Many of us have been following the recent events taking place in Charlottesville, VA.
I want to express my deepest sympathies for those impacted by the tragic loss of life and wish for the full recovery of the many others who suffered serious injury.
The College of Staten Island condemns the violence, hatred, bigotry, and intolerance of extremist groups such as neo-Nazis, the KKK, white supremacists, and the like.
As I have previously stated, CSI’s Mission has always been to provide our students with an environment that allows them to achieve excellence and to embrace diversity, and to provide an inclusive and respectful workspace for our employees. We are proud to be a diverse and welcoming campus for students, faculty, and staff with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We remain absolutely committed to these goals, and will have zero tolerance for intimidation and/or violence that undermines our free and open environment. Violence is not free speech and will not be tolerated on the CSI campus where we engage in civil conversations about difficult topics.
Institutions of higher education should be the center for serious conversations on difficult topics, and the College will continue to support the free exchange of ideas and differing viewpoints. However, any actions that violate CUNY’s Policy on Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination will not be tolerated.
Please join me in pledging to uphold our noble Mission and values.
