Reaffirmation of Commitment to Diversity, Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, and Preventing Misconduct

October 15, 2024

To: The John Jay College Community 
Re: Reaffirmation of Commitment to Diversity, Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, and Preventing Misconduct

At John Jay College we know that our diversity is our strength. We thrive because of our ability to engage in meaningful conversations with people different from ourselves—including people of different races, religions, ethnicities, genders, abilities, sexual identities, and immigration and veteran statuses. Understanding a new perspective allows us to learn from one another, fulfill our goals, and continue to grow both individually and as a community. That’s why I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that John Jay does not tolerate acts of hate or bigotry of any kind. This includes discrimination or harassment based on national origin or heritage—including Jewish, Israeli, Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, or South Asian ancestry—and/or the association with these national origins and ancestries.

I write today to reaffirm our commitment to upholding our non-discrimination policies and share information about where to get help if you need it.

Our Office of Compliance and Diversity (CDO) addresses and investigates allegations of sex-based misconduct or discrimination. We strongly encourage any member of our community to come forward to get help or report any concerns they may have under our non-discrimination policies, including: 

• CUNY’s new Policy on Sex-Based Misconduct—which prohibits sex-based harassment, sex-based discrimination, and related misconduct. 

• CUNY’s Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy—which prohibits any form of discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity (including Italian Americans), 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, or status as a victim of domestic violence/stalking/sex offenses, or any other legally prohibited basis in accordance with federal, state, and city laws. Additionally, CUNY practices affirmative action for women, protected ethnicities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans consistent with federal requirements for employees in all title groups. Italian Americans are included among CUNY’s protected groups. 

There are many resources on campus to report inappropriate behavior or to receive confidential support. All members of the community can report sex-based misconduct and discrimination to Gabriela Leal, Director of Compliance and Diversity/Title IX Coordinator, gleal@jjay.cuny.edu / 646-557-4674.

In addition, the following offices will communicate with the CDO if the report involves sex-based misconduct or discrimination: Public Safety Department (for all members of the College community), 212-237-8524, Student Affairs Office (for students) at L.71NB or 212-237-8100, or Human Resources (for employees) at the BMW Building, 10th Floor (555 W. 57th St.) or 212-237-8517. To file a report of discrimination online, you may do so on the CUNY University-Wide Discrimination and Retaliation Reporting Portal.

I encourage you to participate in upcoming training and information sessions about CUNY’s new Policy on Sex-Based Misconduct. I also encourage you to make use of the resources available to any person affected by these issues, which are detailed here.

CUNY desires to expand its inclusivity and accessibility to both students and employees with disabilities. As per Governor Hochul’s Executive Order 31, CUNY is developing a Strategic Plan to enhance recruitment, advancement, and support of individuals with disabilities. Any CUNY employee requiring one or more accommodations to perform their job duties should contact Human Resources as per our policy on Reasonable Accommodations and Academic Adjustments.

Our commitment to create a space where everyone feels valued and included remains unwavering. As we move forward with an exciting fall semester, I ask for your continued support in prioritizing a respectful and inclusive environment for every student, faculty, and staff member. By committing to upholding our values and community standards, we foster a positive atmosphere, encourage the free exchange of ideas, promote student success, and contribute to our institution’s enduring advancement.

Thank you,

Karol V. Mason
President 
John Jay College of Criminal Justice