Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Manhattanville, our mission is to educate students to be ethically and socially responsible leaders in a global community. We are committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and nurturing environment in order to inspire students’ commitment to global service and leadership.

We are very proud that throughout much of our history we have embraced and valued diversity and inclusion. This dates back to 1938, when then Manhattanville College president, Mother Grace Dammann, offered a passionate defense of the decision to admit the College’s first African American student. Her letter condemning racial discrimination remains a defining characteristic of who we are and what we continually work towards.

We maintain an unwavering commitment to continually developing a community where diversity is embraced, inclusiveness is practiced, and equity is intentionally sought. Our community is enriched by diversity in all its forms including identity characteristics such as age, disability, sex, race, ethnicity, religion/spiritual tradition, gender identity and expression, sexual identity, veteran status, job status or socioeconomic class, nation of origin, language spoken, documentation status, personal appearance and political beliefs. Simply put we are better because of the talents and experiences of our diverse community.

Read Our Newsletter

An Inclusive community enriched by Diversity

Black Resistance - What it means at Manhattanville

A US Department of Education Hispanic Serving Institution 

classroom

Three-year strategic Roadmap 

The Roadmap reaffirms our commitment through action and is organized around 5 guiding priorities
I
Achieve a balance of representation in the community composition.
II
Identify and address achievement gaps for minoritized students.
III
Create equitable engagement opportunities for students, faculty, and staff that foster a sense of belonging.
IV
Commit to fostering cultural competency for faculty, staff, and students around creating a diverse, inclusive, and nurturing environment reflective of Manhattanville’s mission.
V
Increase collaboration and communication around the College’s various diversity and inclusion efforts.

 


Community Building at Manhattanville  

At Manhattanville College, we believe that building a strong community requires a commitment to inclusion and diversity. We strive to create an environment where all members of our community feel valued, respected, and supported. Through our inclusive initiatives and programs, we work towards fostering a sense of belonging for everyone at Manhattanville.
HSI Panel discussion
Title IX at Manhattanville
Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972 protects people from discrimination based on gender in education programs or activities which receive Federal financial assistance. 
Center for Inclusion
The Center for Inclusion (CFI) at Manhattanville: Dedicated to promoting equity and inclusion

The Center for Inclusion (CFI) at Manhattanville College is dedicated to promoting equity and inclusion throughout the campus community. Our center provides resources, education, and programming to support individuals from diverse backgrounds and foster a welcoming environment for all.

Clark Center
The Clark Center

The Clark Center at Manhattanville College is a hub for community service and leadership development. Our center offers a variety of resources and programs to empower students and alumni to create positive change in their communities and beyond.

 

 
Center for Design Thinking
The Presidential Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

DEI Council

 The DEI Council is charged with reviewing and assessing campus climate, developing a comprehensive strategic plan, and recommend initiatives, policies, and procedures that will increase equity and inclusion at the College.  These might include recommendations related to recruitment and retention practices, curriculum, and community outreach efforts. 
basketball players
By the Numbers

Diversity

OUR DIVERSE STUDENT BODY
  • 44% Students of Color
  • 28% Hispanic/Latino students
  • 20+ States and territories represented 
  • 30+ Countries represented

Cindy Porter

 

 

Vice President for the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Cindy Long Porter, EdD

Cindy Porter is a champion of diversity and inclusion at Manhattanville College. As the VP of Diversity, Equity, and Community Building, she leads our efforts to create a welcoming and equitable campus community for all students, faculty, and staff.

 

Understanding and Responding to Bias

Manhattanville has a team in place to address incidents of bias, the Bias Education Response Team (BERT). Read more below.
Responding to Bias

 

Manhattanville College is committed to maintaining and nurturing a community of inclusivity where every member is valued.  Dating back to 1938 when former College President, Mother Grace Dammann, affirmed the right of the first African-American student to be admitted to this institution, Manhattanville College has stood for a commitment to the inclusion and celebration of the diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and perspectives of our community members.

Our community is committed to maintaining an inclusive campus climate, yet we recognize that incidents of bias and hate have occurred to and are committed by our community members. When this happens, we want our students, staff, and faculty to fully understand their options for support and to be aware of established procedures for reporting and responding to such behaviors.

Bias incidents can be very upsetting to not only the targeted person but also to the whole community. At Manhattanville, the Bias Education Response Team (BERT) is made up of team members who are trained on issues related to bias response. The team also serves as a clearinghouse for reported incidents of bias.  

In addition to the members of BERT, there are many offices on campus that can help by providing support.

Understanding Bias

 

The free expression of ideas, even those that may be unpopular or controversial, is an essential part of a vibrant, diverse community. Problems arise, however, when members of a community act on biases that are based on fear, misunderstanding, or dislike of a certain group of people. The College’s policy on Non-discrimination and Harassment provides guidance and reporting information for those who believe they have experienced discrimination and/or harassment as employees, applicants for employment, volunteers, students, or applicants for admission on the basis of their perceived age, race, creed, color, religion, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, ethnicity, sexual orientation, military status, sex, gender, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, criminal conviction, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, gender identity, or transgender identity.

Behavior reflecting negative bias that is directed against or that targets an individual or group based on the perceived or actual characteristics listed above, but which does not meet the Federal and State statutes covered by the College’s Policy on Non-Discrimination and Harassment, can still cause harm to individuals and the community. Such harmful behaviors run counter to the mission and values of Manhattanville College. These bias behaviors can include oral, written or visual use of degrading language or stereotypes, insults which, intentionally or not, communicate hostile or derogatory messages to persons based solely on their perceived identity. 

DEI Events

Contact Us

  • Cindy Long Porter, EdD, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Community Building

    Reid Castle