Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Mission of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
Lower Columbia College celebrates and embraces diversity of all kinds, including differing
beliefs, cultures, people, and experiences. We commit to institutional and individual
changes that recognize, understand, and challenge patterns of social inequity and
systemic disparities within our ever-changing world. As part of this commitment, we
strive to strengthen practices involving student success, cultural enrichment, diversity
education, curricular transformation, and employee development. We are dedicated to
promoting an accessible, inclusive, and safe environment that fosters cultural competency,
educational equity, and social justice for all students, staff, faculty, and our local
and global communities.
Know Your Rights: Civil Immigration Enforcement in Washington
DEI Update
February 27, 2025
Hi LCC Family:
Here is a quick update regarding DEI on our campus.  I have received questions regarding
funding for our LCC office and whether the Federal Executive Order has affected our
work. The state funds us, so there is no current change in funding, and our work will
continue.  We are constantly meeting with our Assistant Attorneys General, Commissions,
and the Executive Leadership Team to make necessary adjustments.
The AAG also advises that we continue to work on campus to serve our LCC population.
We will continue to follow the college's policy regarding non-discrimination and all
state and federal laws regarding non-discrimination.
If you have any further questions, please email me. The Executive Leadership Team
(ELT) constantly monitors the situation and will share any information as it becomes
available.
Thanks and have a great day.
Dan Ruiz
Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Lower Columbia College
Longview, WA 98632
DEI Strategic Plan 2022-27
The
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan 2022-27
priorities are listed below.
Priority Area One: Develop a culture of safety and belonging for all
Priority Area Two: Invest in a campus experience where all succeed
Priority Area Three: Create a sustainable infrastructure to bolster continued DEI
success
See
page 3 of the plan
for LCC's definitions of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Bias Response Team
A diverse group of campus representatives available to determine a rapid and effective
response to incidents of bias. See
Bias Response Team
Campus Climate Assessments
Pursuant to SB 5227, community colleges in Washington are required to regularly administer
campus climate assessments to students and employees, and post the findings.
Students
Spring 2022 - Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) Race/Ethnicity
Pilot
Fall 2022 - Diversity and Equity Campus Climate Survey Report, Higher Education Data
Sharing Consortium (HEDS)
Spring 2025 - Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) Race/Ethnicity
Pilot
Employees
Winter 2022 - Diversity and Equity Campus Climate Survey Report, Higher Education
Data Sharing Consortium (HEDS)
Fall 2022 - Personal Assessment of the College Environment (PACE) including Racial
Diversity Subscale
Fall 2024 - Personal Assessment of the College Environment (PACE) including Racial
Diversity Subscale
Diversity & Equity Center
Located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center, Room 201. See
Campus Map
Events and Activities
- focusing on diversity and equity for students and employees
Diversity Clubs, Groups & Organizations
Participate in diversity-focused events at Lower Columbia College. See
Campus Calendars
Sexualities and Genders Alliance
Multicultural Club
Veterans Alliance
Xochipilli Club
International Club
Diversity Training for Employees
In addition to the "Diversity at LCC" training required of all new employees (to be
replaced by "DEI in the Workplace - Higher Ed - All Employees" in September 2022),
LCC's DEI training framework is a shared, collaborative effort between Human Resources,
the Diversity and Equity Committee, and the Instructional Assessment Committee designed
to provide both general and targeted training for employees.
See also:
DEI Training Evaluation Reports
LCC Search Advocate Program
Overview:
LCC has adopted the Search Advocate program. Established in 2008 by OSU, the Search
Advocate program enhances equity, validity, and diversity in hiring.  Search Advocates
are LCC faculty and staff who are trained as search and selection process advisors.
Their preparation includes an 8 hour workshop addressing current research about implicit
bias, diversity, the changing legal landscape in hiring, inclusive employment principles,
practical strategies for each stage of the search process, and effective ways to be
an advocate on a search committee.  As a quality assurance measure, advocates who
wish to remain eligible beyond the first year must attend 75% of the Search Advocate
quarterly meetings for the year.
Role:
Each Search Advocate is a non-voting member who advances inclusive excellence by asking
questions to help committee members test their thinking, identifying and promoting
practices that advance diversity and social justice, and minimizing the impacts of
cognitive and structural biases.  As external committee members, advocates are able
to explore assumptions, norms, and practices that an internal member might not question.
The search advocate plays a vital role in position development, recruitment, screening,
interviews, and evaluation.
The work of the Search Advocate is intended to advance our principles of equity and
diversity, as reflected in LCC’s
Workforce Diversity Plan:
Lower Columbia College is committed to hiring and retaining a workforce that reflects
the diversity of our student body. We strive to increase the diversity of our applicant
pools and ensure equity and inclusion throughout our recruitment process.
Listening and Feedback Sessions
Pursuant to SB 5227, community colleges in Washington are required to conduct listening
and feedback sessions in any year that campus climate assessments are not administered,
and post the findings.
2023-24 Faculty Listening and Feedback Session report
2023-24 Staff Listening and Feedback Session report
2023-24 Student Listening and Feedback Session report
2025-26 Faculty Listening and Feedback Session report
2025-26 Student Listening and Feedback Session report
Safe Zone Training
The Safe Zone Project is a new program on the LCC Campus that will offer a visible
message of inclusion, affirmation, and support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
and queer (LGBTQ) people. Trainings will be available to help staff, faculty and students
become more aware of the problems facing our students of diverse gender and sexualities
and offer guidance on how to support those students.
Our curriculum is a three hour program provided through
The Safe Zone Project
Services and Programs
Assistencia en Español
Diversity & Equity Committee
Disability and Access Services
Employee Affinity Group
Food Pantry
Make a Report
Non-Discrimination Information
Sexual Assault Awareness
Student Handbook
Tutoring Center
Veterans Services
Title IX
Undocumented Students/DREAMers
Undocumented students in Washington state have the right to attend colleges and universities.
