NYC Gazette

The City University of New York (CUNY) has announced a new initiative to centralize its discrimination and harassment policies across its 25 colleges. This move involves the creation of the Center for Inclusivity and Equal Opportunity, which aims to bring consistency to handling complaints and enhance efforts to combat hate, including antisemitism.

Kareem Peat, an attorney with significant experience in discrimination law and higher education, has been appointed as the interim executive director of the new center. "The Center for Inclusivity and Equal Opportunity will bring consistency and accountability to how CUNY campuses handle complaints," said William C. Thompson Jr., Chairperson of the CUNY Board of Trustees. He expressed gratitude for Peat's appointment, anticipating his leadership in centralizing efforts against discrimination.

Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez stated, "With the launch of our Center for Inclusivity and Equal Opportunity, we will now have a centralized mechanism to foster understanding, expand training and combat discrimination across our 25 campuses." The center is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring that all members of the CUNY community feel safe and respected.

The center will be responsible for several key areas: managing reports centrally, reviewing and developing systemwide policies, providing regular training, promoting educational programming on inclusivity, and monitoring data to address issues effectively. It will work closely with CUNY colleges from the beginning of a complaint through its resolution.

This initiative follows recommendations from former New York State Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, who emphasized centralizing processes for addressing hate at CUNY. The center plans to overhaul the university-wide Discrimination and Retaliation Reporting Portal by late spring.

Peat expressed his commitment: "I am grateful for this opportunity to work tirelessly toward eliminating discrimination and harassment within the CUNY community." The university is conducting a national search for a permanent executive director while starting recruitment for additional staff at the center.

CUNY's ongoing efforts include partnerships with organizations like Hillel International’s Campus Climate Initiative and substantial investments in anti-hate programs. These initiatives aim to ensure a respectful campus climate across all colleges.

CUNY is recognized as the largest urban public university in the United States, playing a vital role in social mobility within New York City. Established in 1847 as America's first free public institution of higher education, it continues its mission of providing quality education accessible to all students.