Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Newsletter

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Hello Golden Eagles!

I hope you had a chance to participate in the Total Eclipse of the Port festivities. It was a once-in-a-lifetime type of event. I’m writing to share with you a few announcements and updates, starting the with Annual Diversity Conference.

Diversity Conference Recap

The 22nd Annual Diversity Conference: Creating Brave Spaces held on March 27th was a success. Throughout the conference, engaging workshops and discussions provided valuable insights on how to create environments where individuals can openly share their thoughts and opinions. The day concluded with a moving keynote address by a renowned advocate for inclusivity and diversity, Mrs. Kasha Davis. Her message of being kind to those who are different from you helps foster a sense of belonging in our community, left a lasting impression.

On behalf of the Diversity Planning Committee, I want to extend our gratitude to all those who attended, presented, and volunteered at the conference. We would also appreciate your insight into the conference. Please click on the survey link below that is most applicable to you.

There are two different evaluations:

Overall Conference Experience

Individual Session Evaluation

Title VI-Addressing Discrimination

The Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights issued a letter reminding colleges and universities of our responsibility to take “prompt and effective action” in responding to acts of discrimination/harassment. Title VI “prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics” as well as, one’s “citizenship or residency in a country with a dominant religion or distinct religious identity.” As an institution of higher learning, Brockport must provide a learning environment free from verbal or physical harassment. The university’s ability to provide prompt and effective action requires your help. Should you experience or witness discrimination/harassment based on the characteristics above, please submit a Bias Incident Report.

Faculty Diversity Fellows

OEDI will again offer the faculty diversity fellowship program for the 2024-2025 academic year. The FDF will work primarily on research and/or action projects they or OEDI design which supports the goals of the EDI Strategic Plan and generally contributes to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Brockport community. This is an opportunity to receive support to implement a project you believe will make a difference toward inclusive excellence at Brockport.

Faculty are invited to apply to be a diversity fellow to work on a project of their choosing and/or as a researcher for OEDI. The research fellow will assist the CDO in reviewing existing data on OEDI programs, initiatives and processes and identify and implement tools to show return on investment and measures of success. To learn more about the fellowship and how to apply please visit our website Faculty Diversity Fellow.

Applications will be accepted between April 22 and May 24, 2024.

Passover and Passover Seder Celebration

The Jewish holiday Passover is an eight-day celebration that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This year Passover begins Monday, April 22nd and concludes on April 30th.

The Village of Brockport is hosting a traditional Passover Seder on April 22.

6:00-8:00 pm
Brockport Fireman’s Exempt Club
248 West Avenue
Brockport, NY

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend.

If accommodation is requested for a religious holiday, please refer to Section 224-A of the New York State Education Law and learn more about provision. You can also visit the OEDI webpage.