Dear BMCC Community,
Today, I address you not just as your president, but as a member of a community that values respect, inclusion, and the dignity of every individual.
Yesterday, a disturbing banner was hung outside our building at 199 Chambers Street. It has come to our attention that this banner was displayed by individuals who accessed an unauthorized area, in direct violation of our college policy. This act not only violates our rules but also undermines the principles we hold dear as an institution of learning.
In the wake of the ongoing horrors faced by our brothers and sisters in the Middle East, we understand that this banner may have fostered feelings of fear, despair, and anxiety within our community. The timing of this action is particularly poignant, given recent events and coinciding with the upcoming anniversary of October 7.
We must recognize the emotional impact such actions can have, especially during the High Holy Days—a time for reflection, unity, and healing. We encourage our BMCC community to utilize campus support resources. Students who need support can stop by the Counseling Center in Room S-343 at 199 Chambers Street, call 212-220-8140 or contact the office via email. Corporate Counseling Associates, Inc. (CCA) will provide counseling, consultation resources, and support services to all full-time and part-time employees and their family members. To access CCA, please visit: www.myccaonline.com (Company code: CUNY) or call toll free: 1-800-833-8707.
Please know that we are taking this matter seriously. We continue to investigate the incident and are actively communicating with the New York Police Department to ensure the safety and security of our campus community.
Any member of our community with a complaint of unlawful discrimination, unlawful harassment, or retaliation, can report it directly on the University-Wide Discrimination and Retaliation Reporting Portal. This will generate a report to the Office of Compliance and Diversity. The Office of Compliance and Diversity can also be contacted with questions, concerns, or requests to file a complaint relating to unlawful discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and sex-based harassment. Please contact Chief Diversity Officer Odelia Levy at OLevy@bmcc.cuny.edu with any questions.
At BMCC, we have zero tolerance for hate in any form. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and that they truly belong. Our diversity is our strength, and it is imperative that we stand together against any actions that seek to divide us.
Let us move forward together, reinforcing our commitment to understanding and compassion. As a college community, we must prioritize dialogue, education, and respect for one another. Together, we can build a space where every voice is heard, and every individual is valued.
Thank you for your attention, your commitment to our shared values, and your ongoing dedication to making BMCC a welcoming environment for all.
Sincerely,
Anthony E. Munroe
President, Borough of Manhattan Community College
