BMCC Community,
The Spring 2021 Semester continues with a variety of programs and activities designed to enlighten, educate and engage our diverse community; however, you might have seen on the news, heard from friends or family members, or experienced yourself, harassment and hate crimes towards Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have risen during the COVID-19 crisis.
While this may be the most recent manifestation of a long history of anti-Asian and anti-immigrant sentiment within the United States, BMCC firmly rejects racism and hate speech.
The incidents follow a similar pattern to what happened after 9/11, when Middle Eastern, Arab and South Asian Americans were targeted. We must continue to do our part to end discrimination, hate and xenophobia. Our words and our actions matter.
As an institution we embrace diversity and work to advance equity and inclusion for all members of our community. We work to strengthen a culture of care inside and outside the classroom, and we share a passion for learning with students of all ethnicities and backgrounds and from around the world.
One of our core values is to create an environment in which all members of the BMCC Community feel welcome, that they are valued, and that they can succeed. BMCC’s Race, Equity and Inclusion (REI) Steering Committee, under my guidance, is committed to this work. REI’s efforts, which includes collaboration with faculty, staff and students, provide our institution with greater understanding and support to counter any hate and discrimination that may come our way. Members of the BMCC Community can contact the REI Steering Committee at REI@bmcc.cuny.edu to share any thoughts, suggestions, or questions.
Any complaints of unlawful discrimination and harassment should be reported directly to the Office of Compliance and Diversity by submitting an online complaint form.
Remember, BMCC strongly condemns and will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment of any kind.
We must remember to treat each other with kindness and respect. Let’s stand together.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Anthony E. Munroe
President, Borough of Manhattan Community College
