Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

The Equity and Diversity office is committed to creating awareness, increasing resources and providing opportunities.

At SUNY Erie we value the diversity found in each member of our campus community, and we strive to create a community where that diversity is embraced and enhanced.

The office works with community organizations, businesses, school districts, and other partners to help develop collaborative relationships within SUNY Erie Community College and the surrounding community, both on and off campus.

While we won’t solve every challenge, we will create the kind of environment where we shed light and use best practices to move the college community forward. After all, a diverse and inclusive campus creates an environment where all can and will be expected to succeed.

SUNY Erie Equity & Diversity Plan 2018-2022

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Policies & Resources

Mission

Recognizing the strength of diversity, our mission is to foster an environment which respects, embraces and promotes cultural competence, civil discourse and active engagement in developing an inclusive and vibrant community of scholars who act as transformational agents of change and will become responsible citizens of the world.

VIEW OUR Faculty & Staff DIVERSITY DASHBOARD

VIEW OUR STUDENT DIVERSITY DASHBOARD

Notice of Non-Discrimination

SUNY Erie Community College does not discriminate in admission, employment, or in the administration of any of its policies and programs on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, familial status, military status, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics, veteran status, criminal conviction, or any other characteristics protected by law.  This applies to all students, applicants or other members of the College community (including, but not limited to, vendors and visitors).  Grievance procedures are available to interested persons by contacting the Civil Rights Compliance Officer listed below.  Retaliation against a person who files a complaint, serves as a witness, or assists or participates in the investigation of a complaint in any manner is strictly prohibited.

The following OfficE has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the College’s non-discrimination policies:

Laura Tesch, Civil Rights Compliance OfficerHuman ResourcesNorth Campus, Room G124, 6205 Main StreetWilliamsville, NY 14221(716) 270-5735

For further information on notice of non-discrimination, please contact:

New York Office
United States Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights, 32 Old Slip 26th Floor,  
New York, N.Y., 10005-25010;
Tel (646) 428-3800; Email: OCR.NewYork@ed.gov

Discrimination/Harassment Complaint Form

Students' Rights Under Equal Employment/Diversity Policy

Students have the right to a discrimination free educational program in course offerings and all campus activities. In 1964, the passage of the Civil Rights Act rendered discrimination on the basis of race in schools and other institutions illegal. In 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments was enacted to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in educational institutions and programs. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, section 504, as well as the Americans With Disabilities Act, protects the rights of students with disabilities, which means that particular efforts must be made to ensure accessibility to campus facilities and programs to persons with disabilities whether they matriculated, non-matriculated, undergraduate or graduate students, faculty or other employees. It means permitting access and full participation by persons with a wide range of disabilities through the elimination of architectural, public relations, program and attitudinal barriers.

Students' rights include equal opportunity in admissions, financial aid and counseling. Differential treatment on the basis of gender or race, or any other protected class in the classroom which affects the performance of the student and which constitutes harassment is prohibited.

If a student feels he or she has been discriminated against for the above reasons, the individual should contact the Director of Equity and Diversity or the Dean of students.

 

President’s Council on Equity and Diversity

Committees

Anti-Racism Task Force

A group of concerned faculty and staff focused on identifying policies and procedures that are barriers to having an all-inclusive campus, to protect marginalized populations and educating students about anti-racism through activities and programming.

Diversity Academy

A diversity series focused on educating faculty and staff on race, gender, religion, global awareness, marginalized populations, etc., through historical perspectives and current day events in the form of workshops and book readings. To eliminate stereotypes, bias and microaggressions in the classroom and workspace. 

Global Engagement

Members of the applied learning and global engagement office working with the equity and diversity office to educate and create opportunities for all students to think globally and have an international experience.