EVERYONE is welcome at the Diversity Center, a space dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion.
We recognize that diversity goes beyond race and nationality. Everyone has something valid and unique to contribute. We provide programming and resources for a wide array of identities and groups.
The Diversity Center promotes a shared understanding of respect, belonging and inclusivity, which fosters leaders to address systemic inequities in our community(ies).
Enhancing our understanding of human diversity, thereby inspiring leaders to make a positive impact locally, nationally and globally.
The Diversity Center is open to all Normandale students. We strive to support students from underrepresented populations. We do this in part by focusing on student engagement, offering peer support and connecting people with campus and community organizations.
Normandale encourages cross-cultural dialogue and education throughout the campus and the surrounding community. Throughout the year, the Center holds cultural programming and events to enrich the student experience.
Diversity Days events held every semester include movies, speakers and performances. An intercultural leadership program prepares graduates to address systemic inequities in their communities.
Spring 2022 events included an international food tasting, women's history and Earth Day celebrations, and a civic engagement discussion.
Watch the Student Roar newsletter for upcoming event announcements.
The Diversity Center Google Map Resources* lists organizations that support diversity and organizations owned by:
*The Diversity Center at Normandale Community College does not assume responsibility for the quality of services provided by outside agencies or websites listed. Inclusion in the list does not imply endorsement nor does omission indicate disapproval.
Student groups like Latinos United at Normandale in Action (L.U.N.A.), Black Student Alliance, Muslim Student Association and Diversity Club provide opportunities to connect.
Our campus is an inclusive and diverse place that values individuals. We work hard to make sure all students know they belong at Normandale and will be treated equally and kept safe. Find out more about campus diversity efforts.
We want to help build an equitable world. One of Normandale’s strategic goals is to achieve racial equity in educational outcomes by 2025. Find out more about our mission, values and vision for the future.
The Normandale Diversity Center recognizes that Normandale Community College sits on the tribal land of the Dakota and Ojibwe (Anishinaabe), the first original peoples of the U.S.
For more than 500 years, Native communities across the Americas have demonstrated resilience and resistance in the face of violent efforts to separate them from their land, culture and each other. They remain at the forefront of movements to protect Mother Earth and the life it sustains.
The Diversity Center wants to take this moment to honor Native communities and enact the much larger project of decolonization and reconciliation.
We open events and gatherings by acknowledging the traditional Indigenous inhabitants of the land.
Why do we open an event with a land acknowledgement? Acknowledgment is a simple, powerful way of showing respect and a step toward correcting the stories and practices that erase indigenous people’s history and culture toward inviting and honoring the truth.
It is done to:
Learn more from the US Department of Arts and Culture and follow the hashtag: #HonorNativeLands.
Resources for Native American/Indigenous Land Acknowledgement:
We know that during these challenging times students may experience difficulties with basic need insecurities such as housing, food, healthcare and more. Normandale is committed to supporting students facing barriers to their academic success by providing resources and services to help students overcome them. See resources below.
According to a report published in the American Journal of Criminal Justice, "COVID-19 has enabled the spread of racism and created national insecurity, fear of foreigners and general xenophobia, which may be associated with the increase in anti-Asian hate crime during the pandemic."
The term "Chinese Virus" has been used to blame Chinese and Asian Americans for COVID-19. Since this term has been used, there has been an increase in incidences of bias which has created blame on a specific group of people that is harmful to our community.
REPORT Hate crimes on xenophobia against Asian Americans. Explore these resources:
The Diversity Center grieves the death of George Floyd and stands in solidarity with all who advance the cause of racial justice. The Normandale Equity Council, Diversity Center and several students, staff and faculty on campus are working together to bring more resources to campus in response to George Floyd’s death.
The Diversity Center is located within the Kopp Student Center, Room K-1439.
Monday: 12:00-5:00pm
Tuesday: 12:00-4:00pm
Wednesday: 1:00-5:00pm
Thursday: 12:00-5:00pm
Friday: Campus is closed during the summer on Fridays
In collaboration with Student Life and campus clubs, we are forming a Diversity Library! Please help us build this library by suggesting relevant authors and books.
We highly encourage authors and books including but not limited to American Indian/Native America, Disabilities, Latinx, LGBTQIA+, Pan-African, Pan-Asian, Women and Military/Veterans experience and perspectives.
If you wish to reserve the Diversity Center, please contact Renee Cortez Rackley at renee.cortez@normandale.edu
Kopp Student Center, K-1439
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