Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity and Accessibility | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity and Accessibility

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On this page you can find: 

  • Nondiscrimination Policy
  • Pronouns
  • All-Gender Bathrooms
  • Housing Gender Policy
  • Disability Accommodations
  • Sampling of Student Clubs 
  • The Twin Cities Community 

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Nondiscrimination Policy

MCAD admits students of any race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or marital status to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or marital status in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.

Pronouns 

Everyone uses pronouns. A pronoun is a word that refers to either the people talking (like “I” or “you”) or someone or something that is being talked about (like “she,” “it,” “them,” and “this”).

Nominative

Objective

Possessive Determiner

Possessive Pronoun

Reflexive

He

Him

His

His

Himself

She

Her

Her

Hers

Herself

They

Them

Their

Theirs

Themselves

Ze

Hir

Hir

Hirs

Hirself


Many of us have been socialized to interpret or “read” a person’s gender based on their outward appearance and expression, and “assign” a pronoun. But we should never assume our reading will be a correct interpretation of a person’s gender identity. The college believes in using pronouns respectfully. As members of the community, we should ask for and offer pronouns whenever we’re building new relationships, including these opportunities:

  • Interviewing process
  • Onboarding process 
  • Email signatures
  • Introductions at the start of meetings or events.

Nothing may be more personal than our name and pronouns. Using a person’s chosen name and desired pronouns is a form of mutual respect and basic courtesy. It’s important to remember that gender identity is not visible–it’s an internal sense of one’s own gender. Correct pronoun use is a step everyone can take toward showing respect for others’ gender identities.

Bathroom Policy and All-Gender Bathrooms

MCAD believes in creating a safe restroom experience for all. Campus buildings provide men- and women-specific bathrooms as well as all-gender restrooms. MCAD encourages everyone to use the restroom most comfortable for them.

Housing Gender Policy

MCAD strives to provide safe living spaces for all students and to be inclusive of all genders, gender identities, and gender expressions. While all MCAD residence buildings are mixed-gender, it is the college’s standard procedure to provide students with same-sex housing assignments within each apartment. The college recognizes, however, the need to consider requests for exceptions. Students have the opportunity to disclose their gender identity on their housing application; those who identify as gender-diverse may indicate their preference of the gender of their roommates. All disclosed information is kept confidential except for those who need such information for housing assignments. Students may request specific individuals as roommates. Gender-diverse students who do not specify roommates will be matched with students who identify as an LGBTQ+ ally.

Disability Accommodations

MCAD offers disability accommodations by supporting equitable access to education. Persons with disabilities have a right to equal opportunity as prescribed by law. MCAD offers reasonable accommodations to ensure equitable access for students who self-disclose a documented disability. MCAD complies with federal disability laws; including, Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Fair Housing Act.

Sampling of Student Clubs

The Twin Cities Community

MCAD is fortunate to be located in the Whittier neighborhood in the heart of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul—a vibrant, multicultural, accepting, and artistic community. No matter what culture or subculture you associate with, you are sure to find and connect with people with similar interests and values here. 

Additional questions about any of the information on this page may be directed to MCAD Student Affairs.