Statement of the SSIS Leadership Team Commitment to Anti-racism

Silence and inaction are intolerable, particularly during this time when Black Lives are disproportionately subject to murder, deplorable violence, and systemic racism. As the administrative leadership team of the College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies, we are united in our resolve to engage the entire College in creating and sustaining an antiracist working environment and culture. We recognize that the extensive expertise and lived experiences of faculty, staff, and students in our College are critical driving forces in the changes we must make. We are committed to eradicating racism against Black Lives and racialized oppression in all forms. We will be held accountable to the following action plan to:

1. Lead a self‐examination of our own College structures, systems, practices, policies,
   spaces, and symbols with the goal of eliminating racism in our working environment.
   Our work will align with the efforts of departments and others advancing anti‐racism on
   campus and in the community.
2. Elevate the expertise and contributions of our faculty, staff, and students and further
   support our scholarly disciplines that have emerged as a result of the fight against
   racism and the struggle for representation.
3. Support and commit to actions that work to eliminate bias, challenge racist culture and
   approaches, and address lack of representation in all College curricula, pedagogy,
   advising, and mentoring.
4. Foster safe and inclusive spaces, ways, and means for conversation, expressions of
   comfort and discomfort, sharing, and feedback.
5. Support and expand opportunities to heighten awareness and understanding of racism
   across the continuum of our College community with the aim of equipping all members
   with knowledge and skills to promote anti‐racism and social justice in all facets of our
   work and lives.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the California State University, Sacramento provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities.

The California State University, Sacramento complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

The California State University, Sacramento is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At California State University, Sacramento excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.