Celebrating Black History Month
Recognizing Black History Month offers us the opportunity to consciously reflect on
and celebrate the achievements and legacies of African Americans and individuals of
African descent. It is as a powerful reminder of the resilience of those who fought
for equality and progress toward a more unified society. Beyond honoring the past,
Black History Month gives us a chance to advance dialogue and understanding as we
confront historical injustices while embracing the richness of Black culture and achievements,
thus reaffirming our responsibility as caretakes of an inclusive future that honors
Dr. King’s “Five Pillars of Promise.”
- Unity
We may all have come from different ships, but we're in the same boat now."
- Social Justice
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they
will be judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
- Civil Discourse
“The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and
convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy."
- World Peace
"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend."
- Service
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'”
Creating a Welcoming and Supportive Community
SUNY Cobleskill is committed to creating a community of practice that fosters the
exchange of ideas in a respectful and non-threatening way, and creates better understanding,
awareness, and opportunities to learn from each other.
We reject bigotry, hateful speech, oppression, harassment, bullying, and all forms
of injustice.
We believe in the inherent dignity of each person. We value fairness, civility, and
kindness. We listen to, encourage, and support each other. We seek to instill in our
faculty, staff and students a lifelong appreciation for the value of diversity, equity,
and inclusion so that we can create a better world.
Why Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Matters:
- SUNY Cobleskill may be the first opportunity for some faculty, staff, and students
to interact with people with diverse ideas and experiences.
- Faculty, staff, and student diversity adds intellectual and social vibrancy to our
college community and prepares students to thrive in a diverse and changing world.
- Dialogue between people with different perspectives, values, and backgrounds enhances
the appreciation of others, and encourages personal and professional growth.
- Successful performance in today’s workforce requires sensitivity to human differences,
and the ability to relate to people from different cultural backgrounds, and those
who hold different values and beliefs.
- Developing empathy and respect for the value and dignity of others is essential to
bringing an end to divisiveness and inequity.
SUNY Cobleskill Strategic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan 2017-2022
SUNY Cobleskill Land Acknowledgement Statement
We acknowledge that SUNY Cobleskill, located in Schoharie County, New York, resides
on the ancestral territory of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and the Kanienʼkehá꞉ka
(Mohawk people).
We recognize and honor the enduring presence and resilience of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy
and the Kanienʼkehá꞉ka, who have been stewards of this land for more than a millennium.
We extend our gratitude for their contributions and commitment to the land, culture,
and history of this region.
We acknowledge the ongoing struggle in the pursuit of justice and the importance of
honoring the sovereignty, ancestral lands, and treaty rights of the Haudenosaunee
Confederacy and the Kanienʼkehá꞉ka. We commit ourselves to fostering respectful relationships
and promoting understanding, collaboration, and reconciliation between Indigenous
and non-Indigenous peoples. May our collective efforts be fortified through mutual
respect, cooperation, and dignity.
Are you interested in becoming a part of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council?
DEIB-C Interest Form