Inclusion and Diversity
Lake Land College is committed to developing and maintaining an environment that embraces and actively supports diversity. We aspire to be an institution where the quality of education is enhanced and enriched by an inclusive campus community. We strive to provide dynamic learning and working environments that encourage multiple perspectives and the free exchange of ideas.
Would you like more information on resources available to you? Do you have a story to share? Contact the Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Committee at idec@lakelandcollege.edu!
Donate to the Opportunity Fund for the chance to change a student’s life!
The Lake Land College Opportunity Fund exists to provide equitable opportunities and experiences for individuals in marginalized communities or those who may have intersectional identities related to these communities. The fund can provide coverage for opportunities these individuals would otherwise be unable to participate in due to financial barriers.
To Donate to the Fund, visit lakelandcollege.edu/online-giving and select “Lake Land College Opportunity Fund” from the drop-down menu, or if you are a Lake Land College employee, you can follow the steps to do a payroll deduction from each paycheck. Even just $5 a check can go a long way when we all come together!
To apply for assistance from the fund, contact mbowen@lakelandcollege.edu.
Upcoming Opportunities and Celebrations
Join us on Friday, Nov. 1 from 5-7 p.m. for a Día De Los Muertos celebration!
Come by the Luther Student Center for traditional food, activities and an ofrenda to honor your loved ones!
Students, staff and community are all welcome for this free event!
Food will be provided by the San Miguel Panadería.
Diwali occurs on the darkest day of the lunar month.
Oct 31, 2024 – Nov 1, 2024
- Diwali, or Dipawali, is India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year.
- The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (or deepa) that Indian people light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects us from spiritual darkness.
- Indian people celebrate with family gatherings, glittering clay lamps, festive fireworks, strings of electric lights, bonfires, flowers, sharing of sweets and worship to Lakshimi.
- Over the centuries, Diwali has become a national festival that is enjoyed by most Indian people regardless of their faith: Hindu, Jain, Buddhist or Sikh.
This month we honor the rich history, culture and contributions that those Indigenous to the land on which we live have made.
The first Indigenous celebration day, then known as “American Indian Day” was celebrated in May 1916 in New York. The event was the result of an effort by Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, who rode across the nation on horseback seeking approval from 24 state governments to have a day to honor Native American peoples.
In 1990, more than seven decades later, then-President George H.W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution designating the month of November “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations have been issued every year since 1994 to recognize what is now called “Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month” or “Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month.”
Did You Know?
- When questioning whether to use terms like “ Indigenous American”, “Native American,” or “Indian”, it is important to ask questions and do research.
- While most Tribes and Nations prefer to be referred toby their tribal name, some have chosen to reclaim the term “Indian” or “American Indian.”
- The term “Native American” has fallen out of favor with some, but when in doubt, a good starting point is “Indigenous Americans.”
- Terminology and expressions to avoid:
- “Indian Princess”
- “Low man on the totem pole”
- “sitting Indian style”
- “spirit animal”
- “Powwow“
- These phrases or expressions perpetuate stereotypes and are insensitive to the culture and practices of Indigenous peoples.
- If you are unsure about a phrase, do some research into its origins and think about its meaning and implications.
- Remember, there is no one “Indigenous” language, culture, or way of thinking. Generalizations negate the diversity of Native peoples and create an inaccurate understanding.
By the Numbers:
- 7.1 million
The nation’s Native American and Alaska Native population alone or in combination with other race groups in 2020. - 10.1 million
The projected Native American and Alaska Native population alone or in combination with other race groups on July 1, 2060. They would constitute 2.5% of the total population. - 324
The number of distinct, federally recognized Native American reservations in 2020, including federal reservations and off-reservation trust land. - 574
The number of federally recognized Indigenous American tribes in 2020. - 142,972
The number of single-race Native American and Alaska Native veterans of the U.S. armed forces in 2019.
Learn more about many of the influential and famous Indigenous Americans you may not know about then and now!
Read up on the Present-Day Indigenous American Book List
Watch a video of Joy Harjo and Michaela Goade’s book Remember
Spring Art Show 2025
You can now submit original artwork to the Spring Art Show for the chance to earn exciting prizes and show off the many talents of our Laker community!
