Please enable JavaScript to view this page.
Diversity at Delta

No matter your identity or beliefs, you’re welcome at Delta.

You’ll meet people of different backgrounds, viewpoints and ages who will help you gain a broader perspective. We offer resources for LGBTQ students, students with disabilities and for students from multicultural backgrounds.

Students working in Courtyard


Strategic Planning

It is Delta's mission, vision and values that are the driving force behind everything we do. We think big about our future, and encourage you to do the same. The College promotes, advocates, respects and values differences. And one of our eight key values is Diversity: We foster a welcoming environment of openness and appreciation for all.

Delta College has a systematic strategic planning process that supports the mission, vision and values. The 2019-2023 plan includes a number of action projects focused on improving the College’s programs and services, including a project to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion. This will engage the College employees in meaningful discussions about diversity, inclusion, and social justice, through a number of activities.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice

The leadership of Delta College has embraced and stated its belief in diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. In August 2020, the following statement was unanimously and publicly made: 

The Delta College Board of Trustees will remain uncompromising in its support for those of any race, faith, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, background or identity. We stand with all who constructively protest racism, social injustice and all forms of inequity. We will continue to promote and advocate for inclusion, creating an environment where all individuals are valued for who they are and what they offer. We respect and value differences in our students, faculty, staff, volunteers and community. We foster a welcoming environment of openness and appreciation for all.

Creating a Culture of Diversity

Delta actively promotes, advocates, respects and values differences. We have an environment of openness and appreciation for all. We embrace diversity as a core principle at every level of course development, engagement and human resources.

We also have a commitment to diversity among our faculty and staff. The college as a whole benefits when many different perspectives are represented.

By creating a culture of diversity at Delta, we appreciate differences in identity, experiences, expertise, ideas and opinions of all people. In addition to race and ethnicity, diversity includes perspectives and identities generally underrepresented in the mainstream of our society due to religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, height, weight, arrest record, veteran status or disability. 

BEDI (Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Definitions

Belonging
Belonging is the result of continuously embodying socio-cultural support, integration, empathy, acceptance, and respect for all, thereby creating a safe space that invites individuals to experience an increasing awareness of and appreciation for their individuality and connectedness within the community.

Equity
Equity is the progressive practice of recognizing and eliminating barriers to opportunities for students, employees, and community members.  Equity involves recognizing and eliminating both conscious and unconscious biases within institutional and organizational policies, procedures, and processes so all stakeholders may thrive.

Diversity
Diversity encompasses the full range of differences and uniqueness that embody the lived human experience including, but not limited to ability, age, education, ethnicity, experiences, family status, gender identity/expression, geographic location, heritage/history, immigration status, income, indigenous status, language, occupation, race, religion, sexual orientation, and thoughts.

Inclusion
Inclusion welcomes the contributions, experiences, ideas, and perspectives of all people by proactively addressing obstacles that impede equitable access to opportunities, resources, and decision-making, thereby creating and sustaining a culture of belonging, compassion, respect, appreciation, and recognition.

Dr. Michael Gavin

"The work we do – or do not do – today, will affect future generations. Delta College will continuously work to ensure that education is accessible to the communities we serve by centering a sense of belonging and an intentional approach to equity in all that we do."

Dr. Michael Gavin
Delta College President