Diversity & Inclusion at Kalamazoo Valley

Intersectionality: Same Struggle - Different Difference. A collection of overlapping colored circles with such traits as 'gender identity', 'religion', 'mental health', and 'nationality', with a circle reading 'YOU' in the center.

Kalamazoo Valley values the diversity of its students, faculty, and staff as an institutional asset.

A teal and lime green graphic that reads

Image from Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May is commonly recognized as AAPI Heritage Month, this month recognizes the achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. In 2021, it was proclaimed as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI) to include Native Hawaiians. For a reflection on the meaning of the month read more here.

Upcoming Events

The text invites attendees to learn about Gryphon Place’s 24/7 crisis support, suicide prevention, conflict transformation, and the 2-1-1 referral system. The right side features a graphic silhouette of a head filled with vibrant, colorful leaves and floral shapes.

Gryphon Place: Mental Health Services and More!
Discover how Gryphon Place serves our community through 24/7 crisis support, suicide prevention and additional community programs on Tuesday, June 2, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Room 4380 on the Texas Township Campus. Learn about the 2-1-1 system that is essential for resource referrals and gain the necessary tools for effective advocacy and conflict transformation. Join us to connect with vital mental health services and empower yourself to support those in need across Southwest Michigan. Advance signups are welcomed by clicking here, but not required to attend.

LGBTQ+ Pride Month Events
Make an art project inspired by the artist Keith Haring on Wednesday, June 3, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., in the Center for New Media Lobby, and Thursday, June 4, from 9 to 11 a.m., in the Texas Township Campus cafeteria. Then, “Become a KV Ally” will be offered Tuesday, June 16, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., in Room 1330 at the Texas Township Campus to provide information on a variety of sexual and gender identities and best practices for greater student and staff support. Kalamazoo Valley volunteers will also be in the community this summer at Kalamazoo Pride, Saturday June 6, from to 2 to 7 p.m., at the Arcadia Creek Festival Site, and at Kalamazoo Youth Pride, Saturday, June 27, noon to 6 p.m., at the Girl Scout Center, both in Kalamazoo.

An event flyer titled 'KV ALLIES: BUILDING AWARENESS' is set against a vibrant, diagonal Progress Pride flag background. The progress pride flag includes the traditional colors of the rainbow with black, brown pink, blue, and white stripes added.

KV Allies: Building Awareness
KV Allies: Building Awareness Training takes place on Tuesday, June 16, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Texas Township Campus in Room 1330. We'll provide information on a variety of sexual and gender identities and best practices for greater student and staff support. All are welcome. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins may attend. Sign up at this link

A movie poster for 'WATTSTAX' features bold, stylized orange typography at the top against a white background. To the left of the title, text reads, 'Laugh! Cry! Sing! Hear! Feel! Dance! Shout!' To the right, it reads, 'A soulful expression of the living word...' The bottom half shows a high-contrast, orange-and-brown illustration of a Black man with sunglasses singing passionately into a microphone.

A Movie and Some Music: The Juneteenth Edition on June 18
You won’t want to miss the FREE screening of “Wattstax” (1973) on Thursday, June 18 at 6 p.m. in the Kalamazoo Valley Museum’s Mary Jane Stryker Theater, followed by a performance by Kalamazoo vocalist Yolonda Lavender. The documentary showcases the historic all-day concert at the 1972 Watts Summer Festival featuring Stax Records artists, such as Isaac Hayes, The Staples Singers and more. The free tickets will be released on the day of the screening at the museum’s front desk. The event is curated by Soul Artistry LLC.

About the Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Inclusive environments strengthen critical thinking, reduce bias, and enhance communication across difference - 21st century skills essential for student success in our community and beyond.

We are dedicated to providing equitable access to success through quality education which includes an inclusive intellectual community where diverse perspectives are welcomed and respected. Every member of our community shares responsibility for upholding fairness, dignity, and accountability.

Through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the college collaborates with campus and community partners to provide resources, leadership, and support that advance inclusive excellence.

Kalamazoo Valley Community College believes that inclusivity encompasses, but is not limited to, race, religion, color, gender, weight, height, marital status, veteran status, disability, national origin, handicap, gender identification, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, economic circumstance, physical or mental ability, physical or mental characteristic, or philosophy in its programs, services, or activities.

For more information contact:

Trice Batson

Director of Diversity and Inclusion

| 269.488.4119

Dr. Chris Whitsel (He/Him)

Program Coordinator

| 269.488.4314