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Letter to the Editor:
Student leaders speak to MHCC’s diversity
ASG director of diversityQSA adviserASG presidentASG vice presidentASG president-electASG vice president-electDirector of SAB
To the Editor:
Diversity involves the differences between individuals that make each person unique and one of a kind; this is to be embraced and encouraged as it revolves around originality, variation between peers, and the opportunities to go against the grain and out of the norm. Without diversity, we would only see black and white and no gray. Mt. Hood Community College puts emphasis on providing an education and learning experience for ALL members of every community.
Embracing tolerance does not mean you give up your beliefs. Instead, it helps ensure your right, and the rights of others, to hold diverse beliefs without fear of retribution. It also encourages us all to learn from each other, perhaps modifying our beliefs when we choose, and create a loving, free society.
To feel welcome and accepted for who you are is important to be successful in any endeavor, but vital for achieving an education. Moving forward from the recent events that have occurred on campus surrounding hate and discrimination, we need students to know that their elected representatives within the Associated Student Government are committed to creating and fostering a safe environment on our campus. It is each of our responsibility to stand up for those who may not be able to, and partner with the entire campus to establish clear expectations for behavior. We will not stand by while students question their safety on campus, and we challenge each member of the MHCC community to take a look at how they treat those around them. This is our opportunity as a campus, to unite and recognize the potential we have to ensure each student a successful and encouraging experience.
The mission statements, visions, and values of MHCC as a whole and the ASG call for collaboration for the betterment of all students. Unwarranted discrimination on any basis is in direct conflict with those fundamental goals and beliefs and should not, and will not be tolerated. Hate is at the root of discrimination, and hate has no place at MHCC or anywhere else. Discrimination holds no significance at MHCC. We must stand as a community, united as a whole without boundaries of any kind.
Our approach to discrimination is to be open to others’ opinions and to talk openly about our differences. In the end, it does not matter whether we agree or not; being open to conversation and respecting others is what is important. One of the greatest things about being an American is the freedom that we share; all that is asked is that one has the freedom to live their life as they choose and we will fight for your right to do the same.
All can be assured that the leadership of this college are dedicated to live out these principles and to assist all students and faculty to live to their greatest potential without the obstacle of bigotry and ignorant actions.