Diversity & Equity

Coverage of programs that deal with gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, physical ability, and socioeconomic status; are focused on fair access to resources and opportunities; and, those that create environments where people feel welcome, respected, and fully accepted.

Belle Harvest farmer Tom Heffron checks a worker's temperature using a touchless thermometer.

With numerous barriers to health care, Michigan immigrants are among hardest hit by COVID-19

Fear of accessing public health programs, vulnerable working conditions, and lack of access to federal pandemic relief all contribute to immigrants being more susceptible to the pandemic than most.

Latest in Diversity & Equity
Blog: The Great Stain: 10 Years after the Kalamazoo River oil spill

Ten Years after the Kalamazoo River oil spill the effects on the smallest organisms, the ecosystem as a whole, and long-term human health may never be fully understood.

The 2020 Kalamazoo Black Arts Fest will be a digital celebration

Kalamazoo’s 34th annual celebration of African-American culture, art, and innovation starts Friday, July 10, and continues through Sunday, July 12. This year it's online so everyone can stay safe.

Battle Creek’s Juneteenth Celebration will be on the road this year
The role of police in schools is being debated in Kalamazoo

Do police officers have a role in Kalamazoo Public Schools? The question is up for debate as a grassroots organization demands that officers must go.

Summer food program for KPS students will begin July 7

Food packages providing breakfast and lunch for seven days a week throughout the summer will be available for children in the Kalamazoo Public Schools beginning July 7 and run through Aug. 13.  

Spectrum Health Lakeland sets aside $50 million to help address racial equity and health inequities

The Board of Directors of Spectrum Health Lakeland in St. Joseph has approved an expanded strategy to address racial and ethnic health equity in southwest Michigan communities.

Northside pride abides, takes fire in stride, rallies behind fire survivors

Plans for some affordable housing in Kalamazoo's Northside neighborhood went up in smoke. But neighbors rallied around and those plans are still unfolding. 

New Kalamazoo Public Schools Superintendent tells community, ‘I share in the grief and anger’

Kalamazoo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Rita Raichoudhuri announces KPS Equity Task Force and issues a statement regarding recent racial unrest.

The Blog: Can I treat you like a normal person? Yes! Of course you can!

For LGBTQ people living with HIV — like me — the impact of discrimination and the fear of it is all too real, says Levi Berkshire.

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