Every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some were brought here against their will, some were drawn to leave their distant homes in hope of a better life, and some have lived on this land for more generations than can be counted. Truth and acknowledgment are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference.  

We begin this effort to acknowledge what has been buried by honoring the truth. 
We are on the ancestral lands of the Dakota and Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) People. We pay respects to their elders past and present. Please take a moment to consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that bring us together here today. And please join us in uncovering such truths.

Adapted from the U.S. Department of Art and Culture

During the summer of 2020, following the murder of George Floyd while also navigating the global Coronavirus Pandemic, COVID – 19, Saint Paul College made the commitment to become an anti-racist, trauma-informed institution. The anti-racist, trauma-informed philosophy involves 

Identifying, preventing and eliminating racism in our structures, policies, practices and attitudes while collectively supporting a culture of safety, trust, empowerment, cooperation and choice. 

Saint Paul College’s Anti-Racist, Trauma-Informed Plan

The diversity of Saint Paul College is one of the school’s greatest strengths. In an effort to promote equity, inclusion and social justice the College is committed to providing opportunities for faculty, staff and students to be continuously engaged in experiences that increase cultural competency.

• Equity By Design – Equity by Design is a Minnesota State system-wide program to increase equitable outcomes in our classrooms. At Saint Paul College, it takes the form of a 9-week faculty cohort facilitated jointly by The Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Academic Effectiveness and Innovation (AEI) staff. 
• Mental Health First Aid – Mental Health First Aid provides strategies to help individuals in crisis and non-crisis situations. In support of our commitment to become an anti-racist, trauma-informed institution, Saint Paul College faculty and staff will provide Mental Health First Aid training for College employees. 
• Safe Zone Training – Safe Zone trainings are opportunities to learn about LGBTQ+ identities, gender and sexuality, and examine prejudice, assumptions, and privilege. 
• Throughout the academic year additional workshops and events will be offered to support increasing the cultural competency of faculty, staff and students. 
• Social Justice Book Club – The Social Justice Book Club provides opportunities for the College community to participate in conversations addressing social justice through literature.

Saint Paul College supports the development and retention of faculty and staff. Affinity or Employee Resource groups promote employee retention through providing opportunities to build community, mentoring and encouraging personal and professional growth through shared experiences. 

Saint Paul College groups: 

• Faculty and Staff of Color 
• Faculty of Color Mentoring Program 
• White Allies Group

In addition to the Saint Paul College Affinity Groups, the College also supports participation in state-wide employee resource groups. 

• Indigenous Men and Men of Color
  • Jeremy Clark, jclark@inverhills.edu
• Employees of Color ERG (POCI) 
  • Monica Ibarra, mibarra@inverhills.edu 
• LGBTQIA+ ERG 
  • Nancy Floyd, nancy.floyd@minnstate.edu
  • Jessica Wade-Ferrell, JWade-Ferrell@sctcc.edu
• Womxn in Higher Education ERG 
  • Lyndsay Ampe, Lyndsay.Ampe@ridgewater.edu

For more information regarding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice at Saint Paul College, please contact DEI@saintpaul.edu.