MATC's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, along with its council, celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
More than 60 years ago, Dr. King underscored the value of diversity in uplifting, strengthening and building the foundation of the nation. He championed the Civil Rights Movement. Moreover, his actions laid the legal framework for Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination because of race, color, sex, national origin and religion. Dr. King envisioned a society whereby everyone was treated with dignity, respect and acceptance.
Dr. King’s philosophy rings true in the present and with many organizations. According to the American Council on Education, which has more than 1,700 members, “Education within a diverse setting prepares students to become good citizens in an increasingly complex society.”
MATC’s diversity identifiers include ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status/class. Our students come from a multiplicity of identifiers. Thus, the college ensures equity and inclusion in all its policies and practices.
Dr. King had a storied career, and his advocacy still impacts the way we navigate the waters of our cultural climate. His speeches, writings and activism have become timeless symbols of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. He valued allyship, belonging and unity.
People ask, “Why is diversity, equity and inclusion important in college?” When students have positive diversity experiences, it enriches their educational background, helps them see themselves as leaders and better prepares them for the workforce. Further, it increases their interest in improving the lives of other people in their communities.
Diversity means different things to different people. Notwithstanding, Dr. King inspired all people to create a more inclusive and equitable world. The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, together with its council, values Dr. King’s beliefs as a cornerstone of its operation.