OCC Statement on Equity

At Onondaga Community College, equity permeates all we do. We believe everyone should have access to higher education and be treated equitably and fairly as a member of our community. Our institution recognizes the structural barriers and histories of systemic discrimination that have limited opportunities for marginalized, underrepresented, and underserved groups. We are invested in addressing the imbalances of power that contribute to patterns of exclusion and disparities in access to education, retention, and completion.  

Our commitment to equity entails routinely assessing the fairness of our institutional policies, practices, and culture, and implementing data-driven improvement plans. We are dedicated to informing our community when inequities manifest at our institution and in the broader society. Through ongoing dialogue and critical reflection, we will continue to identify and ameliorate gaps in equity consciousness on our campus and cultivate an inclusive environment that facilitates every individual's self-actualization and success. It is our priority to ensure our students and employees receive access to the resources they need to thrive and achieve their goals. We remain steadfast as an ally in the pursuit of justice and meaningful change. With our efforts to advance educational opportunities and equitable outcomes for all, we collectively affirm equity as not only an institutional value, but our promise.

Charged by President Crabill and developed by the OCC Council on Diversity and Inclusion, Fall 2020

Endorsed by the College Leadership Council, September 11, 2020

Endorsed by the Student Association, September 25, 2020

Endorsed by the OCC Faculty Senate, November 16, 2020

Recommended to and accepted by President Crabill, December 2, 2020

Adopted by the OCC Board of Trustees, January 26, 2021