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.

  • NHCC Resources

  • 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 Learning Opportunities

    • Employees

      Brave Space Reading Group: A reading series to engage in discussion, broaden awareness, and learn how to take actionable steps toward racial equity. The current book is How to be an anti-racist by Ibram X. Kendi. Meets weekly.

      Let’s Talk About Race: An interactive opportunity to critically discuss current events and topics specific to race and racial advocacy. “What will you do?” is the foundational question that will drive our solution-oriented conversations. Our goal is to illuminate personal change-agency that drives community action. Meets bi-weekly.

      Power Hour: A live discussion that dives into topics of power, identity and privilege. Meets weekly on Thursdays and Fridays from 12-1 p.m.

      Racial Healing Circles: Rooted in indigenous tradition, this compassion-based platform provides opportunity for sharing lived truths, and emphasizes active listening and being open to differing perspectives. The goal is to promote understanding, racial healing and racial equity. Meets monthly.

    • Students

      C.O.R.E. (Conversations on Race and Equity): An opportunity for students to engage in critical dialogue on issues relevant to race, equity and advocacy. The goal is to serve as a springboard for civic engagement and to empower the next generation of change advocates. Meets bi-weekly on Mondays 3-4 p.m. (starting July 13) and on Thursdays 9-10 a.m. (starting July 9).

      Racial Healing Circles: Rooted in indigenous tradition, this compassion-based platform provides opportunity for sharing lived truths, and emphasizes active listening and being open to differing perspectives. The goal is to promote understanding, racial healing and racial equity. Meets monthly. Stay tuned for a fall date to be announced.

    • Community

      Racial Healing Circles: Rooted in indigenous tradition, this compassion-based platform provides opportunity for sharing lived truths, and emphasizes active listening and being open to differing perspectives. The goal is to promote understanding, racial healing and racial equity. The first event will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Registration link coming soon. 

  • We Support International Students

    On July 6, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement released a news alert announcing that nonimmigrant F-1 and M-1 students attending schools operating entirely online may not take a full online course load and remain in the United States. In addition, the U.S. Department of State will not issue visas to students enrolled in schools and/or programs that are fully online for the fall semester nor will U.S. Customs and Border Protection permit these students to enter the United States. The pandemic has impacted international students in many ways, and NHCC is fully committed to supporting those who are already here and continuing our outreach to potential international students. Our international students bring important vibrancy and perspective to our campus that adds to the diversity of thought and experience critical to fostering the type of learning environment our students need and deserve. There are still many questions that will hopefully be clarified once the full temporary rules addressing the fall 2020 semester are published in the Federal Register. NHCC will continue to review the available information and provide updated guidance for our students. If you have any questions, please contact Advising at advising@nhcc.edu or Admissions at admission@nhcc.edu.

  • 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.