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.
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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"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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"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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"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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"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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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Awards Virtual Ceremony
Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, 3 p.m.
Virtual Ceremony broadcasted via Facebook
College of DuPage invites you to join our Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Ceremony. This year's virtual event recognizes the legacy and contributions made by Dr. King. During the ceremony we will award MLK scholarship's to four College of DuPage students who have demonstrated how the ideals taught and demonstrated by Dr. King have directly made an impact on their lives.
Keeping the Conversation Going
Faculty and staff from around the college community discuss why it is hard for people to openly discuss the topic of race.
Blog: Speak Your Truth
Sharing unique stories from our campus and extended community as we explore diversity and the experiences that have shaped our lives
Student Development Team
Meet the professional staff that are leading the #ChapsUnite Against Racism initiative.
Contact Information
Dean of Students
(630) 942-2485
deanofstudents@cod.edu