"Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." ~ Audre Lorde 

As the 2024-25 academic year comes to a close, I want to end with a note of gratitude. Uncertainty in the national landscape continues to color our experiences and impact us in myriad ways. I am grateful for the many meaningful conversations, patience, and grace as we work to best address the needs of our campus community. We may not have all the clarity we desire, but in community, we can garner the support we need.  

In Block 8, we will provide one more opportunity to understand your rights, this time focused on transgender and gender-affirming healthcare access with A4TE legal fellow Cathy Zhang, on Tuesday, Apr. 29. Details are in the events section below. If you would like more information about any area of rights and responsibilities, please stop by Worner 234 and browse our growing multilingual pocket library.  

As we collectively pause our day-to-day interactions, I encourage you to heed the words of Tricia Hersey of the Nap Ministry: “Rest is not a reward...It is our birthright. It is one of our most ancient and primal needs.” May you all believe you are worthy of it and take the rest you need. 

In solidarity, 

Rosalie 

Congratulations to everyone graduating this year! We are especially proud of our two interns, Natalia Segovia Soto and Karla Prado! You have helped IEB so much through this year of transition and we are all so proud of you and wish you the best in your futures! 

Celebrate with us with this special IEB Summer of Joy Spotify playlist.  

Natalia Segovia Soto '25

Karla Prado '25

Summer Engagement  

If you or your team is interested in having the Institutional Equity and Belonging team join for summer retreats or training, please complete this form. Once we receive your form, we will schedule a meeting to begin planning how we can best support you in your continued work around ADEI.  

Open Enrollment for employee benefits runs May 1-May 31!  

While there are many things you can take advantage of as an employee, right now you may be interested in learning more/taking advantage of our pre-paid legal benefit. Additionally, you can access legal care through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and additional mental health support is available through UWill.

To learn more about these benefits, please attend the open forum tomorrow, Wednesday, Apr. 23, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in South Hall Commons, or contact hr@coloradocollege.edu to schedule a 1:1 meeting. 

In the past week, harmful and inaccurate messages about people with autism have flooded our national conversation. At CC, we center the humanity, diversity, and unique strengths of autistic individuals and all neurodiverse people. The ability to see and understand the world differently adds value to all of our lives and enriches the fabric of our community. 

We see you. We stand with you. Never doubt that you belong.  

If you're a student with a disability who needs support, please contact Accessibility Resources. 

Increased immigration enforcement continues to create uncertainty for travelers and for our international and undocumented community. Please carefully review the guidance sent by COO/Dean of the College Pedro de Araujo on April 10. You can also find information on how to interact with immigration enforcement on the Immigration Response Guidance webpage.

You may also benefit from retaining legal representation depending on your circumstances. You can access a guide to finding an immigration attorney, lists of attorneys in the state, and guides for interacting with immigration enforcement in the Immigration folder on the Resources Channel of the Belonging@CC MS Team. 

You may have heard that both the federal Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) have paused processing complaints from LGBTQ+ individuals in order to focus on other priorities. It is essential to know that LGBTQ+ rights are still protected in the state of Colorado and by our Civil Rights and Title IX policy here at CC. Please be on the lookout for additional information in the coming days from Assistant VP of Civil Rights & Title IX David Jensen further detailing this issue and resources/rights/protections available. CC is committed to ensuring queer and transgender individuals are valued, visible, and protected, now and in the future.  

Does your department/program/office have a recommendation for an ABC selection? Interested in collaborating with IEB this upcoming academic year on an ABC selection? Please reach out to Nancy Ríos to discuss this further.  

Don’t forget to collect your free copy of Eating the Landscape: American Indian Stories of Food, Identity, and Resilience from the campus bookstore, and stay connected to the  Antiracist Book Club Teams channel for reading guides, resources, and information about upcoming engagements. 

kalki Exhibition by Fiber Fellow Malavika Rao, Opening Reception 

Thursday, Apr. 24, 4-6 p.m. in Colburn Gallery 

 

The CC Arts and Crafts program presents kalki, a solo exhibition by Malavika Rao, featuring textile installation and story quilts that explore personal mythographiesó reimagining kinship, what comes after ruin, and the futures we stitch from fragments. Emerging from a semester-long residency as the Spring 2025 Fiber Fellow at CC, kalki draws from a practice of working with inherited materials to transform everyday remnants into portals between the intimate and the cosmic. 

