History

1994

“Appreciating Diversity” is designated a college-wide outcome for students.

1996

A task force on general education requirements recommends a diversity requirement. For several years, proposals have been discussed by division chairs and deans (Instruction Cabinet) and Faculty Senate. Dean of Instruction and several faculty develop the idea for a department to include ethnic studies, women’s studies and global studies.

1997-1998

In anticipation of the diversity requirement and new department, the following positions are opened and filled with faculty who have ethnic studies experience: Anthropology, Geography, Spanish, Sociology, Writing, Philosophy. (Highline’s percentage of tenured and tenure-track faculty of color triples.)

Fall 1998

Culture, Gender & Global Studies (CGG) Department founded.

1998-1999

Diversity/Globalism Requirement Committee is convened to develop criteria for D/G classes. The Committee is made up of the Dean of Instruction and one representative from each division.

Fall 1999

First students subject to Diversity/Globalism requirement enroll.

Fall 2009

CGG is folded into Diversity & Global Studies (DGS). CGG courses are re-designated as DGS.

2015

Highline College’s Office of Multicultural Affairs conducts a mixed methods study to assess student awareness of DGS courses, DGS course enrollment (2000-2015) and DGS’ campus impact in comparison to similar programs in the state of Washington. As a result of the study, several recommendations are made to the Highline College Executive Board, including the hire of tenure-track faculty in Diversity & Global Studies.

Fall 2017

American Ethnic & Identity Studies (AEIS) is formed in the Division of Social Sciences with one tenure-track hire in Latin@ studies.

Fall 2018

American Ethnic & Identity Studies brings on a second tenure track hire in Asian American studies and a one year hire in Black studies.

Spring-Winter 2018

AEIS faculty conduct a mixed-method study of student understanding, awareness, and interest in ethnic studies content.

Winter 2020

AEIS proposes to change its name to Ethnic & Gender Studies

Spring 2020

AEIS officially becomes Ethnic & Gender Studies (EGS)