As a campus, we are well aware of the centuries of discrimination that African Americans have experienced. Diversity and inclusiveness are central to the college's mission. For 150 years, Buffalo State has delivered enlightened thought leaders to the world. Now, as a microcosm of our larger community, we must develop meaningful action to support social justice and bring the reality of racism to light. Eyes are open wider now. We must act now. Now is the time to ask difficult questions.
Social Justice Space: Get Involved!
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Vote for where you think Buffalo State should develop a permanent social justice outdoor space—a landmark dedicated to the idea of social justice and the college’s commitment to it.
President Katherine Conway-Turner
Blog: Honesty and Openness during Our Current Racial Crisis
Crystal J. Rodriguez-Dabney, Chief of Staff to the President and Chief Diversity Officer
A Message to the Buffalo State College Community
Steve Peraza, assistant professor, History and Social Studies Education Department
Expert Profile: Steve Peraza on the 1619 Project55%
of our undergraduates are African American, Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial.
8
Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) awards
3
New faculty from SUNY’s Promoting Recruitment, Opportunity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Growth (PRODI-G) initiative.
2019
Bachelor's in Africana Studies launched.
32nd
In CollegeNET’s 2019 Social Mobility Index
Social Justice-Focused Programming, Support
Equity and Campus Diversity Events
Each year, the college's Equity and Campus Diversity Office hosts a series of film screenings, speakers, and conversations to spark discussion on issues of diversity, inclusion, conflict, and social justice.
Equity and Campus Diversity Events
Anne Frank Project
AFP 2020 celebrates positive innovations in the face of adversity. The festival provides multidisciplinary workshops and artworks that teach the tools and vocabulary to tell stories in challenging times to inspire hope and build strong, safe communities.
Anne Frank Project Website
Bengals Dare to Care
See how Buffalo State elevates social responsibility, community building, and social justice while taking action to improve the world for every individual in our community. Connections between racial justice and social issues including food insecurity, education, LGBTQ+, and voting will be explored.
Bengals Dare to Care 2020 Website
Community Circles
A restorative justice framework that provides space for discussion, action planning, and addressing harm at the group and individual levels. The circles (held via Zoom) are facilitated by a wide variety of faculty and staff members on campus and from the greater Buffalo community.
E-mail Student Conduct and Community Standards
Conversations with 'Hef'
Michael 'Hef' Heflin, assistant dean of Inclusion and Equity, hosts regular conversations on topics including justice concerns and the Black experience in America.
Register for an Event
Weigel Wellness Programs
The Weigel Wellness Center’s Counseling Office has developed specializing support groups and workshops to assist students who have been affected by systemic racism. Students can contact Weigel Wellness at (716) 878-6711.
Counseling Center Weigel Wellness
Counseling Group for Students of Color
A safe and confidential facilitated group appropriate for students of color who have been negatively affected by racism and are open to here-and-now opportunities for growth, healing, and connection.
E-mail the Dean of Students Office
Community Academic Center
Located on Buffalo's Grant Street near campus, the CAC provides consistent support and programming for community members of all ages.
CAC ProgramsRevived Africana studies major brings “the other half of the story” back to Buffalo State
The Africana studies major now gives students the opportunity to examine the contributions of African nations and the African diaspora to the global community. The new program is composed of 14 courses in political science, philosophy, anthropology, sociology, and English, including African American Literature to 1940, the Sociology of Race and Ethnicity, Race and Progress, and Hip-Hop Culture.
Photo: Courtesy Kyle S. Mackie, WBFO News
George Floyd Memorial Scholarship
Buffalo State College has established the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship to lift up future African American leaders who support racial justice and equity efforts in their communities
Join the college in this endeavor by making a donation by phone at 1-833-GIVE-BSC (1-833-448-3272) or online.