AGENCY TESTIMONY
Conclusion and reaffirmation of CUNY's commitment to inclusivity
0:22:51
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104 sec
Chancellor Matos Rodriguez concludes his testimony by reaffirming CUNY's commitment to inclusivity and expressing optimism for the university's future.
- Acknowledges the size and complexity of the CUNY system
- Emphasizes CUNY's commitment to making campuses places of respectful expression
- Quotes passages from the Lippman report that highlight CUNY's commitment to safety and non-discrimination
- Expresses optimism about CUNY's future and its role in creating a stronger, more inclusive New York
Felix Matos Rodriguez
0:22:51
We are a large system, as you know.
0:22:53
And as I mentioned, almost 300,000 students and employees are part of our system.
0:23:00
Tensions and challenges do arise, but we have the rules and regulations in place to investigate and do not hesitate to enforce them.
0:23:08
Our north star is to make our campuses places of respectful expression in which ideas are exchanged with openness, curiosity, and empathy.
0:23:18
This is how real learning happens.
0:23:21
I want to end by quoting 2 passages from the Littmann report that reaffirms something we know to be true of our great university.
0:23:30
The first one is the vast majority of students and members of the CUNY community do not engage in antisemitism or discrimination of any kind and instead want only to access the quality education CUNY affords.
0:23:43
And also that, and I quote, CUNY leadership, both at the central university level and the individual school level, are properly concerned with student, faculty, and staff safety.
0:23:56
And that leaders in the CUNY system uniformly take safety on their campuses very seriously.
0:24:03
I am extremely optimistic about the future of our great university, especially considering the challenges we have overcome and the lessons we have learned in the last few years.
0:24:15
Thanks to you for your continued support of CUNY, which is helping to create a stronger and more vibrant New York, one that is inclusive and benefits all New Yorkers regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or immigrant status.
0:24:30
This concludes my testimony.
0:24:31
I'm happy to take any questions from the council members.
