Standing up for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
October 29, 2018
Dear UAlbany Community,
In the wake of recent tragic events, and against a backdrop of a national conversation that is increasingly punctuated by intolerance and divisiveness, I feel called to reaffirm UAlbany’s unwavering commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The events that have transpired in recent days are not representative of our society, our institution, or our core values, and we unequivocally condemn them.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is central to our mission and our values as a community that embraces tolerance, compassion, and respect for others. Therefore, I would like to state in the strongest possible terms that the University at Albany rejects any form of prejudice, discrimination, racism, or sexism in our community.
Our University’s highest calling is to protect the health, safety, and well-being of our campus community, and this is a collective responsibility. Our core value of inclusive excellence requires that we treat everyone with dignity and respect and that we assist and support our friends and colleagues in whatever ways we can.
As a public institution of higher education, UAlbany is equally dedicated to serving as a bastion of free speech that is accompanied by tolerance, dignity, and respect. To honor this commitment, we must also safeguard the ability of those in our community to peacefully disagree with others without infringing on their rights, values, or beliefs.
If you or anyone you know is in need of support or counseling, University staff and students in each of the following offices stand ready to help in any way that we can.
- University Police Department - (518) 442-3131
- Counseling and Psychological Services - (518) 442-5800
- Employee Assistance Program - (518) 442-5483
- Middle Earth Peer Assistance - (518) 442-5777
- Office of Equity and Compliance/Title IX - (518) 442-3800
- Gender & Sexuality Resource Center – (518) 442-5015
- Intercultural Student Engagement / Interfaith Services (518) 442-5565
- Advocacy Center for Sexual Violence - (518) 442-2273
- Office of Diversity and Inclusion - (518) 956-8110
I also strongly encourage our faculty, staff, and students who are eligible to vote to make your voices and values heard on Election Day—next Tuesday, November 6.
As we heal from the tragic events that have transpired in recent days, let us honor the victims and their loved ones by coming together to support, help, and care for one another—and by always standing up for what is right.
Sincerely,
Havidán Rodríguez
President