Standing Together
Dear Students, Staff, and Faculty:
Brooklyn College is a nonpartisan institution. We welcome students, faculty, and staff from all political persuasions, and we cherish robust discourse informed by a range of perspectives. Moreover, we enjoy staunch support from elected officials, alumni, and others across party lines.
Brooklyn College was founded in 1930, at a time when many leading colleges curtailed the admission of Jewish students. Brooklyn College has, throughout its history, been a place that has welcomed students excluded elsewhere, including those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, those who are first in their families to attend college, and immigrants from around the globe. Today we have one of the most diverse college campuses in the world. Certain immutable principles derive from our unique history.
We believe we are a richer academic community because of our diversity. We believe in inclusion and access to public education, regardless of age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, alienage or citizenship, religion, race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran or marital status. We are committed to the Constitution and its mandates of racial and sexual equality, due process, and freedom of the press and conscience. We believe that one the goals of higher education is to make us stronger citizens, better able to participate in the democratic process and to defend our constitutional order.
The presidential election that came to a close last week increased rancor in civic discourse and, at times, challenged the values we hold dear. Since then, there have been reported instances of bias related to the election's outcome on a number of college campuses. These facts should give us pause. Here at Brooklyn College, two posters in James Hall announcing an outdoor gathering to reflect on the election were defaced with sexist and racist epithets. As I underscored in my letter two weeks ago: We stand against hate of any kind. Bigotry has no place at Brooklyn College.
Members of the Brooklyn College community have come together repeatedly to reflect on what happened last Tuesday and where to go from here. Students gathered on the East Quad to voice their reactions and express solidarity. The Women's Center held a discussion about the election. Student Government, Personal Counseling, and the LGBTQ Resource Center co-sponsored an open forum to address students' feelings. The Black and Latino Male Initiative provided a safe space for students to come and discuss their concerns. I understand that a group of faculty members is also planning a Teach-In on the election.
Brooklyn College offers a number of ongoing resources on campus that you may find useful, a few of which I have listed below. But I want to highlight that the CUNY Citizenship Now! program is offering free, confidential legal services for students who are undocumented or have status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) executive order. Attorneys and paralegals can review cases, advise on possible legal relief, help with applications, and recommend best courses of action. Please contact Citizenship Now! at 212.652.2055 or via e-mail.
In the coming weeks and months, let us remember to take care of ourselves and one another, mindful of our core commitments to diversity, inclusion, freedom of speech, and the preservation of an excellent academic environment at Brooklyn College.
Free and Confidential Personal Counseling
Contact Greg Kuhlman, 203 James Hall, 718.951.5363.
LGBTQ Resource Center
Contact David McKay, 1433 Ingersoll Hall, 718.951.5739.
Black and Latino Male Initiative
Contact Nicole St. Clair, 3309 James Hall, 718.951.5766.
Women's Center
Contact Sau-fong Au, 227 Ingersoll Hall Extension, 718.951.5777.
Student Ombuds Services
Contact Moraima Burgos, 2113 Boylan Hall, 718.951.5352.
International Student and Scholar Services
Contact Keisha Wilson, 235 West Quad Center, 718.951.4477.
Campus Security
Contact Don Wenz, 0202 Ingersoll Hall, 718.951.5511.
