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NEACUHO Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement
The Northeast Association of College and University Housing Officers (NEACUHO) is a nonprofit organization of housing, residential life, and student services professionals and paraprofessionals within the Northeast region dedicated to providing opportunities for colleague support, professional development, sharing of information, collaboration, communication, research, and recognition of outstanding contributions to the field (NEACUHO Constitution, April 8, 2018). In that spirit, NEACUHO is committed to the values of inclusion and belonging for all members, executive board, Past Presidents, Compass Partners, corporate affiliates, vendors, invited guests, and visitors.
As such, NEACUHO has adopted this Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Statement and supplemental Participation Policy. These were written to demonstrate the association’s commitment and expectations to all.
NEACUHO Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement
NEACUHO, as an organization, serves and supports our membership through the pillars of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to welcoming people of all perspectives and backgrounds and creating a safe and inclusive organization for all to participate. We see the importance of encouraging all to participate in (in a way that is comfortable for them) every aspect of the organization. Members of NEACUHO, the executive board, participating vendors, and visitors are expected to be upstanders and address inappropriate behavior and language, which includes but is not limited to misuse of pronouns, racially biased language, sexual misconduct, and harassment. Our goal is for all who interact with NEACUHO to have a welcoming and impactful experience.
Written & Adopted April 2023
DEIB Definitions
Diversity
NEACUHO defines Diversity as a wide range of intersectional identities that encompasses a variety of perspectives and lived experiences. Including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, (dis)ability, age, religion, and cultural backgrounds.
Equity
NEACUHO defines Equity as the commitment to ensuring fair access, opportunities, and resources for all members, while recognizing that different individuals may require different levels of support to achieve similar outcomes. Equity involves actively identifying and addressing systemic barriers to full participation.
Inclusion
NEACUHO defines Inclusion as the intentional effort to create environments where all individuals feel welcomed, valued, and respected. Inclusion emphasizes creating spaces where all voices can contribute and thrive without marginalization.
Belonging
NEACUHO defines Belonging as the feeling of security and support within the association as one identifies themselves as a member and feels a sense of acceptance and inclusion. It involves creating an environment where individuals can bring their authentic selves to the association and feel valued for their contributions to its success
Participation Expectations
Any person affiliated with NEACUHO is entitled to have a safe, productive, and professional environment. No person(s) shall be excluded or prohibited from participation in NEACUHO based on any identity that they hold. This can include, but is not limited to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, familial status, source of income or disability.
Furthermore, NEACUHO is committed to eradicate and remove any act of unwanted sexual misconduct in our society, our institutions, and our communities. This includes addressing any actions that occur during NEACUHO events. This can be defined as any conduct of a sexual nature or conduct based on sex or gender that is nonconsensual or has the effect of threatening, intimidating, or coercing a person.
NEACUHO Response Process
Any person who experiences inappropriate, bias, hostile, or unwanted interactions with any person(s) participating in a NEACUHO event, program, and/or service is encouraged to submit a reported violation to the association’s Participation Statement.
Each year, the President of the Association is expected to appoint at least 3 individuals with approval of the executive board to serve on the Response Task Force. These individuals are committed to investigating and responding to all violations that have been reported. NEACUHO aims to have all reports investigated within 60 days. The members cannot be currently in the 3P rotation but can be Past Presidents (not Immediate). Members serve for a 4 year consecutive term. After 4 years, they will take a break from service and can be re-added after a year break.
Members must have experiences and expertise in incident response, sexual misconduct, and/or bias-related incidents to serve on this group and have demonstrated significant commitment to NEACUHO. They will be trained at the beginning of their appointment on trauma-informed practices.
Reporting
Members will report to the President. If the report is made regarding the President, the report will be made to the President-Elect. All board approved members must attend an annual meeting and refresher training.
Current Response Team Members:
2022-2026 Term
- Nathan Gordon (he/him/his), Associate Director for Professional Staff Recruitment, Selection, & Training at the University of Connecticut: Nathan.Gordon@uconn.edu
- Vincent Birkenmeyer (he/him/his), Director of Residential Life at Pace University, Westchester: vbirkenmeyer@pace.edu
- Shelly Keniston (she/her/hers), Director of Off Campus & Commuter Student Services at Bridgewater State University: S1Keniston@bridgew.edu
- Tiffany Bromfeld (she/her/hers), Associate Director of Residence Life, Buffalo State: bromfitl@buffalostate.edu
- Matthew Lechter (he/him/his), Executive Director of Housing and Residential Services, Fitchburg State University: mlechter@fitchburgstate.edu
- Trish Loring (she/her/hers), Student Services Program Assistant, University of Connecticut: trish.loring@uconn.edu
- Joseph Revander (he/him/his), Student Welfare Specialist, University of Connecticut: Joseph.revander@uconn.edu
- Janay Diaz (she/her/hers), Senior Assistant Director, Recruitment and Retention, Brandeis University: janaydiaz@brandeis.edu
- Jeff Funk (he/him/his), Associate Director of Housing Operations, Bentley University: jfunk@bentley.edu