Racial Equity and Social Justice

Creating a More Equitable and Inclusive World

At Cambridge College, we envision a society that promotes the health, well-being and empowerment of everyone. We recognize that particular attention must be paid to oppressed and underrepresented groups: those most affected by institutional racism and an economic system that prioritizes profits for a few over the well-being of many.
 

Under the leadership of the Office of the President with guidance from our inaugural Equity & Inclusion Committee, Cambridge College works to educate our community about systemic racism and social and economic inequities. These efforts are part of our Racial Equity and Social Justice Initiative (RESJI).

Together we continue to stand against the systemic racism and historical inequities that pervade Black and brown communities in social, economic, health, education and workforce development. We steadfastly continue to strive for the liberation of all.

Our Racial Equity and Social Justice Initiative (RESJI)

This initiative addresses the societal challenges of systemic racism, social injustice and inequity. We are deeply committed to cultivating a diverse and equitable community that dismantles racism through ongoing education, self-assessment and accountability.

All members of our community are valued. We must work collaboratively to further the social justice mission of the College. We must nurture an environment that embraces the diverse backgrounds, cultures, ideas and perspectives that contribute to a rich learning experience.

The RESJI Framework: Our Pillars of Impact

The RESJI Framework consists of Four Pillars of Impact:

1. Governance
2. Workforce, DEI and Supplier Diversity
3. Academic, Faculty and Students
4. Community

Committee members within each of the four pillars will focus on dismantling systemic racism and social inequities to create a culture of inclusion, respect and understanding.

Pillar Committee Goals

Governance Goals

• Ensure that our Board composition reflects our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and the College’s commitment to racial and social equity and justice in its actions.
• Sustain the College’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion among students, staff, faculty and trustees.

Workforce, DEI & Supplier Diversity Goals

• Create a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce by advancing a culture of belonging through thoughtful recruitment, equitable compensation, promotions and opportunities, and nurturing inclusive and supportive teams and teamwork.
• Utilize tools and resources to access our current status and progress toward goals for diversity and inclusion.
• Ensure that everyone in the College has the same opportunities to succeed, to contribute, to be recognized, to be equitably compensated, and to achieve their full potential in the workplace.
• Leverage our purchasing power to engage women and minority-owned businesses.
• Be intentional in our procurement practices to engage and encourage/require vendors to be more responsive to and to show evidence of DEI in their companies.
   

Academic, Faculty and Students Goals

• Inculcate the concepts and practices of racial equity and justice into our academic programming, including faculty training and supporting student events, workshops and resources.
• Re-examine curricula that unconsciously reinforces and endorses systemic racism.
• Create and offer academic programs that require cultural competency to equip our faculty and students with facts and data grounded in the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Provide students with support to excel in an environment that respects, embraces and nurtures their diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Community Goals

Influence, support and advocate for racial and social justice and equity outside of our college, and in our communities.