Commitment to Diversity
Dear students, faculty, and staff,
The City University of New York (CUNY) and Brooklyn College have a long-standing commitment to diversity and equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and education practices. I write to reaffirm our college’s strong commitment to support policies and practices that foster nondiscrimination, affirmative action, diversity, and inclusion.
The United States Department of Justice and the Department of Education recently withdrew federal guidance on the rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming students under the federal civil rights law Title IX. Although this change reflects the different perspective of the new federal administration, it does not alter the rights of students who are transgender or gender-nonconforming under Title IX.
Moreover, the state and city of New York protect the rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming students and employees. State law and regulations prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity and require covered entities to allow people to use restrooms and other facilities that correspond to their gender identity. The New York City Human Rights Law provides comprehensive protections for students and employees against discrimination or harassment on the basis of gender identity or expression.
CUNY also protects the rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming students and employees. The General Counsel of CUNY stated that the federal "reversal does not alter CUNY’s policy of non-discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression." At Brooklyn College, every student and employee has the right to use bathrooms and other facilities consistent with their gender identity or expression. We have recently mapped the entire campus for facilities and are revising applicable signage so that all single-stall restrooms are labeled for any gender. Pursuant to CUNY guidance, we are also planning to add clarifying signage to multi-stall bathrooms.
Brooklyn College complies with the all CUNY Policies and Procedures on Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct. The Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy states CUNY’s commitment to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and provide benefits to employees regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, marital status, partnership status, disability, genetic information, alienage, citizenship, military or veteran status, unemployment status, pregnancy, status as a victim of domestic violence/stalking/sex offenses, or any other legally prohibited basis in accordance with federal, state, and city laws. Italian Americans are included among CUNY’s protected groups. You can view the Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy in its entirety, including the complaint procedures and prohibition against retaliation.
Tunji Fussell, the interim chief diversity officer at Brooklyn College, is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of our compliance program. She also serves as the 504/ADA coordinator. The Office of Diversity and Equity Programs is located in 2147 Boylan Hall and may be reached at 718.951.4128. For complaints related to discrimination and Title IX, contact the Title IX coordinator, 3118 Boylan Hall, or call 718.951.5000, ext. 6468. The vice presidents, deans, directors, managers, and supervisors at Brooklyn College also share responsibility for ensuring our compliance with these policies and laws.
Thank you for your assistance and continued support in fostering a vibrant, respectful, and inclusive academic community.
