Syracuse University

"A diversity, equity and inclusion online module, available through EVERFI, has been added to the suite of online training modules that incoming students are required to complete."

Started in January 2021, the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Strategic Plan Taskforce partnered with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to release the five year DEIA Strategic Plan that provides DEIA educational training, programming, and special initiatives to the campus community.

SU's 2023 "Academic Strategic Plan" (Draft Framework) states the following: "For staff—and indeed for all members of our community—the University will invest in programming, trainings, and professional development opportunities to truly make DEIA [Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility} a shared responsibility for all."

Since Spring of 2021, Syracuse University’s Anti-Racist Algebra Coalition has been exploring anti-racism in algebra education and working “on designing and implementing social justice math units.”

In addition to FYS 101, which “covers topics such as discrimination and bias,” all Syracuse University students are required to take a course from the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) core courses that teach about systems of oppression and practices of resistance.

As of 2014, the Newhouse School at SU has had a "Diversity Requirement" for students who can then choose one course from an extensive list to meet that requirement.

SU's 2023 "Academic Strategic Plan" (Draft Framework) states that "Faculty will need to modernize curricula across disciplines to ensure relevant approaches to DEIA [Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility] and internationalization..." Additionally, "Among our students, we will orient our curriculum and academic programs toward fostering a stronger sense of belonging, while we work to ensure equitable and transparent access for our students to the supports that they need."

SU's 2023 "Academic Strategic Plan" (Draft Framework) states the following: "From going beyond compliance in accessible buildings, signs, and digital properties to creating antiracist curricula and innovative research opportunities in our many disciplines to nurturing a sense of belonging in our departments, dorms, clubs, and classrooms, the University will dedicate significant effort and resources to building shared ownership and to tracking our progress in this crucial and truly overarching objective."

Students were warned by university administrators that they would face consequences if they failed to report "bias-motivated" conduct.

SU's "STOP Bias and Hate" program is a "University-wide initiative that educates the campus community about bias and hate, and provides resources to report and receive support for bias-related or hate incidents."

The university’s Writing Across the Curriculum program, which is housed under the College of Arts & Sciences, has an Antiracist WAC Toolkit. This is a program that comprises several workshops and involves syllabi to be rewritten.

The school has the WellsLink Leadership Program, which is a program for “first-year students of color” that will help students with “an edge in college, offering them the tools necessary to achieve their academic goals, develop professionalism, and expand their awareness of valuable resources and opportunities” to “support the needs of student of color in particular.”

The school has a Multicultural Living/Learning Center, which is “the only community of its kind on campus in which a racially and ethnically diverse community is intentionally created so that residents may live and learn in a multicultural environment.” This experience also “promotes positive citizenship and social justice through its emphasis on critical multicultural education, self awareness, cross-cultural communication training, and commitment to community activism.”

Syracuse University Libraries provides a number of resources and readings on racial justice in order to create an actively anti-racist campus community with readings from notable CRT scholars including Ibram X. Kendi.

On July 12, 2021, Syracuse University News linked to an interview with Kishi Ducre, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion/Associate Professor of African American History in the College of Arts and Sciences, titled “Experts Discuss Controversy Around Critical Race Theory.” The interview focuses on the debate over teaching critical race theory in grade school curriculums.

On January 22, 2023, SU's School of Education published a video interview with Professor Barbara Applebaum titled “Willful Ignorance and the Critical Race Theory Controversy.” According to the School of Education, "Applebaum claims that many high-profile anti-'critical race theory' arguments put forth by politicians, scholars, and others are a form of willful hermeneutical ignorance, and she concludes by showing how more just communications, in which disagreement is distinguishable from dismissal, can be achieved."

SU News links to three University Professors from the English and Education departments who are listed as "Faculty Experts in Critical Race Theory."

SU's Office of Diversity and Inclusion has a "Bias, Racism, and Prejudice" webpage that includes tips for supervisors to facilitate "race discussions" with their students and staff.

SU's Office of Diversity and Inclusion has a dedicated resource webpage for Black, Indigenous, People-of-Color (BIPOC) which includes a link to "Racial Equity Academic Symposium Programming."

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion published an extensive list of SU degree programs that "address ideas in new ways, inspire critical thinking, foster conversation, and provoke societal change."

The Office of Academic Affairs' "Academic Strategic Planning" engages all members of the SU community and includes the "Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA)" working group in order to "shape the process of implementing our shared and cross-cutting values."

Syracuse University has a Resource Center devoted to diversity and inclusion.

In 2021, there was a seminar regarding “education, guidance and tips on how to be an active participant in anti-racism.” The recording for this seminar is available.

The Barnes Center Health and Wellness Team sent out a message saying “we recognize the impact racism and anti-Black violence have on public health and individual wellness” following the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and Ahmaud Arbery.

The English Department has a page dedicated to all of the statements made regarding “racial violence.”

The school has an office for Multicultural Affairs, which hosts different programs and events.

Syracuse University offers an annual Multicultural Graduation Reception following Commencement.

The Office of Inclusive Excellence at the university is committed to “augment and integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion within the college through education, research, dialogue, policy, and assessment.”

Syracuse University Athletics Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee promotes diversity and equity on campus through education, support, and recognition.