The studends they educate will help to provide tomorrow's leaders, and their college experience must demonstrate the richness and substance of our diverse, multicultural and global environment. The college environment should promote understanding and app reciation of others, while encouraging students to grow as individuals. AACC reaffirms its commitment to diversity. In accord with this philosophy, the Association encourages community colleges to evaluate their hiring, admissions, and financial aid policies to ensure diversity and equal access within their institutions. AACC believes that diversity is crucial to a democratic society.
Community colleges are, in effect, microcosms of our greater society.
As such, they should encourage and enhance the fullest understanding of human rights and responsibilities and should teach the skills that allow thier students to effectivly participate in a democratic society. The colleges should be responsible for shaping an environment that mirrors the general culture and creates opportunities for all within the college community to interact with understanding tolerance, and respect for others. In this way, diversity in education not only serves as a model for the world at large, but it also helps perpetuate social harmony for the future. The Associaltion of Community College Trustees is commited to the mission of the trustee education and advocacy on the behalf of its members. We recognize that thesse values are critical to the healthy effective communities and that there exists a continuing need to strive toward their realization.