North Hennepin Campus Works to Be More Inclusive
Look around the North Hennepin Community College campus in Brooklyn Park and you will see a rainbow of people—different races, religions and sexual orientation. The population of students of color is about 50 percent. However, only 14 percent of NHCC staff are people of color.
“Our goal is to continue to increase those numbers, to make sure we’re having that voice, diversity in the classrooms,” said Michael Bichard, diversity and affirmative action officer at NHCC.
North Hennepin has several academic diversity initiatives aimed at being more inviting and inclusive.
Several Diversity Groups On Campus
Each month, the Black Men’s Leadership Movement meets at the Campus Center in NHCC. They have been active on campus for six years. Their goal is to uplift and inspire black men. Student Tommy Devine leads the group.
“Issues dealing with black men, for example, like police and police brutality or just conflicts within just black men ourselves,” explained Devine.
The Latino Success Initiative embraces the legacy and contributions of Hispanics. They also talk about timely topics. At their next meeting, they will discuss voter suppression.
North Hennepin Community College officials say they are striving to create an environment where everyone feels included and welcome.
“I think having the opportunity to have many perspectives, many different life experiences as part of our campus is really important,” said Birchard.
