Despite a history of efforts to improve appreciation of diversity on campus, incidents of bias and student concerns about such bias still persist.
The Student Government Association has responded with the following resolution, which advocates a new term, "inclusivity," to help the campus focus on creating a community that is comfortable for all its members.
SGA Resolution on Diversity and Inclusivity
Passed by the Senate on October 17, 2006
WHEREAS the Ithaca College Institutional Plan includes a priority to “Enhance the diversity of students, faculty, and staff, and create a supportive environment and programs for the entire College community”;
WHEREAS the Student Government seeks “to provide democratic representation, ensure student rights and privileges, mediate, advocate, serve, and encourage the activities and concerns of the Ithaca College Community”;
WHEREAS the right to free speech is not extended to those who shall use it to impede the rights of others or foster an environment of hate;
WHEREAS all campus clubs and organizations exist to serve as vehicles for inclusivity for our campus community;
WHEREAS expressions and actions that are discriminatory, hateful, or threatening towards any group of students interfere with learning opportunities and foster an unsafe environment on campus;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the SGA opposes and condemns any such expression by students or student groups that promotes hate, prejudice, or discrimination of any members of the campus community or community at large;
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the SGA shall take a leadership role in fostering a campus community built on a foundation of unity and inclusivity, including a revitalization of its “Diversity Council”;
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the SGA strongly encourages the administration, faculty, and staff of Ithaca College to redouble their efforts to address issues of diversity while creating a new focus on inclusivity through the curriculum and student-life experiences of every Ithaca College student.
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Zack Ford
Ithaca College Student Body President
zford1@ithaca.edu, (607) 274-3085
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20061027135711484