Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Welcome to the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion!

I am delighted to serve as Houston Community College’s (HCC) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at an exciting time in the institution’s growth. HCC offers a sound representation of diversity among various social identities, viewpoints, backgrounds, and opinions. HCC promotes the opportunity to engage across our differences while collectively working towards the common goal of inclusivity for all members of its community.

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion seeks to provide the HCC community with a strategic plan, resources, initiatives, and professional development training workshops to further promote a greater depth of understanding in the areas of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). We provide support to the academic and administrative units who advance DEI through events, programs, curriculum, initiatives, and training.

Actively engaging in dialogue around experiences and differences is the basis of my DEI philosophy. The dialogue starts the conversation and allows each individual the opportunity to process their differences, and invoke empathy for unique perspectives. It is our mission to positively influence the continued One College approach and positive system approach to DEI at HCC.

You are invited to join us as we collectively strive to further the work of DEI at HCC.

Best regards,
Dr. Darin LaMar Baskin
Interim Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

Houston Community College, as a premier institution of higher education, seeks to welcome and include individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, or other protected classes, culture, and socioeconomic status. HCC welcomes diversity of origin, perspective, and pedagogy, while encouraging the development of equity thought.

HCC believes in creating a heightened sense of belonging for all members of the College community. The College fosters respectful dialogue and interactions among individuals from various cultures and backgrounds that create a genuine sense of understanding and empathy for one another. HCC seeks to promote an inclusive culture for our College community, and be a model of inclusivity for our external community partners.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Defined

Diversity

The mosaic of people who bring a variety of backgrounds, styles, perspectives, values and beliefs as assets to the groups and organizations with which they interact. The differences include demographic characteristics including, but not limited to, race, gender, ethnicity, age, national origin, religion, disability status, sexual orientation, and diversity of personal thoughts.

Equity

Ensures fair treatment, opportunity, and fairness in access to information, activities, and resources for all individuals. Freedom from bias or favoritism.

Inclusion

The practice of engaging differences in a manner that makes individuals feel respected, accepted, and valued as part of an organization’s culture. Providing equal access to activities, opportunities, and resources for all members of an organization regardless of stakeholder group.

Education Workshops & Training

DEI Hosted Events