Many qualify for state-funded financial aid because of the Washington Dream Act, also
called the The Real Hope Act which was signed into law in 2014.
Learn more about
who to contact at LCC, and policies and practices that protect LCC students
Workforce Diversity Plan
Lower Columbia College is committed to hiring and retaining a workforce that reflects
the diversity of
our student body. Read the
Lower Columbia College Workforce Diversity Plan
for more information.
Campus Messages and Related Resources
Faculty and Staff preparation for 2024 November Election (11/04/2024)
Protected speech vs. unprotected speech
As we approach Election Day, we want to provide helpful information regarding protected
speech, expressive activities, and tips for managing potentially emotional discussions
that may arise in classrooms or other spaces on campus. We also want to remind you
of resources available for reporting any concerns.
Under the First Amendment, all speech is generally protected, except for a few narrowly
defined categories of unprotected speech. Protected speech includes expressive conduct,
such as peaceful sit-ins, flag-burning as a form of protest, or symbolic attire expressing
support for specific causes or values. However, certain types of speech do not receive
protection under the First Amendment. These unprotected categories include obscene
materials, speech that incites criminal acts, true threats, fighting words, and defamatory
statements.
Definitions of Unprotected Speech:
True Threats
: For speech to qualify as a true threat, it must be a serious expression of intent
to commit unlawful violence against a specific individual or group. This does not
encompass political hyperbole, harsh criticism, or insults.
Fighting Words
: Fighting words are direct, personal insults likely to provoke immediate violence
from the recipient. These are restricted due to their tendency to incite immediate,
violent reactions and must be directed toward a person present at the time of the
statement.
While the First Amendment grants broad protections, it does not guarantee the unrestricted
right to express views at all times, in all places, or in any manner. Faculty members
retain the ability to guide and refocus discussions to maintain relevance to course
material and promote an environment conducive to learning. Additionally, the College
enforces administrative rules regarding the use of college facilities for expressive
activities, especially by noncollege groups, and these rules are neutral with respect
to content but address time, place, and manner restrictions.
For those who may find discussions about current events challenging or emotionally
charged, we encourage you to use your discretion to create an environment that respects
diverse perspectives while maintaining a constructive and respectful dialogue. If
any situations arise that require further support, please do not hesitate to reach
out to the appropriate campus resources for guidance or to file a report if necessary.
Useful links
Policy 605 - Facilities Use
Chapter 132M-139 WAC Use of College Facilities - Expressive Activities
Guidelines for Expressive Activities
Procedure 225.1A - Political Campaigning
Bias Response Team
. LCC's Bias Response Team (BRT) consists of a diverse group of campus representatives
who are available to determine a rapid and effective response to incidents of bias
and offer broader prevention and educational strategies
Make a Report
. If you observe or experience harassment or discrimination, bias, or other misconduct,
please 'Make a Report' using the form below. Your report will route to the appropriate
personnel, who will respond to your concerns in a timely and as private manner as
possible.
Advice for faculty on how to help students during the election
Contacts
Employee questions
Human Resources:
hr@lowercolumbia.edu
Safety and Security, or Student Conduct
Jason Arrowsmith, Director of Security:
jarrowsmith@lowercolumbia.edu
Instructor support and questions
Dan Ruiz, Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
druiz@lowercolumbia.edu
Supporting Well-Being and Kindness During the Upcoming Election (10/21/2024)
As we approach the upcoming election, it’s important that we foster an environment
of support, kindness, and well-being for all members of our campus community—students,
staff, and faculty alike. Elections can often bring heightened emotions and stress,
so we’d like to share a few resources to help guide us through this time with care
and respect for one another.
Mental Health and Well-Being Resources
We encourage everyone to take advantage of the college's mental health services during
this time. These include:
Counseling Services
Employee Assistance Program
Election Anxiety
-Resources to help with election anxiety
Pre-Election Support & Resource Guide for Employees
-Employees can always visit the
EAP webpage
for more information about the EAP and the resources available. Our org code is
LCC.
Safe and Respectful Dialogue
Engaging in respectful conversations is key during election season. Here are a few
resources to help promote positive discussions:
Guide to Respectful Dialogue
– From Ohio State University
Calling in, instead of calling out
– from American University’s Center for Teaching.
Extend kindness
There may be students in your class, that, regardless of the outcome, will experience
feelings of grief or stress. Work with them, and their care team to offer coordinated
care to ensure their success in this term.
Let’s commit to maintaining a culture of care, kindness, and understanding as a community.
By doing so, we can support one another during this pivotal time.
~Signed by the Diversity and Equity Committee and Executive Leadership Team members
All Are Welcome!
Lower Columbia College does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex
discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required
by Title IX, including in admission and employment. Lower Columbia College provides
equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis
of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, perceived
or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, veteran or military
status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal as required by Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX
of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendment Act, the Age Discrimination
Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act and Washington State's
Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.60 RCW and their implementing regulations.
All inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX, access, equal opportunity and/or
grievance procedures should be directed to Vice President of Foundation, HR & Legal
Affairs, 1600 Maple Street, PO Box 3010, Longview, WA 98632,
title9@lowercolumbia.edu
, Phone number,
(360) 442-2120
, Phone number/TTY
(800) 833-6388
. The notice of nondiscrimination is located at
Contact Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
General Inquiries
Daniel Ruiz
(360) 442-2105
druiz@lowercolumbia.edu
Civil Rights Compliance Officer
Nolan Wheeler
(360) 442-2201
nwheeler@lowercolumbia.edu
Copyright 2026
Lower Columbia College | All Rights Reserved.