Diversity, Equity, + Inclusion
Equity + Inclusion Council (EIC)
EIC’s Mission:
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion at LCAD:
To advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at LCAD, the Equity and Inclusion Council (EIC) is committed to formulating and implementing strategic policies that promote an inclusive, anti-bias environment where all community members feel empowered to be their authentic selves.
Building an Empowered Community:
At LCAD, we aim to create and sustain an environment where everyone, regardless of their background, is valued for their skills and talents. We strive to cultivate a community where students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to embrace and express their authentic selves. By inviting our community to share their experiences, we foster more inclusive behavior and contribute to a truly diverse cultural atmosphere.
To communicate with our Equity + Inclusion Counsel, please email eic@lcad.edu
LCAD’s DEI Goals and Initiatives
The LCAD community, including Trustees, Administrative Leaders, and Faculty, established the LCAD Equity + Inclusion Scholarship to support under-represented students of color. This scholarship aims to eliminate disparities in student representation, acknowledging the role of art in empowering communities. Contributions to this fund ensure that students of color can pursue their education at LCAD, regardless of financial circumstances. Recipients are selected based on need and merit, helping them to achieve degrees and careers in creative arts. Donations can be made as one-time gifts, recurring contributions, or endowed funds, with scholarships awarded in the following academic year.
Support LCAD’s mission to cultivate tomorrow’s creative professionals!
Initiative: Outreach and Recruitment
Expand recruitment efforts to underrepresented communities (racial/ethnic minorities, low-income students, LGBTQIA+, first-generation college students).
Initiative: Campus Training
Implement regular, mandatory training for faculty, staff, and students focused on topics such as implicit bias, anti-racism, and inclusive teaching.
Initiative: Curriculum Development
Review and revise curricula to ensure courses reflect diverse perspectives, including non-Western art traditions.
Initiative: Student Support
Establish or enhance support networks for underrepresented students, including mentorship programs, clubs, and mental health resources.
Initiative: Hiring Practices
Review and revise hiring policies to eliminate bias in job descriptions, candidate sourcing, and interview processes. Actively recruit from underrepresented groups in the arts and academia.
Initiative: Retention and Advancement
Implement professional development and mentorship programs for faculty and staff.
Initiative: Exhibitions and Visiting Artist Equity
Ensure that student and faculty exhibitions, Visiting Artist lectures and / or workshops, and other artistic opportunities are accessible to all, with a focus on amplifying marginalized voices.
Initiative: Funding and Resources
Equitably distribute funding for student and faculty projects, with special consideration for those who may face structural barriers to artistic development.
Initiative: DEI Committee
Establish a committee responsible for driving DEI initiatives, reviewing policies, and monitoring progress. Include representatives from all areas of the college (students, faculty, staff, administration).
Initiative: Regular Reporting
Publish an annual DEI report detailing the college’s progress, successes, and areas for improvement.
Initiative: Accessible Admission Process
Remove barriers in the admissions process by offering portfolio reviews that consider diverse life experiences.
Initiative: Financial Aid Awareness
Create workshops and resources to increase awareness of financial aid options among underrepresented communities.
Initiative: Community Partnerships
Collaborate with local schools, community arts organizations, and cultural institutions to promote arts education and access to underrepresented groups.
Initiative: Professional Networks
Partner with organizations and industry leaders committed to DEI in the arts to create career opportunities for students and alumni.
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