Yesterday, we received a report of an anti-Semitic incident and vandalism on campus. A student on our campus discovered a hateful drawing inside a bathroom in one of our buildings on campus and reported it immediately. This is the second time this semester that I am writing concerning an act of discrimination and hate on our campus this semester; first, a homophobic incident earlier this year, and now an anti-Semitic incident. I want this to be the last.
It is important that members of this campus understand that these acts are absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated on this campus.
Public Safety and the Office of Diversity and Compliance are actively looking into this matter. The hateful drawing has been removed and we are hoping to be able to gain information that may help us identify the person or persons who engaged in this type of behavior. If identified, the College will proceed with disciplinary action to the fullest extent allowed under our policies, procedures, and laws. They will also be reported to the New York City Police Department for appropriate action.
The College of Staten Island and The City University of New York remain steadfast in our position that this campus, and the system of which we are a part, be safe and welcoming to all, irrespective of religion, race, gender, national origin, sexual identity, or any other status. We do not, will not, and must not, tolerate hate speech, hate crimes, or any form of discrimination on this campus. I applaud the individual who reported the incident yesterday and encourage anyone who experiences or becomes aware of any acts of this nature to immediately report such incidents to one or all of the following:
- Public Safety at ext. 2111 or PublicSafety@csi.cuny.edu
- Office of Diversity and Compliance at ext. 2250 or AskODC@csi.cuny.edu
- CUNY’s University-Wide Discrimination and Retaliation Reporting Portal
- CSI’s Anonymous Reporting Portal
We all must commit to doing our part to end such abhorrent behavior.
In addition, I understand that as we approach the end of the semester, many of us—students as well as staff—are under intense pressure to meet deadlines, complete assignments, and otherwise fulfill our obligations. It is important to find a healthy release for such stress, such as exercise, time off when needed, walking away for a brief period. Otherwise, such stress can inevitably lead to frustrations, short tempers, and sometimes—inappropriate behaviors—many of which are inexcusable. I encourage all those who experience such behavior to report to the appropriate office, including Public Safety, Student Affairs, and Human Resources, as appropriate.
As always, please know that confidential counseling services are available for members of our community who need additional support during this time.
- Students may contact the CSI Counseling Center (24 hours/7 days a week) via telephone at 718.982.2391 or email at counseling@csi.cuny.edu
- Employees may contact our free and confidential Employee Assistance Program, CCA@YourService to speak with a licensed mental health counselor at 800.833.8707 (24-hours/7 days a week) or by logging on to their Website (member username and password is: cuny).
In Solidarity,
Timothy G. Lynch, Ph.D. (he/him/his)
