Every Voice

Dear Campus Community,

In the last decade at Adelphi, we have steadfastly committed to becoming the best version of a welcoming, inclusive and respectful community for every person who is part of it.

Adelphi’s DEIB work has continually evolved to address the new experiences and changing needs of our community. You might say this is reflected in the office itself—first established in 2015 as the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, it became the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in 2019 and, in 2022, expanded to the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB).

Here, we are striving to always learn, adapt, and evolve so that each of us—today and tomorrow—feels safe, valued, important and wanted at Adelphi. We aim to epitomize these values.

This week at Adelphi has been dedicated to educating our community more deeply about freedom of expression in America. Like our commitment to DEIB, our dedication to a safe, respectful, civil and open-minded exchange of ideas is not just a weeklong activity. Indeed, higher learning is enriched by debate about varied—sometimes even conflicting—perspectives.

During the course of the week, I witnessed our students actively participate in thought-provoking discussions during our Freedom of Expression Week Symposium. They grappled intelligently and respectfully with the challenges of uncomfortable conversations—about conflicting political perspectives or those involving rhetoric that can be hurtful, insensitive, or simply disagreeable.

In one session, our Delphian editors shared the results of “person on the street” surveys about political expression. It was a fascinating overview of how much our students appreciate an opportunity to be heard while feeling cautious about how their points of view might be perceived. In another session, our Student Government Association facilitated a conversation about the complex intersection of free speech and hate speech. I noted that Adelphi students are open to opportunities for having courageous conversations. Tomorrow’s keynote interview with a renowned advocate of free speech and civil liberties will be exceptional; I hope you can attend this in-person event.

The truth is, if we strive to be part of a community that is inclusive, ALL points of view are worthy of free expression and civil discussion. As I said in my recent community message, Adelphi University deeply values diversity in all its forms—including diverse thought. It continues to be the responsibility of each of us to engage respectfully and compassionately to support a positive campus environment.

I applaud the students and campus community members who participated in our Freedom of Expression Symposium and everyone who desires to have courageous conversations year-round. Let’s continue to strive for that ideal. To those of you who are interested, I invite you to participate in our upcoming TRHT Rx Healing Circles.

The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging shares a calendar of cultural commemoration and awareness dates to affirm our University’s appreciation for the richness of human differences and the depth, breadth and value of diversity.

Throughout the year, our office partners with Adelphi’s groups, organizations and offices to help support and recognize significant cultural moments.

As we evolve and grow—as individuals, a community and a society—we expect this calendar will develop further. The entire Adelphi community is welcome to share input to our Commemorative Dates Calendar.

On October 7, 2024, Adelphi students, faculty and staff joined the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging for a shared moment of reflection and togetherness at our peace pole. Together, we paused and held space for individual reflection and our collective hopes for healing and peace in the world.

We hope to make gathering and holding space at the peace pole a regular tradition and want the community's input. If this is something that interests you, please let our office know at audiversity@adelphi.edu.

For the seventh consecutive year, INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine has recognized Adelphi University with its annual Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award.

A blue and white badge displaying the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award in the shape of a graduation cap. The badge reads "Insight Into Diversity - Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award 2024"

Adelphi is among just 10 of approximately 200 universities in New York State to achieve this distinction.

The Bridges to Adelphi program fosters awareness and acceptance of neurodivergent individuals—recognizing their unique needs and meaningful contributions to society. Through our strong partnerships and collaborations, Bridges supports students as they transition from school to the workplace by providing neurodiversity training to employers. We help them appreciate their strengths, ensure their needs are met, and enable them to thrive in vocational placements.

Diana Damilatis-Kull MA, LMHC
Director, Bridges to Adelphi Program

At Adelphi, we recognize the important contributions that people with disabilities make to strengthening our workforce and enriching our communities year-round. We recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month each October. By fostering inclusion and breaking down barriers, Adelphi aims to empower all individuals to reach their full potential and help make the world a better place.

Thomas J. Ward, Jr.
Assistant Vice President for Career Development and Strategic Partnerships

Supporting and Affirming LGBTQ+ Youth
November 13 | Virtual

Addressing Racism—Diversity Certificate
November 13 | Virtual

Safe Zone Training
November 13 | Virtual

Confronting Implicit Bias and Microaggressions—Diversity Certificate
November 14 | Virtual

International Education Week
November 18–22 | Garden City Campus

C.O.R.E. Training
November 19 | Virtual

Gender Bias and Title IX—Diversity Certificate
November 20 | Virtual

TRHT Circle—Faculty and Staff
November 20 | University Center, 215/216

TRHT Circle—Students
November 20 | University Center, 215/216

Resources
Your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing are important. Please take advantage of the resources that Adelphi provides to support your personal success, including:

Interfaith Center: A welcoming space for individuals of any faith who seek spiritual support. Call 516.877.3113 or email auinterfaith@adelphi.edu.
Multicultural Center: An inclusive environment for cross-cultural interaction that fosters and affirms all individuals, the center is open to all community members.
Student Counseling Center: Call 516.877.3646 or email scc@adelphi.edu.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support resources are free for all employees. Call 877.622.4327 or visit MyCigna.com.

DEIB Open Office Hours
Meet with R. Sentwali Bakari, PhD, vice president for student affairs and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Contact Cathy Harrison, executive assistant and office manager, at charrison@adelphi.edu for an appointment.

Meet with Chotsani Williams West, EdD, MA ’07, assistant vice president of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Contact Charlene Mayers, executive assistant and project coordinator, at cmayers@adelphi.edu for an appointment.