September 5, 2024-Reaffirmation Statement

To: Campus Community From: President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D. Date: September 5, 2024 Re: Reaffirmation of Commitment to Diversity/Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action

The City University of New York (“CUNY”) has a long-standing commitment to diversity and equal opportunity in all aspects of employment practices. At Hostos Community College (“Hostos”), I fully support the policies and practices that we have implemented to foster nondiscrimination, affirmative action, and diversity and inclusion in the workplace. I am proud of our richly diverse and inclusive community and know that we are all enriched and strengthened by the different backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas represented here at Hostos.

Accordingly, I am committed to oversee Hostos Community College’s compliance with the CUNY Policies and Procedures on Equal Opportunity & Non-Discrimination, and Sex-Based Misconduct.

The Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy (“Policy”) states CUNY’s commitment to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and provide benefits to employees regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, marital status, partnership status, disability, genetic information, alienage, citizenship, military or veteran status, unemployment status, pregnancy, or status as a victim of domestic violence/stalking/sex offenses, or any other legally prohibited basis in accordance with federal, state and city laws. I remind you that Italian Americans are included among CUNY’s protected groups. Additionally, as a federal contractor, CUNY engages in affirmative action consistent with federal requirements. I invite you to view the Policy in its entirety, including the complaint procedures and prohibition against retaliation links which can be found on the Office of Compliance and Diversity (“OCD”) page of the Hostos Community College website:

https://www.hostos.cuny.edu/Administrative-Offices/Office-of-Compliance-and-Diversity

Policies and Procedures - Hostos Community College (cuny.edu)

Further, CUNY does not tolerate acts of hate or bigotry of any kind. This includes discrimination or harassment based on national origin or heritage – including shared Jewish, Israeli, Palestinian, Arab, Muslim or South Asian ancestry – and/or the association with these national origins and ancestries. The University will promptly take all necessary and appropriate actions to address any such discrimination and remedy its effects. We encourage students and employees who believe they have been subjected to such discrimination, or who have information about an incident or situation, to report it to the University. Anyone who believes they have been a victim of harassment, discrimination or retaliation should use the University-wide Discrimination and Retaliation Reporting Portal.

CUNY desires to expand its inclusivity and accessibility to both students and employees with disabilities. As per Governor Hochul’s Executive Order 31, CUNY is developing a Strategic Plan to enhance recruitment, advancement, and support of individuals with disabilities. Any CUNY employee requiring one or more accommodations to perform their job duties should contact Human Resources as per our policy on Reasonable Accommodations and Academic Adjustments. I invite you to visit the CUNY website to view the Non-Discrimination Policy in its entirety as well as the polices on Reasonable Accommodations and Academic Adjustments and Reporting of Alleged Misconduct.

I have assigned the responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of our compliance program to the Chief Diversity Officer, Philip Oliveri, Esq, who also serves as the Title IX Coordinator and 504/ADA Coordinator. The vice presidents, deans, directors, managers and supervisors share responsibility for ensuring our compliance with these policies and laws, and will be held accountable for enforcing the above-mentioned CUNY policies. OCD is located in Rooms A-336 – 337 at 475 Grand Concourse, Bronx, New York 10451. Any individual who believes they have experienced discrimination should immediately contact Mr. Oliveri at 718- 518-4284 or poliveri@hostos.cuny.edu. They may also utilize the University-wide HR Discrimination and Retaliation Report Portal on the CUNY website.

Additionally, Hostos Community College provides its employees, both staff and faculty members, with career counseling upon request. Employees may reach out to the designated Career Counselor, Human Resources Executive Director Christine Dias-Singh at cdias-singh@hostos.cuny.edu, who can provide all employees with information regarding: job responsibilities, performance evaluation standards, civil service examinations, training opportunities, job postings, and Career Counseling.

Hostos remains committed to supporting equal opportunity, affirmative action, and diversity and inclusion. These initiatives further promote our vibrant campus community and create an environment where all members can thrive. I look forward to your continued support here at Hostos.