LBCC Maintains the Course Through DEI

The Bob and Barbara Ellis Auditorium swelled with music and cheers during LBCC’s annual State of the College event on Thursday, January 29. The college’s new Mariachi program took the stage and set a celebratory tone that permeated the rest of the event.

“When I think of our college, I think of the phrase ‘Rising to meet the challenge’.” said President of the Board of Trustees Uduak-Joe Ntuk.

Over the last five years dual enrollment of high school students has more than doubled. Rising from 1,486 students in 2021 to 3,222 students in 2025. Dual enrollment allows students to obtain college credits while in high school, expediting their college education.

“That growth reflects intentional partnerships and a shared belief that college opportunity should begin earlier,” said Superintendent-President Dr. Mike Muñoz.

LBCC also showed growth on the opposite side of the spectrum of educational paths. With 2025 having the highest number of adults enrolled since 2010.

The college offers the Accelerate program which is aimed at assisting adult students navigate higher education efficiently.

Currently the Accelerate program boasts an 86% graduation rate with the possibility of the program being completed in only 17 months, as well as a 100% transfer success for those who chose to attend state colleges such as California State University, Long Beach.

The college is constructing housing on the Liberal Arts Campus. The building will bring 431 new beds to the campus for students attempting to balance education, jobs and family at the same time. As well as students that are experiencing what LBCC calls “housing insecurities.”

In total, the college served 39,925 students. It also awarded 2,648 degrees in the 2024-2025 academic year, the highest number in its history.

A large focus of the event was geared towards highlighting LBCC’s work with what Muñoz described as historically underserved communities.

“The truth is, because of undue pressure imposed by the current federal administration, this past year has been a difficult year for many of our students and their families.” Said Muñoz.

On Sept. 10, 2025, the Department of Education published a press release notifying that federal funding for grants focused on race or ethnicity will no longer be provided to college institutions. An action in line with the Trump administration’s push to remove support for Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) centered programs.

Those that oppose DEI style programs often voice that a focus on ethnicity and race promotes discrimination and separation of groups.

“To further our commitment to ending discrimination in all forms across federally supported programs, the Department will no longer award Minority-Serving Institution grants that discriminate by restricting eligibility to institutions that meet government-mandated racial quotas,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in the press release.

Those that support federal grants such as those awarded to Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) state these programs are necessary to support the education of members within these historically underserved communities.

LBCC has maintained a stance of pushing for racial inclusivity and equity despite the currents administration attempting to move institutions from DEI centered programs. During Thursday’s event, Muñoz continued this stance by highlighting LBCC’s recent designation as a Black-Serving Institution in the state of California. This is an addition to the already standing designation of a Hispanic Serving Institution.

It appears that the college is doubling down on its inclusivity and equity stance in the face of Trump administration’s pressure to move away from them.

“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for every member of our community,” said Muñoz. “Especially our undocumented students and families with mixed immigration status.”

It is possible for undocumented immigrants to attend LBCC. The college maintains a webpage with a step-by-step explanation for how undocumented students can apply to the college.

Although they cannot obtain any federal financial assistance, many state funded or private grants and scholarships are available to undocumented immigrants.

Those who support restricting higher education to only legal residents point out that California taxpayers are in part funding the education of these undocumented students.

“We created ‘Limited Zone’ spaces that students can access, which are not legally accessible to federal agents and developed a comprehensive website with access to resources for our undocumented community.” Said Muñoz.

Following the event, the Beachcomber spoke with a campus police officer that wished to stay anonymous. The officer confirmed that campus police are unable to restrict federal operations on campus, and most likely would not be notified of any upcoming ICE operation. The officer also stated that despite this, they do not believe there have been any ICE events on the campus.

The annual State of the College appeared to be highly focused on the idea inclusivity and equity, continuing its standing friction with the current administration and its stance on undocumented immigrants, ethnicity-based programs and DEI language.

“At LBCC, equity is not an initiative,” Muñoz said. “It is part of our institutional identity.”