Community Message from Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
APRIL 2024
Dear Adelphi community,
Recently, our Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging hosted a series of racial healing circles for students, staff, and faculty through Adelphi’s Truth, Racial, Healing, and Transformation Center.
Racial Healing Circles Racial healing circles are both a tool and a process for building positive relationships and reaffirming our shared humanity. They allow us to explore shared and conflicting perspectives about race and to examine our unconscious assumptions. By listening to others’ lived experiences, racial healing circles highlight our interconnectedness as humans.
As we continue to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at Adelphi, I am pleased that we will continue to offer racial healing circles and empower each of us to play a part in fostering a culture of kindness, understanding, and inclusivity.
Peace Pole Ceremony Last week, I also participated in Adelphi’s Peace Pole Ceremony, facilitated by Michael Hoffner, director of our centers for Interfaith and Mindfulness. What an exceptional event! The peace pole, engraved with “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in four different languages, was set up behind Earl Hall at the entrance of Alumnae Hall. The ceremony was a powerful symbol of our collective desire for peace in our hearts and around the world. We walked side by side, united by our shared purpose and campus culture of respect, civility, and kindness. It was a simple and appreciated gesture that instilled a powerful sense of hope and solidarity. Together, we conveyed our commitment to building alliances and bridges and breaking down walls.
Hope, Share, Connect
Events and opportunities like these make me very proud of our students and campus community. History has shown that influential leaders are most often successful at connecting with others from a well-developed place of self-awareness, and Adelphi students are our leaders of tomorrow.
I am hopeful that while we celebrate and value our differences, we also recognize that we have more in common through our shared humanity. If there is an instance where you do not feel this vision is being realized, I urge you to connect with an office or individual who can help you navigate toward a solution. You may start with my office.
Let’s continue to walk together—united in our dedication to peace, civility, respect, and kindness.
In solidarity,
Chotsani Williams West, EdD, MA ’07
Assistant Vice President of Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging
Multicultural Center — An inclusive environment for cross-cultural interaction that fosters and affirms all individuals, the center is open to all community members.
