By Koy Flores
Jamillya Hardley has been named Interim Director of the Inclusion Center (ODEI) and Multicultural Affairs at Grand Rapids Community College. She previously served as the assistant director of the ODEI.
Hardley has many upcoming events lined up for the winter semester, many of which center on the immersion of GRCC’s micro-cultures, and aim to improve the quality of campus life for all of its students and faculty.
The purpose of the ODEI is to eliminate any exclusionary institutional practices that jeopardize one’s sense of belonging at GRCC. It’s a support office where students are encouraged to “be themselves” and also offers one-on-one meetings for students.
“We want to be an institution of diversion in order to retain, recruit, and increase graduation rates, which is our ultimate goal,” Hardley said.
Hardley mentioned that with the influx of students from non-white backgrounds (Latino, Black, Asian, etc.) on campus, the ODEI is prioritizing not only immersion for everyone, but also developing resources to accommodate them.
In addition to a recent leadership change, the ODEI is currently pausing meetings with other groups on the campus. This is due to the new restructuring of the office. When asked about how this will affect the programming of the office, Hardley had this to say.
“The biggest difference will be having a bigger focus on work initiatives and cooperation alongside our other college offices, like Student Life. It will still have the same output and results. We still have health and student support services. We’ll maintain the same academic focus on retention and graduation rates.”
According to Hardley, The ODEI is beginning a partnership with the student organization, Black African Student Union (BASU). The ODEI has also reinstated the groups ALAS (translates to “wing” in Spanish), NIA, (translates to “purpose” in Swahili) and Brother 2 Brother (centers on minority inclusion).
Some lawmakers in other states are challenging the mission and, in some instances, working to eliminate funding for ODEI initiatives at public colleges claiming that these programs have the potential to “alienate students.”
“I think that for other states, it’s a disheartening situation because diversity, equity and inclusion efforts are under attack in a way that doesn’t seem fruitful,” Hardley said. “We live in a polarized world… but there is beauty and enrichment in us all.”
Students are encouraged to stop by these upcoming ODEI events, all of which are on campus if they’re looking for a fun and safe place to learn.
The group ALAS has postponed their meet and greet event at the time of writing, but keep an eye out for updates on Raider Connect. The group centers on Hispanic/Latino immersion.
On Feb. 22, there will be two workshop events. The first features Antija Allen and Justin T. Stewart, the authors of the book, “We’re Not Okay”, between 8-9:30 a.m. in Sneden Hall, Room 108. The second is called ‘Cultivating a Community of Belonging,’ and will be held from noon – 1:30 p.m., in Sneden Hall, Room 108. These are a continuation of the Diversity Lecture series.
On Thursday, March 21, Kim Dabbs will be leading a virtual webinar viewing, focusing on connection and belonging. That will be held from noon – 1 p.m., in Sneden Hall, room 108.
The office can be found inside the doors of the GRCC Library and Learning Commons, to the left. If you want to learn more about GRCC’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, you can contact them on Facebook at “GRCC//Office of Diversity and Inclusion” or on Instagram at “GRCC_ODEI” or read about it at grcc.edu
