Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• Association for the Study of African American Life and History. "Black History Month Themes."
• Black History Month. "Educational Resources."
• Kitsap Regional Library. "Black History Month Resources."
• Museum Hack. "Celebrating Black History Month in the Workplace."
• National Museum of African American History and Culture. "Black History Month 2024."

• Affordable Colleges Online. "Financial Literacy Resources for Black Students."
• Case Western Reserve University. "Diversity Career Resources."
• College Possible. "About College Possible."
• JLV College Counseling. "Scholarships for African American Students."
• Point Foundation. "Supporting LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Students."
• Scholarships and Grants. "African American Scholarships for Women."

• Black, Disabled, and Proud. "Resources for Black and Disabled Students."
• Jed Foundation. "How You Can Cope with Racism and Racial Trauma."
• Paradies, Yin. "Racism and the Health of Young People of Color." Pediatrics.
• Rivera, Robin. "The Environment Racism Built: How Systemic Racism and Environment Contribute to Negative Maternal and Infant Health." Center for American Progress.
• Self Magazine. "Mental Health Resources for Black People."
• The Psych Show. "The Impact of Racism on Mental Health."
• University of Georgia. "Coping with Racial Trauma."
• Young, Rebecca. "Study: Facing Racism Depletes Young Adults' Mental Health." NBC News.
• Bailey, Zinzi D. et al. "Racism and Child Development: A Review of the Literature and Future Directions." Annual Review of Developmental Psychology.

• Cheyne Gallarde. "Cheynerama - LGBTQ+ POC Artist."
• Dark Yellow Dot. "10 Black Contemporary Artists to Celebrate."
• Jurell Cayetano. "Jurell Cayetano - Visual Artist."
• Krieger, Nancy. "The Erosion of Black Health: The Effects of Structural Racism." American Journal of Public Health.
• Morgan Harper Nichols on Society6.
• SimplyFaith by KGrady on Etsy.
• Sullivan, J.R. "Fifteen POC and/or Queer Artists You Should Listen To."

As a community college, Olympic College plays a vital role in the economic, social, and civic life of the communities we serve. By expanding access to postsecondary education and training and strengthening support for student success and completion, we foster the capacity-building that is so fundamental to communal well-being and to democracy itself. In order to fully achieve those purposes, we must redouble our commitment to eliminating barriers based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, disability, sexual identity, class, religion and other group-based distinctions that make access and opportunity a hollow promise.

To fulfill our vision as a cornerstone of learning, we must also draw more fully upon the diversity of cultures, identities, experiences, and talents that exists within and beyond our community as catalysts for the rich and robust exchange of ideas that is the hallmark of educational excellence. All learners benefit from well-designed opportunities in and outside of the classroom to engage perspectives different from their own and to better understand the sociohistorical realities that have shaped their lives and world in which they live.

In an increasingly polarized world, we must ensure that our learning and working environments are safe, welcoming, and conducive to the success of our diverse community. In addition to enhancing our prevention and response to illegal discrimination and harassment, we must address bias, bullying and incivility that undermines student and employee engagement and productivity. We have a shared responsibility to maintain a climate characterized by inclusion and respect, in which all members of the campus community feel valued and empowered to contribute the best of themselves.

We are the beneficiaries of the courageous work of many colleagues, past and present, who have helped to sow the seeds of diversity, equity and inclusion at Olympic College. By strengthening the alignment of our people, policies and processes, and by leveraging our shared values, we will advance and reap the benefits of their efforts and ensure the viability of the College long into the future.

Sincerely, 

Marty Cavalluzzi, Ph.D.
President, Olympic College