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�鶹��ý (�鶹��ý) has joined a new initiative from the USC Race and Equity Center which brings together leaders from California’s community colleges to address issues related to race and racism. The California Community College Equity Leadership Alliance will use a three-pronged approach to help administrators and faculty leaders learn how to better address the concerns of students and employees of color, who have long cited the persistence of racist policies and attitudes within their institutions. There are more than 60 California community colleges partnering in the initiative.

In the aftermath of mass, worldwide protests following the police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, students across the country have pressed their schools and universities to take tangible actions that improve the education of Black students.

“Merely proclaiming in written statements that Black Lives Matter is insufficient,” said USC Rossier School of Education Professor Shaun Harper in a news release​. Harper leads the USC Race and Equity Center and created the Alliance.

“This is a vital step for �鶹��ý and colleges throughout the state to begin taking strategic action towards addressing and dismantling systemic racism and racial inequalities on our campuses,” says �鶹��ý Acting President Cindy Vyskocil. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to take part in this valuable alliance.”

On June 15, the Center held the first of a dozen eConvenings they will host over the next year, each on a particular aspect of racial equity. Twenty �鶹��ý administrators, staff, and faculty leaders attended. These professional learning experiences will be held virtually throughout the year, one per month. Each eConvening will explore strategies and practical approaches for equity issues.

The Alliance will also use the following approach for member institution:

​V�����ٳܲ��� racial equity resource portal: The Center is developing an online repository of resources and tools for Alliance member colleges. Downloadable equity-related rubrics, readings, case studies, videos, slide decks, and conversation scripts will be included in the portal and accessible to all employees at member colleges.​

Campus climate surveys: Using the National Assessment of Collegiate Campus Climates (NACCC) as a model, the students, faculty, and staff of each member institution will be surveyed about their feelings of belonging and inclusion, encounters with racism on campus, the frequency and depth of cross-cultural interactions, appraisals of institutional commitment to diversity and inclusion, and other related topics.

To learn more about the USC Race and Equity Center’s work with colleges and universities, visit: race.usc.edu/colleges.