Sustainability Action Plan 2022

Equity Programs and Projects

4.14 Diversity, Equity, and Environmental Justice

The California Community College system is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and environmental justice from the state Chancellor’s Office to the individual districts and colleges. As the country's largest and most diverse higher education system, California community colleges have a tremendous opportunity to break down existing barriers to equity. By building a faculty and staff that look like the students and communities they work in and committing to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA), the community college system can take a giant leap toward being an organization that works for all students. The state Chancellors’ Office recognizes the importance of environmental justice in its sustainability policies, which should be addressed in the Sustainability Action Plan as described below

4.14.1 Create Connections Specific to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts to District Sustainability Planning and Implementation

The district should embrace the connection between sustainability and equity in planning and implementing campus sustainability activities. As the BOG Framework recommends, this work should be consistent with the California Community Colleges Vision for Success and the diversity and equity programs articulated in vision.

4.14.2 Explore Changes to Local Policies and Procedures with the District Board of Trustees to Bolster Climate and Environmental Justice

Working in collaboration with the colleges’ offices of equity, ESAC should explore changes to district policies and procedures to improve the connection between sustainability and diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. For those initiatives that require institutional and districtwide policy changes, ESAC should propose changes through the established participatory governance process to the Board of Trustees for review at a regularly scheduled meeting to allow public input and comment.

4.14.3 Educational Programs and Events Underscoring the Intersectional Relationship of Environment, Climate, and Social Equity Issues

The U.S. EPA defines environmental justice as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people,
regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, concerning the development, implementation, and
enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. This goal will be achieved when everyone enjoys:

The same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards, and
Equal decision-making access to a healthy environment to live, learn and work.

Environmental injustice is the intersection between social justice and environmentalism regarding the inequalities someone experiences in both categories. ESAC should work with students and faculty to develop programs and events underscoring the intersectional relationship between environment, climate and social equity issues. This is also a crucial goal of the BOG Framework.

4.14.4 Work With Each College Office of Equity to Integrate Sustainability Planning With Campus Equity Plans — Priority

Both Foothill and De Anza colleges have established offices of equity and have developed student equity plans. ESAC should work with the offices of equity to integrate diversity, inclusion, and environmental justice into sustainability at the campuses.

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