Diversity Profile
The Foothill-De Anza Community College District provides equal opportunity in education and employment. To meet this commitment, the District maintains and supports an environment in which all employees and students can work and learn free from intimidation, harassment and discrimination. The District has adopted specific policies on sexual harassment and discrimination. Each year, new employees are required to attend a workshop on sexual harassment that current employees are also encouraged to attend.
What do we mean when we speak of diversity at the Foothill-De Anza Community College District? The Human Resources & Equal Opportunity Office offers one definition:
"Diversity refers to human qualities that are different from our own and those of groups to which we belong; but that are manifested in other individuals and groups. Dimensions of diversity include but are not limited to: age, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities / qualities, race, sexual orientation, educational background, geographic location, income, marital status, military experience, parental status, religious beliefs, work experience, and job classification."
Diversity as a concept focuses on a broader set of qualities than race and gender. In the context of the workplace, valuing diversity means creating a workplace that respects and includes differences, recognizing the unique contributions that individuals with many types of differences can make, and creating a work environment that maximizes the potential of all employees.
We believe that culturally diverse teams yield more creative, synergistic and effective outcomes. We are increasingly willing to accept and address the conflict that arises as a normal part of existence in a pluralistic environment in order to work towards acknowledging, addressing and confronting our differences positively. We recognize that we are part of a global community and that this informs our responsibility to our students. We recognize that the development and maintenance of a multicultural district is a journey not a final destination so we are prepared to learn and grow as issues emerge.
Diversity is also about having the long term goal that the campus work force should generally reflect the population of the state it serves in all its dimensions. Finally we recognize that the attainment of this vision is not only possible, but critical to our viability, to meeting our potential as a District and most importantly, to the success of our students.
Diversity in the Workplace
Sponsored by the District Diversity Advisory Committee, DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE is a training and awareness program for all employees. The training program, which began November 2000, allows participants the opportunity to review, evaluate and reflect upon how diversity impacts each of us and specifically how individual work relationships, work environment and workplace behaviors ultimately affect student success. During the training, participants will also gain a better understanding of the District's commitment to diversity as expressed in our Diversity Vision Statement.
All employees should plan to attend one of the scheduled training sessions. Whether your work is in the classroom, in student services, in an administrative or support capacity, you will benefit from this training.
Harassment and Discrimination: Policies, Forms, and Procedures
De Anza College Diversity Clubs
Foothill College Heritage Months
- Foothill students, faculty and staff celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our campus community throughout the year, and especially during our heritage month festivities, which run from January through June. From art exhibits and literature events, guest speakers and panel discussions, live entertainment and theatre performances, film screenings and hot-topic workshops, you'll have fun as you learn about diverse cultures.
Foothill College International Students
Foothill College African American Network
- The African American Network functions in an advocacy and support role for Foothill-De Anza Community College District employees of African Descent, as well as Foothill College students of African Descent.