
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Building and Inclusive Community at Manhattanville
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.
Supporting our Community as Middle East Crisis Continues
The Inclusive Excellence Framework
Access and Success: This dimension focuses on the composition and retention of historically underrepresented students, faculty, and staff as well as specific programs designed to aid in the retention of these populations.
Education and Scholarship: The acquisition of knowledge about diverse groups and cultures; an enhanced sense of ethnic, racial, and cultural identity.
Climate and Interpersonal Relationships: The development of psychological and behavioral climate supportive of all members of the community.
Community Engagement: Providing opportunities for individuals to participate in meaningful ways by reducing barriers and creating connections.
Infrastructure and Investment: This dimension refers to the policies, resources, organizational and communication structures, and performance measures that inform and enable an intentionally inclusive, equitable, and innovative organization.
By the Numbers
44%
28%
38%
20+
30+
Read Our Recent Newsletters |
An Inclusive Community Enriched by Diversity
Black Resistance - What it means at Manhattanville
A US Department of Education Hispanic Serving Institution

MAP
The Manhattanville Achievement Program (MAP) is a need-based program that provides access to an affordable education with on-campus support for economically disadvantaged students. The cost of tuition and residential living is covered by the College for all students enrolled in MAP.
MAP Program Info
BAM Alumni
BAM Alumni is an organization designed to create space and community for Black Manhattanville students, past and present. Our intent is to foster, maintain and support a mutually-beneficial relationship between black alumni and the college.
BAM Info
Mville First
Mville First is a college success program for first-generation students. Eligible students are those where neither parent/guardian has received a degree from a four-year college or university. The program welcomes new students and their families to the Manhattanville community and supports students’ adjustments to their first year of college life.

Multicultural Clubs
Our cultural clubs and organizations focus on building awareness and celebration of a wide variety of identities.
The 'Ville
Community Building at Manhattanville
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.
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.
President’s Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Our DEI Council members for 23-24 include:
Dr. Cindy Porter, VP of Diversity, Equity & Community Building
Carleigh Brower, Director, Center for Academic Writing and Composition/Center for Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship
Catherine Boozang-Hill, Director, Center for Inclusion
Cara Cea, Senior Communications Officer
Loren Ciardullo, Chief of Staff/ Secretary of the Board
Mary Coakley Fields, Assistant Professor, Literacy Department, School of Education
Valerie Daley, Associate Director, Financial Aid
Amanda Delerme, Lab and Clinical Coordinator/School of Nursing & Health Sciences
Craig Donnelly, Director, Sr. Mary T. Clark Center for Religion & Social Justice
Christine Farrugia, Assistant Provost of Institutional Effectiveness
Joseph Gaines, Director, Center for Student Accessibility
Kendra Henry, Assistant Director, Financial Aid
Dr. Susan Iverson, Professor and Director of Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership
Em Lebow, Associate Registrar
Greisi Luciano, Compliance Specialist/ School of Nursing & Health Sciences
Paula Moskowitz, Head of Library Instruction and Diverse Populations
Nayma Qayum, Associate Professor, Political Science, & Global and International Studies
Kaitlyn (Kaiti) Reid-Saunders, Associate Director, Student Life
Zoraima Rosario-Rolon, Doctoral Student representative
Samantha White, Assistant Professor, Sports Studies
Community Resources
LGBTQ+ Resources
National Organizations
Book Recommendations
Understanding and 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.
To file a bias incident report, please click here.
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
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Cindy Long Porter, EdD, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Community Building
Cindy.Porter@mville.edu914.323.5135
Reid Castle