This year’s theme is: “Making A Difference” As always, the theme is optional and is open to various interpretations.
For the first time this year, the show is open to Students, Employees and the Community. Everyone is encouraged to submit their art and share their unique perspective with the campus!
Submissions will be accepted from NOW until April 4 by contacting idec@lakelandcollege.edu. You will need to submit your artwork with a completed submission form. You can download a submission form here.
Community Viewing Open House: Monday, April 21 from 5-7 p.m. in Luther Student Center.
Artists are encouraged to attend this event.
SAB Event: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 in Laker Point
All artists are invited to attend to accompany their pieces.
Awards Ceremony: Friday, April 25 from 5-7 p.m. in Luther Student Center Theater.
Artists are required to attend this event unless prior arrangements have been made. Artworks will be returned to their artists at this time as well.
Refreshments will be provided at events.
Any artwork left beyond the required pick-date of May 2 without prior arrangements being made becomes the property of Lake Land College. Such work will be dealt with as the college deems appropriate.
Lake Land College is not responsible for damage or loss to artwork. Lake Land College reserves the right to refuse work deemed inappropriate for exhibition on campus.
For questions about submissions or other aspects of the Art Show process, please contact idec@lakelandcollege.edu.
Campus Read 2024-25: “Poverty, by America” by Matthew Desmond
Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond is Lake Land College’s 2024-25 Campus Read. Check this page often to learn more about how you can participate, and be sure to pick up your free copy of the book at the Student Success Center or the Student Life offices.
Take a look at our Campus Read Guide webpage, presented by the Lake Land College Library, to check out the many fantastic resources available for this book.
Classroom Activities and Resources
Below are links to diversity related classroom activity directions that can be downloaded and used in a variety of classes. Click on a link below to access a PDF of instructions for each activity.
The Lake Land College Library has several resources on a variety of diversity related topics. Below are direct links to some of the topics we have available. For more information about these library resources, contact the Lake Land College Reference Librarian in the Library.
Other Resources Available
Safe Zone & Safe With Me – By participating in the Safe Zone Program, one pledges that their Safe Zone is a place where LGBTQIA+ individuals can feel comfortable and safe in a confidential environment and express any issues or concerns in an atmosphere of acceptance and support.
Contact mbowen@lakelandcollege.edu for more information. Visit Website
Student Success Center – The Student Success Center is located in Webb Hall 130 on the Mattoon campus. Here we offer in-person and online tutoring as well as proctoring and accommodation testing services. Visit Website
Student Accommodations – Lake Land College is committed to providing a quality educational experience to all students. As such, the College provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability to help them achieve their full potential. Student accommodations are coordinated by the Counselor/Coordinator of Student Accommodations within Counseling Services located in the Luther Student Center. Visit Website
Perkins – The Perkins Program provides support to help students enrolled in Workforce Ready programs successfully complete an associate in applied science degree or certificate. Support may include tool loan or rental, purchasing scrubs or kits and assistance with learning supplies. To see if you are eligible, complete the application listed under “Helpful Links”. Visit Website
Student Organizations – Lake Land College offers several student organizations specifically designed to meet the needs of certain diverse groups of the student population such as PRIDE, INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION, COLLEGIATE VETERANS ALLIANCE and more! Visit Website
TRIO – TRIO Student Support Services is a program with the sole purpose of helping students in need succeed at Lake Land College. TRIO is funded by the U.S. Department of Education to help students complete their academic goals and graduate from Lake Land College. Visit Website
Military Affiliated Programs – The Financial Aid and Veteran Services Office is located in the Luther Student Center in Room 203. This office provides assistance for enlisted personnel, veterans, and their families who wish to use their benefits at Lake Land College. Visit Website
Laker Food Pantry – Free food and other necessities are available through the Laker Food Pantry. With support from the Lake Land College Foundation and its partnership with the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, Lake Land College is working to end food insecurity and hunger among our students and their families. Visit Website
Mental Health Resources – Lake Land College believes in supporting the success of our students on both a personal and academic level, and we know that this all starts with their mental health and wellness. We have established the following mental health resources, with additional services coming soon. Visit Website
Community Resources – We are supportive of your wellness and safety as well as your academic success. Counselors can refer you to community agencies that can assist you with personal concerns. Visit Website