This page provides resources and tools to support equity-centered work at Clark College and in our broader community. Grounded in the mission, vision, and values of Clark College, as well as the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges' mission to lead with racial equity, these materials help faculty, staff, and community members understand foundational equity concepts, recognize systemic barriers, and take meaningful action toward creating more inclusive environments. Whether you're looking for decision-making frameworks, educational resources on topics like implicit bias and intersectionality, or tools to analyze community needs through an equity lens, this collection offers practical starting points for integrating equity into your work and advancing racial, social, and economic justice.
Leading with Racial Equity
Clark College's Mission, Vision, and Values:
"Mission: To cultivate an inclusive, equitable, and vibrant community, Clark College educates, empowers, and elevates individuals to achieve their personal and professional goals."
"Vision: Rooted in social justice, Clark College is a beacon of hope, opportunities, and transformation providing excellent and equitable education to create economic, cultural, and community growth."
"Values: Social Justice | Partnerships | Innovation | Shared Governance | Continuous Improvement | Sustainability"
Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Mission:
"Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities."
This commitment to equity guides our work at Clark College and informs our approach to decision-making, program development, and community engagement.
Clark College's Social Equity Framework
Clark College's Social Equity Plan provides a comprehensive framework for advancing equity across all aspects of our institution. This living document guides our efforts to eliminate systemic barriers and create an inclusive environment where all students can thrive.
Essential Tools for Equity Work
Environmental Justice Map
An interactive mapping tool that visualizes environmental justice concerns and demographic data in our service area. Use this resource to understand community context and identify areas of need.
Best for:
- Understanding community demographics
- Identifying environmental impact zones
- Planning community outreach
- Researching equity issues
Equitable Decision-Making Tool
A structured framework from Clark's B.U.I.L.D. program to help evaluate decisions through an equity lens. This tool ensures that equity considerations are central to planning and implementation.
Best for:
- Program planning and development
- Policy creation and review
- Resource allocation decisions
- Committee and team discussions
Racial Equity Tools
A comprehensive website offering tools, research, curricula, and resources for people working toward racial justice at every level—in systems, organizations, communities, and culture.
Best for:
- Research and background information
- Assessment and evaluation frameworks
- Professional development
- Organizational change initiatives
HEDS Diversity and Equity Campus Climate Survey
Explore findings from Clark College’s campus climate survey, which captures community perceptions and experiences related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and incidents of discrimination or harassment.
Best for:
- Campus culture and community experiences
- Equity-centered planning and decision-making
- Data-driven program and policy development
- Institutional progress toward equity goals
Understanding Key Concepts
Implicit Bias and Stereotypes
Implicit Bias: Associations that are relatively inaccessible to conscious awareness and/or control. For example, even if you say that men and women are equally good at math, it is possible that you associate math more strongly with men without being actively aware of it.
Stereotypes: The belief that most members of a group have some characteristic. These beliefs can unconsciously influence our decisions and interactions.
Microaggressions
Brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative slights and insults toward members of marginalized groups.
White Supremacy Culture Characteristics
Tema Okun identifies characteristics of white supremacy culture that show up in organizational practices. Understanding these helps us identify and address systemic issues.
Common characteristics include:
- Perfectionism
- Sense of urgency
- Defensiveness
- Quantity over quality
- Worship of the written word
- Only one right way
- Paternalism
- Either/or thinking
- Power hoarding
- Fear of open conflict
- Individualism
- Right to comfort
White Privilege
Unearned advantages that white people receive in society simply because of their race. Understanding privilege is essential for equity work.
Understanding Intersectionality
Intersectionality examines how various forms of inequality and identity (race, gender, class, sexuality, disability, etc.) interconnect to create unique experiences of discrimination and privilege.
Key dimensions to consider:
- Race and ethnicity
- Gender identity and expression
- Sexual orientation
- Socioeconomic status
- Age
- Religion and spiritual beliefs
- Immigration status
- Ability and disability status
Local & Regional Context
Understanding the specific history of racism and racial justice in our region is essential for effective equity work. The Pacific Northwest has a complex history of exclusion, segregation, and resistance that continues to shape our communities today.
Vancouver / Washington
- First families of Vancouver's African American community from World War two to the twenty-first century by Jane Elder Wulff (2012)
- Segregated Seattle - A project documenting the history of segregation in Seattle and King County from 1920 to present
- African American Research & Archival Collections in the Pacific Northwest from University of Washington Libraries
Vanport
- Vanport Mosaic - Community history project
- Vanport - Essay from the Oregon Encyclopedia, a project of the Oregon Historical Society
Portland / Oregon
- History of Racist Planning in Portland - Report on how historical racist land use planning contributed to racial segregation and inequity
- Oregon's Black Pioneers - Documentary using rare historical photographs and primary documents
- African American History in Oregon - Archival collections, digital exhibits, and oral histories from Portland State University
- Oregon Nikkei - Japanese American Museum of Oregon
- Why Aren't There More Black People in Portland? A Hidden History - A conversation with Walidah Imarisha
- The Racist History of Portland, the Whitest City in America
Indigenous Histories & Perspectives
- Native Seattle: histories from the crossing-over place by Coll Thrush (2017) - Available as ebook
- Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot - Call Number: RC464.M35 M35 2019
Additional National Resources:
- National Museum of African American History & Culture's Learning Labs
- Race: The Power of an Illusion - PBS documentary series
- History of Racism in the U.S. - Racial Equity Tools resource guide
- Racial Justice Calendar - Multimedia calendar from the Equal Justice Initiative
- Civil Rights History Project - National survey of collections from the Library of Congress
Taking Action: From Learning to Practice
Understanding equity concepts is just the beginning. True change requires sustained action and commitment. Here are ways to put your learning into practice:
In Your Workplace
- Advocate for equitable hiring practices
- Challenge inequitable policies and procedures
- Support colleagues from marginalized communities
- Participate in equity training and committees
In Your Community
- Support local organizations led by communities of color
- Attend community forums and town halls
- Advocate for equitable local policies
- Build authentic relationships across difference
In Your Personal Growth
- Continue self-education on equity issues
- Examine your own biases and privileges
- Practice active listening and humility
- Engage in difficult conversations