Image of hands coming together. NHCC in Solidarity.

Our commitment to racial equity

North Hennepin Community College stands firm against racism and all forms of human oppression. The circumstances surrounding Mr. George Floyd’s death, an unarmed African American man, are deplorable. As a college committed to racial equity, we acknowledge the trauma that this incident causes all of us, so we take this time to recognize the fullness of human value and reinforce to you our commitment to racial healing and upholding anti-racism practices.

While higher education alone cannot solve all societal forms of racism, oppression, and trauma, we do serve as an institution of higher learning and civic engagement. As such we will continue to work toward illuminating systems of racial inequity within our own community so that together we can continue dismantling all forms of oppression that adversely affect our community of students. We extend our deepest condolences to the Floyd family.

  • Campus Statement

    September 23, 2020
      
    Black lives matter. Black lives matter at North Hennepin Community College. Today, the grand jury in Ms. Breonna Taylor’s case announced that none of the police officers involved in her fatal shooting would be directly indicted for her death. In March of this year, Ms. Taylor, an African American woman, was fatally shot by Louisville officers during a raid of her apartment. While there are many details to her case that we may never know, the fact remains that another Black life has been lost without any accountability. As President of North Hennepin Community College, I reaffirm our commitment to racial justice. As a college, we stand in solidarity with Black women whose lives, voices and experiences with oppression and racial injustice are too frequently overlooked. We stand in solidarity with the African American community which continues to experience trauma through racism. We also stand in solidarity and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Ms. Breonna Taylor. North Hennepin Community College remains steadfast in its charge to stand against racism and all forms of human oppression. We will persist with our work of truth, racial healing and transformation. We will also continue to provide racial healing spaces for our students, employees and community.

  • Community Resources

  • Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) Institute

    The Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) selected North Hennepin Community College to participate in their Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) Institute June 16-19, 2020. The selection partners us with AAC&U to maximize equitable community building through racial healing using the TRHT framework. NHCC will receive a network of support and national evaluators to guide the development of purposeful action that dismantles racial hierarchies and structural barriers, both within the campus and local community. NHCC was selected based on our demonstrated commitment to racial equity.

    Representatives include:
    • NHCC Associate Vice President of Equity & Inclusion, Dr. Eda Watts
    • Brooklyn Park Assistant City Manager, Wokie Freeman-Gbogb
    • NHCC Chief Human Resource Officer, Vickie DeFord
    • NHCC-MSCF Chapter President, Sara Van Asten
    • NHCC Director of Access Services and Tutoring, Tom Lynch
    • NHCC Dean of Student Development, Lindsay Fort
    • NHCC Interim Dean of Fine Arts, Languages and Communications, Kathy Hendrickson
    • NHCC Dean of Science, Math and Health Science, Jayant Anand

  • Diversity & Social Justice Events

    An outcome of the Truth and Racial Healing Transformation Institute is the intentionality to engage our community in race-based discussions. The purpose is to begin the process of healing through spaces that promote perspective sharing. The goal is to ultimately move our community toward transformative action that deconstructs racial hierarchy. Learn more about employee and student opportunities hosted by Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

    You're invited to participate in a Community Forum on Race, Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. along with your family, neighbors, and friends in the Northwest suburbs. This year's theme is Building Community Through Racial Healing, and will feature a virtual racial healing circle. Rooted in indigenous tradition, this facilitation style provides an opportunity for sharing lived truth and emphasizes active listening and being open to differing perspectives. Pre-registration is required. Click here for more information and to register.

  • Racial and Social Justice Leadership Scholarship

    North Hennepin Community College is offering two $1,000 scholarships to students who promote leadership and are actively engaged in racial and social justice advocacy. Click here to donate. Click here to apply! 

  • Our COVID-19 Anti-Stigma Statement

    North Hennepin Community College, as a diverse, equitable and inclusive community, is committed to upholding a campus culture that is respectful and welcoming. Learn more  about our anti-stigma statement.

  • Learn More

    Learn more about NHCC's commitment by viewing the racial equity statement and strategic plan. For more information and to learn how to get involved, visit the Diversity & Equity web page or contact diversity@nhcc.edu.