Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Newsletter

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Dear Golden Eagles,

Welcome back from the mid-semester break! I can’t believe we’re halfway through the fall semester. There are a few things I’d like to share with you in this month’s newsletter.

Campus Climate Survey

The Viewfinder campus climate survey opened, Wednesday, October 15, 2025. You should have received an email from our third-party vendor, Viewfinder, inviting you to participate in and complete the campus climate survey. The campus climate survey is designed to measure the extent to which equity, diversity, and inclusion play an integral role on our campus and how it impacts the student and employee experience.

Your participation is voluntary, yet highly encouraged and all survey responses are confidential. Survey findings will be shared with the SUNY Brockport community as well as help us:

• Determine if we made progress towards the recommendations made by the fall 2022 campus climate survey committee.
• Provide comparable data across the SUNY system among the comprehensive institutions, and
• Inform next steps in building a more inclusive SUNY Brockport community.

To show our gratitude for your time and effort, upon completing/submitting the survey, you can enter a raffle to win prizes. Ranging in value from $10 -$100, you could win a Visa Gift Card, BASC Easy Money, Strand Theater movie tickets, gift cards to the Campus Store (Bookstore), Franky Fresh, Grinds and more. The survey will close November 7, 2025.

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD; complete the Viewfinder Campus Climate Survey.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

SUNY Brockport will, for the second consecutive year, formally recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Thursday, October 23. You are invited to join members of the SUNY Brockport community and the Tonawanda Seneca Nation to learn more about the Seneca language, the lasting impact of residential schools and environmental justice. Indigenous People’s Day event was coordinated by the Indigenous People’s Day committee under the leadership of Dr. Neal Keating, Anthropology.

IDP Schedule

Some Do’s and Don’ts for an Inclusive and Respectful Halloween

DO

• Wear creative, fun, or spooky costumes that do not stereotype or mock other people’s cultures or identities.
• Choose characters, animals, superheroes, fantasy, or DIY costumes.
• Use inclusive language that is respectful of people’s diverse backgrounds.
• Bring allergy-friendly or non-food treats (stickers, pencils, glow sticks, etc.).
• Ensure decorations are safe and welcoming (pumpkins, fall themes, friendly ghosts, etc.).
• Celebrate diversity by making the event accessible: wheelchair-friendly spaces, quiet zones, and inclusive activities.

DON’T

• Wear costumes that copy, mock, or stereotype cultures, races, or religions (e.g., Native headdresses, sombreros, geisha, “voodoo priestess”).
• Use blackface, brownface, or yellowface (Note: This is offensive and harmful).
• Treat sacred items (hijabs, turbans, rosaries, Indigenous regalia, etc.) as costume props.
• Reinforce stereotypes through games or activities (e.g., “fortune teller,” “tribal masks”).
• Use decorations or themes that trivialize trauma (lynching, “insane asylums,” etc.).

Upcoming OEDI Events

Safe Zone Training

Wednesday, October 22, 2025
3:00 pm- 5:00 pm
Seymour Union, Room 220
Register

Tuesday, November 4, 2025
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Seymour Union, Room 220
Register

Community Conversation: Navigating Free Speech

Tuesday, October 28, 2025
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: TBD