Chaps Unite Against Racism

Now more than ever, it is critically important for our Chaparrals and the entire college community to unite against racism. This institution-wide initiative will help us forge ahead in our ongoing equity and inclusion work. DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin and other key stakeholders are partnering with COD.

By sharing life experiences, the cultures and histories of each other, we want to empower and amplify voices of our students, faculty, staff and the community so we can reflect, share and act against racism. Let’s work together and learn from one another.

Asian American Pacific Islander Statement of Solidarity

Dear College of DuPage Community,

On behalf of the entire institution, we offer our deepest sympathies to the families and others mourning the recent senseless acts of violence in Atlanta that left eight individuals dead, including six Asian women.

College of DuPage stands in solidarity with Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) faculty, staff and students and offers its support to promote compassion and healing during this very difficult time.

With equity as one of our core values, College of DuPage will continue to amplify diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and celebrate the AAPI community within our various annual initiatives. We will also forge ahead in our pursuit of student success to provide educational opportunities and foster a deeper appreciation of the contributions of AAPI leaders through our COD Asia Committee, Asian Student Association and community engagement.

College of DuPage remains committed to bringing positive change and promoting greater inclusiveness.

Board of Trustees Chairman Christine Fenne

President Dr. Brian Caputo

College of DuPage Faculty Association

COD Stories

"When I first walked in, I didn't know what to expect. I was nervous, happy and also felt alone," he said. "But within the first five minutes, I was a changed person. And, for the first time in my life, I felt accepted for who I was. My objective was to expand Pride to help more students than it had in the past, so I applied for the president position and, with a great team of officers, we did just that." - Bradley Kirouac

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COD Stories

"I could not be happier. Not only do I get to teach my students science but I also get to serve as a mentor and role model to them, especially since I was also an ESL student when I first started school in the U.S.," he said. "For me, seeing students' 'light bulbs' go off when they finally are able to understand or make the content connections when learning, followed by their joyful smile and excitement, is what fuels me as a teacher." - Daniel Fernandez

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COD Stories

"I want to represent not just Muslims or Arabs but all underrepresented people around the world. I want each and every child to see themselves on the screen and feel included. I want to openly and publicly acknowledge the barrier that sets us aside from everyone else, and I want to help destroy it. I want to be the Muslim woman role model that I never had to all the little Muslim girls out there, and I want to tell them that they can achieve their dreams no matter what people say." - Bayan Jarad

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COD Stories

"I want people to know that no matter where they come from, who they are, who their parents are or what background they have, they can achieve a successful education, and College of DuPage can be a basic foundation to that goal," she said. "I came to the U.S. when I was 10 years old and I did not speak any English. My mother cleaned houses and my father was an upholsterer. Now I have two bachelor's degrees, an MBA and my law degree and I graduated with zero debt." - Rocio S. Becerril

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COD Stories

"The film, 'Raising Bertie' is not a problem solver, but I hope it engages people in a larger conversation about the issues presented." - Margaret Byrne

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Virtual Forums

View past events.

Keeping the Conversation Going

Equity and Enforcement of the Law headlines May with a panel discussion featuring Tauya Forst, COD Justice Studies Professor, Bob Berlin, DuPage County State's Attorney, Sadia Covert, DuPage County Board Member and Edwardo Castillo, DuPage County Sergeant.