Roger Worthington, of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education at the University of Maryland, spent all of Block 3 at CC last fall, conducting an external review on racism. He then presented the findings of his initial report to a capacity crowd of students, faculty, and staff in Celeste Theatre in January, and the entire initial report was made available to the campus community online and through printed copies. 

In response to the external review initial report, CC is scheduling consultations during the spring semester to focus on the curriculum, student life, admission, governance, accountability, faculty development, classroom climate, faculty diversity, difficult dialogues, and the chief diversity officer position. These consultants will recommend promising practices to help the college improve. 

Last May, CC announced funds to support tenure-track positions to diversify the curriculum and since then approved three positions, one each in sociology, history, and film and media studies. The first two searches are finished; the third is underway. Additionally, as suggested in the initial report, Provost Alan Townsend and Dean of the Faculty Sandra Wong are accepting proposals for post-tenure hires that would further diversify the faculty and curriculum. The Butler Center has initiated its fifth-year external review in continuation of its strategic antiracism initiative in diversity, equity, and inclusion work. In addition, the faculty are carefully considering the initial report as they move forward with the General Education review and revision.

After the final external review report is received in May, the college will engage the expertise of the External Review of Racism Steering Committee — which includes alumni — and set up a timeline for implementation and assessment.