The students they educate will help 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 appreciation 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 their students to effectively 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.