 

Join us for the opening reception and gallery walkthrough on Thursday, Apr. 24 from 4-6 p.m. During Week 2 of this block, the installation will be activated with programming. Details can be found here. If you would like to schedule a class visit during Week 3, please complete this form. 

 

Pride Outside

Friday, Apr. 25, 2–5 p.m. on Yampa Field 

 

Join Outdoor Education for a fun end-of-year celebration honoring our queer community on campus with food, music, games, and a variety of outdoor skills clinics and games. The Outdoor Ed Annual Gear Sale will be happening from 3-5 p.m. as well. Learn more about the available gear. 

 

Enjoy hands-on activities and connect with campus partners like the Wellness Resource Center, Arts and Crafts, the Butler Center, CCE, the Chaplains' Office, and local organizations including Inside Out Youth Services, Ladyfingers Letterpress, and Drag King Mario Wanna. Learn about campus and local resources for LGBTQIA+ students and allies. 

 

Outdoor Ed will offer clinics on survival skills such as trap setting, fire building, and natural cord weaving, along with landscape water coloring, camping demonstrations, a mini mountain bike skills park, and more. 

 

There will also be a 50’ inflatable obstacle course (challenge your friends to a race!), a food truck, snow cones, s’mores, and tons of crafts and activities. 

Pride Outside is open to everyone in the campus community and is a fantastic opportunity to connect with friends—both new and old—learn something new, and celebrate the end of another year here at CC. 

 

A big thank you to CCSGA and the Antiracism Community Engagement Grant for the financial support that made this event possible!  

Advocates for Trans Equality

Know Your Rights in Healthcare Workshop with A4TE Legal Fellow, Cathy Zhang 

 

Tuesday, Apr. 29  

10-11:30 a.m. in Tutt Library, Room 238 

3-4:30 p.m. in Cornerstone, Room 130 

 

Cathy Zhang (he/any), A4TE Legal Fellow, will join us to speak about common forms of healthcare discrimination faced by members of the trans  

community and how to advocate for yourself and others, as well as questions about coverage to ask prospective employers after graduation. 

 

Lunch Time Dance Party 

Wednesday, May 1, 12:15-2 p.m. in Shove Side Chapel 

 

Faculty, staff, and students are invited to join the House of IEB and The Chaplain's Office for a “lunch time dance party” as part of the Spring into Wellness initiative. With the shifting of the seasons, we, too, are called to release and move. Come dance to beats and music by DJ Chris Beas. Lunch boxes will be provided in Sacred Grounds.  

El Cinco de Mayo, Inc. 41st Annual Scholarship Dinner 

Saturday, May 3, 4:30-9:30 p.m. in the Oasis Event Center 

 

Join El Cinco de Mayo, Inc. for a celebration including an awards dinner, mariachi, silent auction, and dance party. RSVP by Friday, Apr. 25. More details can be found on the El Cinco de Mayo website.

From Every Corner, A Global Dance Collaboration 

Sunday, May 11, 4-8 p.m. in Cossitt Hall Gym 

The Theater and Dance Department presents "From Every Corner: A Global Dance Collaboration.” This exhilarating showcase celebrates the vibrant diversity of CC's adjunct dance instructors, featuring an array of captivating dance genres from around the world. Experience the rhythm of different cultures, as talented performers take you on a journey through 

movement and music. Don't miss this unique opportunity to witness the artistry and creativity that our community has to offer. Come and be inspired by the magic of dance! 

Pikes Peak Pride Participation 

Sunday, June 15. Register by Friday, May 2 

 

The Office of Institutional Equity and Belonging is excited to help organize CC’s participation in Pikes Peak Pride 2025. While we hope to build a more robust participation in the years to come, this year we hope to gather CC community members interested in designing and building a float and/or interested in marching to represent CC in the parade on Sunday, June 15.  

If interested, please fill out the MS Form detailing your interest and capacity for participation, by Friday, May 2. 

 

Additional events and details can be found in our Belonging@CC MS Team, and on The Butler Center’s and CC Chaplains Office’s Instagram pages. 

Throughout the block, there are many cultural and religious observances. Please visit our website to learn about the many ways you can engage and support these observances on campus and in the community.