TM
BIAS AND DISCRIMINATION REPORT - SPRING 2017
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEAN OF STUDENTS, TITLE IX COORDINATOR AND PRESIDENT’S ADVISORY COUNCIL ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
CAMPUS CLIMATE REPORT Last spring the Campus Climate Survey was administered
vandalism. The incidents occurred both inside the classroom and
to all Siena Students (response rate of 12%). Mandated by
within residential halls. Some examples of the incidents reported
New York State, the purpose of the survey was to ascertain
include: student using racial slurs in class, racial slurs about
students’ understanding of campus safety, campus crime
another student via social media, student posting comments on
statistics, and resources for sexual assault. However, several
social media of a discriminatory nature toward Muslims, swastikas
questions on the survey addressing diversity yielded the
defacing property in residential areas, faculty member using
following:
racially discriminatory language in classroom, anti-Semitic flyer
Not all students are satisfied with the College’s level
found on campus, vandalism of LGBTQ+ posters, and students
of diversity among students, faculty, staff, and senior
directing degrading language toward another student by race,
leadership.
gender and religion.
Diverse respondents were less likely to indicate that
None of the bias related incidents reported fell under the
the College is diverse, respects those who are diverse, or
Hate Crimes and Bias-Related Incident Policy. However, for
encourage discussion of diversity issues.
incidents where an individual or group were identified, sanctions
WHEN ASKED IF THE STUDENT HAD “PERSONALLY EXPERIENCED BIAS/ DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT AT SIENA” • About 51% of diverse students responded affirmatively with regard to race
included restriction from campus, residential hall probation, restriction from residential areas and educational sanctions. Many of the incidents occurred in cases where the offender could not be identified due the nature of the incident. Responses to
• About 41% of bisexual and gay students responded
these incidents with unknown offenders included letters to the
affirmatively with regard to sexual orientation
community from the College President, targeted messaging in
• About 28% of female students and 100% of transgender
residential halls and mandatory residential hall meetings.
students responded affirmatively with regard to gender The abovementioned data notwithstanding, a large percentage of students (87%-90%) indicated they were comfortable interacting with, and having friends and neighbors from, diverse backgrounds. Students also indicated that the College is committed to building an inclusive community and promotes the appreciation of cultural differences.
SEVERAL KEY TAKEAWAYS WILL DRIVE OUR DIVERSITY EFFORTS GOING FORWARD: • More students, particularly males, need to engage in the
were applied under the student code of conduct system which
climate survey process • Stereotypes, prejudice and biases are an issue on campus - inside and outside the classroom • Our bystander effort in the areas of discrimination and ` harassment needs to be enhanced • Students need to be more aware of the College’s discrimination and harassment policy and availability of on and off campus resources
CAMPUS INCIDENT REPORTS As we know, Siena College is not immune from incidents of intolerance. Unfortunately, there were 18 incidents reported from September 1, 2016 to March 1, 2017. As referenced to the right, an incident may considered as more than one basis and/or type of bias. The majority of the incidents were religious based (7), followed by race related (4) bias incidents. The most common incident type was verbal harassment, followed by defacement of property, written harassment and
recommendations to assist the College in further cultivating an environment that is welcoming, supportive and respectful to all.
DIVERSITY ACTION COMMITTEE: The committee is composed of faculty and students of Siena College, working together to increase knowledge of diversity and to effect positive change within the Siena community concerning issues related to gender, race, ethnicity, class, age, sexual orientation, gender expression, and disability on campus in the classroom.
UNITY COUNCIL: Chaired by the Vice President for Student Life (VPSL), the Unity Council is meant to provide a structure to effectively increase communication among student leadership groups and address diversity related issues on campus from a student perspective.
DAMIETTA CROSS-CULTURAL CENTER: The Center provides innovative initiatives that educate, engage and empower students to live and work effectively in culturally diverse environments. Damietta Advocates are peer educators who provide social, cultural and diversity events for the community. Solidarity Advisors are peer advisors who provide diversity workshops and trainings for students. Student Program Coordinators implement cultural and social events throughout the academic year.
DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND EQUITY STATEMENT The President’s Advisory Council for Diversity and Inclusion
UPCOMING SPRING 2017 DIVERSITY PROGRAMMING
(PACDI) developed a Siena College Diversity, Inclusion and
We encourage all students to attend diversity related
Equity statement that was adopted by the President and Cabinet
programming sponsored on campus to expand your knowledge
of the College in fall 2016. The statement outlines the College’s
around these issues and ways to respect and affirm the dignity
commitment to foster a campus climate that is respectful and
of all persons.
inclusive of the many identities of our community members. 3/21- Anti-Human Trafficking Series: Not My Life” Event,
Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Statement: https:// community.siena.edu/inclusionstatement
RB 202 | 6:00 p.m. 3/25 – Awesome Women’s Brunch: Celebrating Women in the
Workplace, Snyder Hall | 11:00 a.m.
BIAS RELATED INCIDENT REPORT SYSTEM It is important that the Siena community knows how to report
3/27 – Siena’s Real Talk Spring Lecture Keynote Speaker: Shaun King, SSU 243 | 12:30 p.m. 3/28 – MLK Lecture Series: Speaker: Dr. Robert Bullard Title:
and access resources. If you have information regarding a bias
Environmental Justice & the Politics of Place:
related incident, please report the incident to Public Safety, an
Why Equity Matters, SSU | 7:00 p.m.
RA, an RD, the Dean of Students Office or the Title IX/EEOS Office.
3/29 - Trans*101 Workshop (SSU 239) – registration required. 3/30 – DAC Open Forum on the State of Diversity & Inclusion at
Bias Related Reporting System: https://community. siena.edu/biasreport
Siena, The Norm | 4:30 p.m. 3/31 - Trans*101 Workshop (SSU 239) – registration required. 4/4 – Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Keynote Speaker: Jess X Chen, RB 202 | 7:00 p.m.
WANT TO BECOME MORE INVOLVED?
4/5 -
Consider joining a committee or student group related to
4/6 – DAC film screening of Homeland: Four Portraits of Native
issues of diversity on Siena’s campus.
Trans*201 Workshop (SSU 243) – registration required. Action, The Norm | 6:00 p.m.
4/10 – Trans*201 (SSU 239) – registration required.
PRESIDENT’S ADVISORY COUNCIL ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: The Committee is charged with assessing the College’s current status in relation to diversity and inclusion and making
4/29 – Walk A Mile in Her Shoes, Depart Siena Hall | 10:00 a.m.
TM