Siena Center for Social Justice

Cupola atop a building on the Molloy University campus

Siena Center for Social Justice


The Siena Center for Social Justice (SCSJ) is responsible for fostering  an equitable and inclusive campus that is committed to the affirmation and valuing of all members of the university community, and advocates for and collaborates to dismantle any/all structures of racism or bias that exist within our institution.  In collaboration with the Vice President for DEI, the SCSJ is charged with; identifying structures that created exclusion and alienation in our institution, recommending policies and protocols that promote the voices of all members of the community, and challenging any forms of bias and discrimination where they exist.  In keeping with the University's Catholic and Dominican tradition of responding to the changing needs of the times, the SCSJ commits to assuring that all voices of our community are heard and valued as our University continues to develop and grow.

Through educational programming and services, SCSJ provides resources that foster awareness and empower constituents with the knowledge, tools and experiences to promote global citizenship and social justice.  In partnership and collaboration with the entire Molloy Univeristy community and the greater Long Island community, the SCSJ provides engaging social and educational programs that create a safe space and multicultural environment for all.

Through our commitment to educating students, staff and faculty on the value of diversity, and fostering inclusive communities both on and off campus SCSJ will:

  • Cultivate an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment and create a hospitable, gracious space for all,
  • Implement and coordinate a comprehensive programming calendar which affirms the many diverse populations of students, faculty and staff on our campus,
  • Develop and implement diverse social justice educational opportunities such as: Age and Generation, Disability Status, Religion and Spirituality, Ethnicity and Race, Socioeconomic Status, Sexual Orientation, Indigenous Populations, National Origin and Language, Gender and Sexuality,
  • Empower an actively engaged campus community that is aware of and embraces multiculturalism and the multi-faceted aspects of our identity that each of us brings to the table,
  • Strengthen dialogue and opportunities for collaboration and celebration with campus and community partners, 
  • Consult with the Vice President for DEI and the DEI Council on the assessment of policies and protocols to enhance equity and inclusivity on our campus, 
  • Identify challenges to inclusivity that are experienced by Molloy community members, and develop action plans to directly address those challenges.

Upcoming Events - Heritage Calendar


2023-2024 Heritage Month Calendar 

 

  • Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15-10/15) 
  • LGBTQ+ History Month (10/1-10/31) 
  • Indigenous American Heritage Month (11/1-11/30) 
  • Disability Awareness Month (11/15-12-15) 
  • Black History Month (2/1-2/28) 
  • Women’s History Month (3/1-3/31) 
  • Religious and Spiritual Diversity Month (4/1-4/30) 
  • Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (4/15-5/15) 
  • Special Events: Martin Luther King Day and Autism Acceptance Month 

  • September

    • Oct. 2, 2023 - Hispanic Heritage Mass - Sacred Heart Chapel 12:15 pm  - following a Celebration and Lunch in the Public Square.  All are Welcome.

     

  • October

    • Oct. 19, 2023 - Intersectionality Workshop with Dr. DJ Mitchell in Hagan 239 @ 12:00 pm
    • Oct. 26, 2023 - Safe Space Training with Dr. Karl Koeppel in Hagan 339 @ 1:00 pm

  • November

    • Nov. 15, 2023 - "Gathering Voices" Collective Quilt in the Public Square Patio 

  • December

    • Dec. 1, 2023 - Your Course: Accessified! (Professional Development Event) @ 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
    • Dec. 4, 2023 - A Conversation with artist, author, and activist, Riva Lehrer (Virtual Talk, time TBA).  Moderated by Faith Agolia, graduate student in Music Therapy.
    • Dec. 13, 2023 - Disability & Health in Context: The Dynamis of Care @ 3:00 pm to 4:15 pm (ONLINE Event). Recorded discussion with offline Q & A to follow

  • January

    2/15 - MLK Day of Service

  • February

    2/1 - Read In - English Department and AACO - Hagan 239 @1:50 pm to 3:15 pm
    2/7 - AACO Table Day - PS Lobby @ 12:00 pm
    2/15 - Intersectionality 101 with DJ Mitchell @ 12:00 pm via Zoom
    2/26 & 2/28 - Virtual Martin Luther King (vMLK) Project Exhibition - School of Arts & Sciences (times and locations TBD)
    2/27 - Black History Celebration - Black Equity Alliance Affinity Group - Reception Rm @ 3:00 pm
    2/28 - Diversity Luncheon - MSG/SCSJ/AACO - Hays Theatre @ 3:00 pm
    2/29 - AACO Table Day PS Lobby @ 1pm
    2/29 - MSG party - Hays Theatre @ 6:30 pm

  • March

    Women's History Month

    • Events to be added

  • April

    World Autism Awareness Month

    • Events to be added

    Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month (April 15 - May 15)

    • Events to be added

Siena Center for Social Justice


Catherine Muscente, Vice President

1000 Hempstead Avenue
Rockville Centre, NY 11571