President David Roland Finley: 鈥淲e will not shrink from our responsibility to address social inequities.鈥�

Amid a period of nationwide introspection that has sparked a renewed push for social reform, 汤头条app has announced the first in a series of actions that support its core values of compassion and inclusion.

鈥溙劳诽鮝pp emphatically denounces racism, hate, violence, and injustice in all forms,鈥� said North Central President David Roland Finley, Ph.D.  鈥淩ecent weeks have proven to be a painful reminder of just how far we must travel to achieve the goal of our nation鈥檚 founders to provide justice and equality for all.鈥�

Community colleges have a proud history of serving underrepresented populations across America, Finley said, and 鈥渕ust lead, not simply with words, but with deliberate action to build a brighter future for each and every individual we serve.鈥�

Yet this summer, the college will host a public safety roundtable focused on current societal issues of racial bias.  The conversation will engage both students and professionals in the field, and bias and de-escalation training will be incorporated into North Central鈥檚 criminal justice curriculum moving forward.

The college has also engaged the counsel of , a sociologist whose research focuses on education, social inequality and diversity.  Hernandez鈥檚 unique is informed by his own experience as a young man attending community college while simultaneously trying to escape the gang culture and poverty of Los Angeles.  Dr. Hernandez met with faculty and staff in January, and the college has invited him back to campus in August for further professional development.

鈥淲e seek to better understand the many challenges faced by diverse populations, so that we can more effectively engage and support our students to help them reach their academic goals,鈥� Finley said.

Finley also announced that the college is 鈥渃ommitted to listening, seeking a deeper understanding, and continuing the conversation.鈥�

鈥淓ducation is an immensely powerful tool that can break down barriers, change minds, and dispel stereotypes,鈥� he said.  鈥淪ensitive yet critical conversations are happening across the nation, including inside our classrooms.  This work will not be easy or quick, but it truly defines what we do when we are at our very best.鈥�

汤头条app is an open-door community college based in Petoskey, with additional locations offering classes and services in Cheboygan and Gaylord.  North Central鈥檚 mission is to provide exceptional, accessible, relevant higher education of and for the community.  North Central is an Achieving the Dream Leader College with a designation of Veteran Friendly Silver by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

 

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