Reaffirmation of Commitment to Diversity, Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, and Preventing Misconduct 2026
February 5, 2026
To: The John Jay College Community
Re: Reaffirmation of Commitment to Diversity, Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, and Preventing Misconduct
As we begin the Spring 2026 semester at John Jay College, I want to welcome each of you – students, faculty, and staff – back to campus. Spring is a season of renewal, new beginnings, and growth, and we hope these themes will carry our community forward into a successful and meaningful semester. This new term invites us to renew our shared commitment to the values that define who we are as an academic community. At John Jay, we take pride in being a diverse and inclusive community where people of many voices, cultures, backgrounds, and ethnicities come together to learn from one another. Our ability to engage respectfully across lines of difference, whether related to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, ability, sexual identity, immigration status, or veteran experience, is central to who we are. We grow not only through our academic pursuits, but also through the conversations and connections we form with those whose lived experiences may differ from our own.
For these reasons, I want to reaffirm our strong commitment to fostering a learning and working environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. This commitment includes actively working to prevent discrimination, harassment, and hate in all forms, including behavior rooted in bias or bigotry. In particular, we remain mindful of the impact of actions or language that target individuals based on national origin or heritage, including those who are Jewish, Israeli, Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, or of South Asian ancestry, and/or those who are perceived to be associated with these or any other identities based on national origin and ancestry.
I write today to reaffirm our commitment to upholding our non-discrimination policies and share information about where to get help if you need it.
Our Office of Compliance and Diversity (OCD) addresses and investigates allegations of sexual misconduct or discrimination. We strongly encourage any member of our community to come forward to get help or report any concerns they may have under our non-discrimination policies, including:
- CUNY’s Policy on Sexual Misconduct, which prohibits sexual harassment, sex-based discrimination, and related misconduct. This policy includes explicit protections based on gender identity, pregnancy (past, present, or potential), sex characteristics, sex stereotypes, and sexual orientation.
- CUNY’s Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy, which prohibits any form of discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity (including Italian Americans), 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. Additionally, CUNY practices affirmative action for women, protected ethnicities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans consistent with federal requirements for employees in all title groups. Italian Americans are included among CUNY’s protected groups.
If you experience or witness any form of discrimination or misconduct, please know that support is available, and you are encouraged to reach out. There are many resources on campus to report inappropriate behavior or to receive confidential assistance. All members of our community can contact the Office of Compliance & Diversity, Chief Diversity Officer (CDO)/Title IX Coordinator, at CDO@jjay.cuny.edu or 212-621-3712 for guidance and support.
The following offices are also available to receive concerns and will work with the CDO when necessary:
- The Public Safety Department (212-237-8524) is available to all members of our College community.
- Students can reach out to the Student Affairs Office in L.71NB or by calling 212-237-8100.
- Employees may contact Human Resources at the BMW Building, 10th Floor (555 W. 57th St.), or by calling 212-237-8517.
Additionally, CUNY has enhanced the process for reporting incidents of discrimination and sexual misconduct. If you have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, a report can be submitted through CUNY’s updated online reporting form, which is designed to facilitate prompt review and coordinated follow-up. I also encourage you to visit the CUNY Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Homepage for more information about the reporting system, CUNY policies on discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and available campus and external resources. Further, please consider participating in the available training and information regarding CUNY’s Policy on Sexual Misconduct, and making use of the resources available to individuals affected by these issues, which are detailed here.
Accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities remain a priority. In line with Governor Hochul’s Executive Order 31 (January 16, 2023), CUNY is developing a Strategic Plan aimed at expanding access, recruitment, and professional advancement opportunities for students and employees with disabilities. Employees in need of job-related accommodations are encouraged to contact Human Resources, as outlined in our Reasonable Accommodations and Academic Adjustments policy.
We remain unwavering in our commitment to creating a community where everyone feels valued and included. As we move forward together, I ask for your continued support in sustaining a respectful and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff alike. Through our shared commitment to our values and community standards, we cultivate a positive learning environment, encourage open dialogue, promote student success, and strengthen the future of our institution.
Thank you,
Karol V. Mason
President
John Jay College of Criminal Justice