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.

Monica Smith, Yevgenia Gazman, and Christine Sauvé, MIRC Detroit Office.

Ataques a las familias inmigrantes y lo que eso significa para la educación temprana

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Diversity & Equity
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August 5, 2025

En 2024, los educadores de la primera infancia en el suroeste de Detroit observaron una caída significativa en la inscripción preescolar tras el aumento de la actividad de control de inmigración. Aunque el descenso no fue documentado oficialmente en ese momento, las organizaciones comunitarias informan que aproximadamente el 15% de los estudiantes fueron retirados de los programas preescolares del área en cuestión de semanas.  

Latest in Diversity & Equity
Lock Arms and Unite for Autism: Campaign commits to continued advocacy and support
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Diversity & Equity
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July 24, 2025

AAOM’s current fundraising campaign, Lock Arms and Unite for Autism seeks to raise $31,000 to support its services for the one in 31 people diagnosed with autism in Michigan. 

Simranjit Kaur, the author of this story.
Creating safer spaces for domestic violence survivors of marginalized identities
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Diversity & Equity
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July 24, 2025

People from non-Asian communities may not always understand the cultural factors that impact domestic violence survivors from South Asian and other marginalized communities. Student writer Simran Kaur digs into the issue for our Voices of Youth series.

‘Battle Creek vs. Everybody’ concert bringing everybody together for peace and healing
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Diversity & Equity
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July 22, 2025

The "Battle Creek vs. Everybody" concert on July 26 will unite local and regional Black artists to promote healing and peace through music. Organized by R.I.S.E. Corp., the free event is part of a broader effort to combat violence and build community.

Head Start and similar programs build academic skills as well as social and emotional strengths. 
60 years of Head Start. What’s next?
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Diversity & Equity
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July 22, 2025

As Head Start marked its 60th anniversary this past May, the program’s legacy stands as more than a historical benchmark. It offers a powerful example of how early learning can drive equity, resilience, and long-term impact. 

‘Loud and proud’ — celebrating the #DWORD at Disability Network Southwest Michigan with new CEO
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Diversity & Equity
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July 21, 2025

July is Disability Pride Month. Disability Network Southwest Michigan welcomes a new CEO, continues its successful #DWORD campaign, and partners with MRC Industries on a new website.

Edison seeks funds to build pocket park that supports neighborhood’s artistic vibe
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Diversity & Equity
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July 16, 2025

A new pocket park in the Edison neighborhood would be a place for children to play, adults to relax and socialize, and serve as a gateway marker that tells people they’re entering the vibrant Edison community.

Voices of Youth: The uphill battle of smalltown Pride
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Diversity & Equity
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July 9, 2025

Hastings, Mich., held its second annual Pride Festival, uniting LGBTQIA+ residents and allies in a powerful show of rural visibility despite local backlash. The event drew hundreds and marked growing support for queer youth in the small, traditionally conservative town.

Shelley Roossien, Accessibility and Inclusion Specialist at KDL, leads children through a building exercise.
Inclusive Literacy Alliance fosters early reading in Kent County kids with developmental differences
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Diversity & Equity
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June 24, 2025

The Inclusive Literacy Alliance is a collaborative, county-wide effort to improve early reading outcomes for children with developmental differences. Parents, educators, service providers, and advocates are piloting solutions that make early literacy more accessible and effective for children who are blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, or autistic.

Nicole Triplett, of Black Wall Street Kalamazoo, and Nicole Parker, of Sisters in Business
Kalamazoo leaders spark regional collaboration to empower Black entrepreneurs
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Diversity & Equity
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June 24, 2025

Nicole Triplett, of Black Wall Street Kalamazoo, and Nicole Parker, of Sisters in Business, helped launch a West Michigan coalition that just earned state funding to expand support for Black-owned businesses.

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