ODI Observations: Resolutely Committed to Inclusivity

 

The ongoing work of diversity, equity and inclusion is an outgrowth of our collective commitment to honor and affirm the diversity and identities of our students, faculty, staff and other members of the greater campus community.

One of the University at Albany’s core values, as outlined in our Strategic Plan, is to value diversity in all its forms, understand that diversity, equity and inclusion are integral to our success and recognize that our collective diversity and intersectional identities drive excellence in everything that we do. 

In short, the University at Albany thrives on the diversity of the people, faiths and ideas that make our community vibrant. We unequivocally reject discrimination, racism, anti-Semitism and all other forms of hatred and bias, and we are committed to fostering a culture in which everyone is and feels welcome here every single day. 

On Tuesday evening, the University Police Department (UPD) was made aware of a sticker defacing a sign outside one of our campus residence halls. The sticker was associated with a group that is reported to have distributed hateful propaganda in several states in recent years. The sticker and several others, all apparently left by the same person, were removed, and UPD is actively investigating the incident. 

Any similar stickers found on university property will be removed consistent with longstanding University rules about posting on campus. 

We must honor our diversity to provide our students with the best possible learning and living environment, and this commitment is buttressed by the wealth of resources that are available to support you, including: 

  • The Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which remains focused on creating and maintaining transformational change at UAlbany,

  • The Bias Incident Response Protocol, an outlet to confidentially report unacceptable incidents that run contrary to a climate of respect and inclusivity, is made up of a team of interdisciplinary University constituents that receives reports of alleged hate or bias-related incidents so that those reports can be channeled and investigated, as appropriate,

  • The Office of Equity and Compliance upholds UAlbany’s ongoing commitment to providing living, learning and work environments that are safe, welcoming, and free from discrimination and sexual violence, and 

  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), remains available to support community members who are dealing with intense or mixed emotions triggered by instances of bias.

In addition, there are number of student resources available through the Office of Intercultural Engagement, including the Multicultural Resource Center, the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center, Interfaith Services and the Women’s Resource Center.  

We will resolutely continue to work against bias, discrimination and hate, and support racial and social justice. In doing so, we will collectively continue to hold up UAlbany as the model diverse and inclusive community we know it to be.