Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity

Santa Monica College
Administration
Human Resources
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity

Statement of Nondiscrimination

The Santa Monica Community College District is committed to building an inclusive and diverse environment and maintains a comprehensive program to ensure that practice reflects these principles. Diversity within the college environment provides opportunity to foster mutual awareness, knowledge, and sensitivity, to challenge ingrained stereotypes, and to promote mutual understanding and respect.

Read the full statement

The District’s equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination policies are set forth in Board Policies 2405, 2410, 3120-3123, 5220, 5230, and 5530. As set forth in these Board Policies, the District is committed to equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination in the learning and work environments in accordance with all applicable laws, including, without limitation, California Code of Regulations, Title 5, § 59300 et seq., California Government Code §§ 11135-11139.5, the Sex Equity in Education Act (California Education Code § 66250 et seq.), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. § 12100 et seq.), and the Age Discrimination Act (42 U.S.C. § 6101).

It is important for students, employees, and others associated with the College to report concerns about possible violations of the District’s policies regarding equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination. If you need information about the District’s policies or need to report a violation of the laws listed above, you should contact:

SMC Human Resources Office, 310-434-4415 or HRInquiries@smc.edu (located on the second floor of the SMC Administration Building, 2714 Pico Blvd), regarding any complaint of unlawful discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual discrimination; or
Eric Oifer, ADA/504 Compliance Officer, 310-434-8912 or oifer_eric@smc.edu (office located in Student Services Center S276) regarding disability discrimination complaints.

Santa Monica College is within one of the most racially and ethnically diverse counties within the United States. The diversity of Los Angeles County is enhanced by its location in the State of California, the comfortable climate, the stunning geography, the variety of things to do and most importantly the easy access to a multitude of options and opportunities for the people who live here. Santa Monica College's reputation as a premier institution of higher education continues to reinforce its popularity and respected status with educators, students and the communities which this college serves.

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Los Angeles County Population Projection 2020

The County of Los Angeles ethnicity projections paint a very clear picture of a vibrant and ethnically diverse county. By 2020, Hispanic populations are projected to account for approximately 51%, Caucasians at 25%, Asians at 14%, and African-American populations at about 8%. Those people self identifying as multi-racial, a growing group in all projections, will be just over 2% of the total county population.

The ethnic profile of our student population reflects the county in all aspects, and the District must mirror this diversity in its faculty and staff. Diversity, inclusivity and equity of opportunity are key elements in all of the District's staffing plans and the educational goals for our students.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Definitions

Diversity

“Diversity” is a broad term and includes, but is not limited to age (40 years of age and above), culture, disability (both physical and mental), ethnicity, gender, immigrant status, marital status, parenting status, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and veteran status. Also included, and protected, are the multiple ways people self identify their gender: LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender and Queer).

Equity

"In education, the term "Equity" refers to the principle of fairness. While it is often used interchangeably with the related principle of equality, equity encompasses a wide variety of educational models, programs, and strategies that may be considered fair, but not necessarily equal. It has been said that "equity is the process; equality is the outcome," given that equity - what is fair and just - may not, in the process of educating students, reflect strict equality - what is applied, allocated, or distributed equally."

Inclusivity

"Inclusivity", as defined by the Oxford Dictionary: An intention or policy of including people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who have physical disabilities or who may be learning-disabled, or racial and sexual minorities.

An inclusive workplace values and provides equal opportunity to all employees regardless of differences (e.g., ability, age, ethnic background, gender, religion, sexual orientation, etc) to achieve their maximum potential at work without discrimination. It is important to recognize that employees may identify with multiple identities that will intersect with one another, such as a Native American woman with a disability. It calls for not just tolerating those who are different but for a culture of celebrating differences.

Diversity Reports

SMC is an attractive employer within Los Angeles County that facilitates recruitment and retention of faculty, staff and administration but most importantly, it makes this District extremely attractive to students.

The Santa Monica Community College District publishes a Diversity Report approximately every two years.

Faculty and Staff Diversity Reports