Community Message from Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
OCTOBER 2024
Dear Campus Community,
I am aware, lately, how challenging it can be to communicate effectively and thoughtfully on topics that are emotionally charged—particularly on issues that are divisive, sensitive, and, quite frankly, social or political. This is especially true during times of global unrest and national strife.
Our Community Values Our campus is committed to being inclusive, welcoming and respectful of all individuals, and we steadfastly support freedom of expression. Adelphi University and its community members deeply value diversity in all its forms—including diverse thought.
It is the responsibility of each of us to engage respectfully and compassionately with one another to support a positive campus environment. Especially in higher education, learning is enriched by civil dialogue with varied and sometimes even conflicting perspectives.
As an institution, Adelphi University denounces all rhetoric of violence, as well as any form of harassment, intimidation, hostility and discrimination. Such behavior is unacceptable and does not align with our values and mission.
Our University Policies and Reporting Options We want every member of our community to feel safe, valued and supported. You can find more information about this in our University policies, including the Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Code of Conduct. Anyone at Adelphi who experiences or witnesses incidents of discrimination, harassment or violence is encouraged to report them through the following channels:
Your Wellbeing and Support Despite the divisive and troubling issues that affect our world and our lives these days, your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing are important to us.
Please take advantage of the resources that Adelphi provides to support you, including:
Multicultural Center: An inclusive environment for cross-cultural interaction that fosters and affirms all individuals, the center is open to all community members.
Continuing The Conversation Lastly, as we think about ways to have challenging conversations with care, I hope you will plan to join us for some of Adelphi’s Freedom of Expression Symposium where we will discuss and explore strategies for engaging in difficult conversations productively in a scholarly community.
Sincerely,
R. Sentwali Bakari, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Locations: Garden City • Hauppauge • New York City (Brooklyn) • New York's Hudson Valley • Online adelphi.edu • 800.ADELPHI
