We Are in This Together
Historically, the Chief Diversity Officer’s role within CUNY (City University of New York) was to focus on compliance which included serving as the Title IX Officer, leading all investigations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and managing all components of employee recruitment. Following an accreditation visit, there was a recommendation made that the College of Staten Island (CSI) needed to have a Cabinet-level position that focused on strengthening the efforts of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As such, President Lynch commenced a successful search for the role of the inaugural Executive Chief Diversity Officer and Special Assistant to the President who would lead compliance and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) efforts at the college. In January 2023, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) was formed. For more information about the role of Chief Diversity Officers, please review the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) Standards of Professional Practice.
Empowered by the late, most Honorable John Lewis’s speech, ODEI takes pride in getting into “good, necessary trouble” which entails our practices that will have a systemic, structural, and personal impact on our internal and external communities. ODEI’s purpose is to be a transformational catalyst for systemic, structural, and personal change that allows us to best serve our internal and external communities. ODEI seeks to be the leading division within CUNY that embodies, practices, advocates, and holds the institution accountable for diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are here to lead and assist in building cultural competency with the goal of enhancing the campus climate. At the College of Staten Island, we seek to embrace diversity, center equity, and practice inclusion in hopes of creating a sense of belonging at our institution where all are welcomed. As a division, we provide various trainings, consultations, and partner with our colleagues, students, and community in hopes of establishing a more inclusive community.
ODEI is also charged to maintain compliance in several ways. We ensure compliance through the law, CUNY policies, and lead investigations as it pertains to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Additionally, ODEI oversees recruitment efforts that promote affirmative action and comply with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regulations. We approach our work through the lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and intersectionality which also allows us to create policies for CSI. For more information, please see the policies linked at the bottom of this page.
Feel free to peruse our site and become familiar with our division, the various departments within and learn more about our impact. As our division is new and growing, please expect the same for our webpage. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at DEI@csi.cuny.edu
With Hope,
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI)
Contact Information
Tara Mastrangelo
Director of Institutional Equity and Title IX Compliance
Mission of the Social Justice Program
The Office of Social Justice is charged with facilitating an inclusive diversity program for the College that provides opportunities for reflection, engagement, and learning.
RELAY
Foster a more just, diverse, and inclusive community in which the dignity and belonging of all are respected.
Policy on Equal Opportunity & Non-Discrimination
CUNY is committed to a policy of equal employment and equal access in its educational programs and activities
CUNY’s Policy on Sex- Based Misconduct
This Policy prohibits Sexual Misconduct at The City University of New York (“CUNY”)
End Violence - Resources
The College has policies and procedures in place to ensure that our campus is an inclusive and respectful environment
