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Division of Inclusion, Equity, and Community

February, 2026

From Vice President Zavala

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
                                   ― Barack Obama

I am honored to welcome you to the inaugural edition of the Inclusion, Equity, and Community divisional newsletter. This publication represents months of thoughtful collaboration and deep commitment to sharing who we are, what we value, and how we serve our community. It offers a glimpse into the heart of our work—our programs, partnerships, and collective efforts to create a campus where everyone can thrive.

Headshot of Dina Zavala
As we navigate an especially challenging time, we are also witnessing something extraordinary: a community grounded in kindness, collaboration, humility, and care for one another. These moments remind us that even in uncertainty, our shared humanity and commitment to one another remain strong.
 
I invite you to stay connected, to reach out, and to extend support whenever you are able. Please know that the IEC division is here to walk alongside you—listening, learning, and growing together. This edition highlights a rich array of events and community gatherings designed to deepen our sense of belonging and to equip each of us to participate fully and authentically in campus life.
 
Together, we continue building a community rooted in dignity, courage, and hope.
En Communidad, 
Dina Zavala
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Community Connection

Portrait of Nathan Riel-Elness smiling

Welcome to the Division Nathan Riel-Elness!

We are so happy to have Nathan Riel-Elness join the IEC Division as the Title IX Coordinator! Rather than a standard introduction for this Carl, we asked for the "insider's guide" to Nathan.
He is our resident expert on downtown Northfield; you can find him browsing at Content, grabbing a sandwich at Hogan Brothers, sipping a drink at Tin Tea, or shopping up a storm at All Good Things. To keep him happy, keep the peanut butter treats coming and the seafood far, far away. Cheers him with a Coke or a latte next time you see him on his way to his office in the Class of 74 building. 
We look forward to seeing Nathan thrive in this role - welcome!

Learn about our Title IX office
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Education Opportunities

Adam P. '27 giving a presentation
Continuity and Contingency: A History of Muslim Students at Carleton
 
February 12, 12 - 1pm
Olin 141
Lunch provided.
 
Gender and Sexuality Center logo
Beyond Pronouns: Accompliceship and Critical Support for Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Expansive+ Students
March 4, 10am - 12pm
AGH 114
Lunch provided.
 
Find more opportunities

CEDI Column

The Committee for Community, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (CEDI), co-chaired by math/stats faculty member Deanna Haunsperger and VP Dina Zavala, CEDI is the latest incarnation of a committee that has been around since President Steve Lewis created a task force to look into diversity at Carleton. CEDI in its current form is a small group consisting of two each of faculty, students, and staff, in addition to the two co-chairs. We are advisory to the VP of IEC. We encourage any ideas or concerns members of the community would like to bring to us. We host community-building events each term under the moniker Grounds for Community. Join us for the next one on February 17.

CEDI logo of three abstract people in a circle
Abstract silhouettes surrounding an icon of a cup of coffee

Grounds for Community

Grounds for Community is an opportunity for us to hear from you while enjoying a cup of coffee, tea, or any other beverage. Representatives from IEC and CEDI will be available for casual conversations. This is open to the whole campus community and registration is not required. Join us this term on Tuesday, February 17th at 3 P.M. in Anderson Hall.

Find more information here

Get Involved

Headshot of Nathan Riel-Elness
Title IX Office Hours
 
Weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays of Winter Term
Wednesdays: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Thursdays: 12 - 1pm 
Class of 1974 Center, Room 106
David Blankenhorn giving a talk
Engaging Across Viewpoints: Civil Discourse in Troubled Times
 
February 16, 5:30 - 7pm
Weitz 236
 
Carleton campus and lakes during the fall
Best Practices for Inclusive Hiring at Carleton
 
February 19, 9am - 12pm
AGH 114
Headshots of four panelists speaking at Bursting the Bubble event
Bursting the Bubble: Where the Syllabus Meets the Street
 
February 20, 5 - 6pm
Weitz Commons
Foundational Training in Restorative Justice for Higher Education, March 17 - 19, 2026, images of trainers and logos of Carleton College and University of San Diego

Restorative Justice Training

This opportunity will equip participants with foundational knowledge of restorative justice in the setting of higher education. Brought to you in collaboration with The Center for Restorative Justice of The University of San Diego, the training will take place March 17 - 19, 2026 on campus. Sign up here.

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Community Highlights

Carleton community members sit together for the 1st Gen Faculty and Staff panel
Students sitting at tables observing Tu Bishvat Seder
Marcy Averill presents at an IEC education session

Moments of gathering this winter term through 1GEN, the Office of the Chaplain, and Indigenous Engagement in Place.

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Contact Us

Thanks for reading! Please email
iec-division@carleton.edu with any questions or comments, and follow us on Instagram @carletoniec!
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Division of Inclusion, Equity, and Community
Laird Hall, President’s Suite
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