Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Flathead Valley Community College supports diversity, tolerance and understanding. As an educational institution, FVCC supports free speech, civil discourse and debate.

The college does not condone any form of discrimination, racism, sexism or intolerance for others based on sexual orientation, religious affiliation, gender identity, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or personal background or identity.

Flathead Valley Community College is a welcoming campus community where diversity and inclusion are important to staff, students, faculty and campus community. The college will continue to work hard to foster an environment of civil discourse, free speech, tolerance and understanding.

Statement from President Jane Karas

As a nation, we are seeing a time of great unrest and change. As a community, we feel the effects of nationwide protests, recent violence and racism.

At FVCC, we support constructive dialogue and acceptance of diversity. Education provides an opportunity to study and discuss systemic change. Our campus serves students who create their own individual boundaries around political, racial, gender and/or sexual orientations. Diversity means hearing one another and recognizing the importance of our differences and appreciating the similarities we share as humans.

We are providing additional online resources for better understanding diversity and inclusion. We will continue to engage diverse voices, reach out to a broad student population, and through our role as an educational organization, we will uphold justice and tolerance.

Together, we have an opportunity to guide, change and build the world in which we want to live—one where there is no place for racism and intolerance but rather a culture of learning, civic discourse and understanding.

Jane A. Karas, President

Flathead Valley Community College

Equity Statement

At Flathead Valley Community College, equity means ensuring each student’s individual experience is acknowledged. FVCC works to support each student and ensure they receive what they need to be successful through the intentional design of the college experience.

Community colleges are an indispensable asset to ensure and preserve access to higher education and success for all students, particularly historically underrepresented or underprivileged student populations.* At FVCC, we are committed to helping underrepresented students overcome barriers they are facing.

We recognize that each student arrives at FVCC with unique circumstances, and FVCC is committed to fostering an individualized student experience that provides equitable opportunities for all of our students to achieve their goals.

Examples of historically underrepresented students include but are not limited to: first-generation, low-income, people of color; adults; marginalized orientations, gender identities, and intersex people; people with second-language backgrounds; undocumented people; veterans; people with disabilities; people with dependents; foster care youth; people experiencing digital inequities, and formerly and currently incarcerated people.

LGBTQ+ Resources and Support

Flathead Valley Community College is dedicated to providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to express their individuality. It is our belief that promoting a campus environment that is more accepting and tolerant is beneficial not only to the LGBTQ+ students, staff, and faculty, but to the overall growth and development of the FVCC community.

Below is a list of education, advocacy, and support resources for students identifying as LGBTQ+ or allies seeking information and resources.

Education & Resources

On Campus

Local Resources

Online Support

  • Itgetsbetter: Videos in support of LGBTQ+ teens.
  • Pflag: National advocacy & info; site offers PDF booklets for youth & parents.
  • gsanetwork: National organization connecting & providing information for school GSAs.
  • Glsen: Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network.
  • Advocatesforyouth: Education & advocacy for young people's reproductive & sexual health.
  • Advocate: The Advocate, national LGBTQ+ news
  • Trevor Project: Our trained counselors are here to support you 24/7. If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now at 1-866-488-7386

Safe Zone Training & Allies

The Flathead Valley Community College Allies Program (FVCC Allies) promotes a campus environment that is inclusive and supportive of all individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Learn more about Safe Zone Training & Allies and connect with a safe zone trained ally.

Opportunities for Students to Get Involved on Campus

Visit our Student Engagement section to learn more about ways to get involved.