without replacement: The institution recruits and admits diverse students who are able to benefit from its programs, consistent with its mission;
  • The following language is removed from the new draft ACCJC Standard II.B.3.d. without replacement: The institution designs and maintains appropriate programs, practices, and services that support and enhance student understanding and appreciation of diversity (all draft standards as of November 7, 2013);

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges strongly urge the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) to retain requirements in the Standards for colleges to actualize the principles of student equity and foster respect for diversity including a standard that institutions recruit and admit diverse students who are able to benefit from their programs, consistent with their mission; and

Resolved, That Academic Senate for California Community Colleges strongly urge ACCJC to include a standard that institutions demonstrate commitment to hiring and maintaining personnel of diverse backgrounds, recognizing the significant educational role such diversity plays in the education of all students.

MSC