As the calendar turns to June and the weather warms, my communications to the campus will likely be less frequent than the usual weekly notes, but I did not want the arrival of Pride Month to go unnoticed.
Increasing the sense of belonging that LGBTQIA+, transgender, genderfluid, gender non-conforming, and non-binary members of the CSI community is of paramount importance, especially in light of steadily rising anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric, violence, and legislation across the nation and around the globe. At CUNY and at CSI, we are committed to standing with this community—which by some estimates represents more than 15% of our collective student body, not just in June but throughout the year. The diversity of identities and perspectives is a crucial and critical element to fostering a rich and inclusive academic environment. To better understand and serve this community, members of my Cabinet will soon participate in Safe Zone training, and I encourage all departments, academic and otherwise, to avail themselves of this important and highly effective resource. Jeremiah Jurkiewicz, of the LGBTQ Resource Center and the Office for Social Justice, and Jonathan Wesley, Executive Chief Diversity Officer and Special Assistant to the President for DEI, can be consulted to schedule trainings for your unit.
Every one of our students and each of our colleagues deserve to feel valued, welcome, and above all else, safe at CSI. It is my hope and expectation that this is true for every member of our community.
Until next time,
Timothy G. Lynch, Ph.D. (he/him/his)
