To the Curry College Administration,

        In response to the bias related incidents and hate crimes occurring on campus, primarily those that occurred during the Spring semester of the 2021-2022 calendar year, and the administration's lack of proper procedures to handle these issues, we as members of the Curry College community expressed that we wished to work with administration to better our campus and to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students, staff, and faculty. Unfortunately, this climate has yet to be created. To assist with the development and implementation of positive change, we have compiled a list of demands and solutions to the issues that a multitude of members of the Curry College community have repeatedly expressed:

We demand a more robust, accountable and transparent BIRT protocol
Make the protocol accessible to everybody by including it, along with other resources, on the school website (not just the portal) and have an icon on the portal.**

Include a page for victim resources on both the myCurry portal and website**

Include a link to the report form on both the icon on myCurry and the website. **

Include links to current incident notifications, as well as to an archive of past incidents and how they were handled. This can be done through publishing monthly and yearly reports stating all incidents and the outcomes. **

Create an archive of all past incidents for accountability.

Include all messages sent about the incident from administration and campus security.

Include a page on both the portal and website regarding prevention and educational programming. **

Include the B.I.R.T protocol flow chart on the portal and website. **

Include a list of members of B.I.R.T and contact information for each person on the website in addition to the student portal. **

Prioritize victim outreach and support. **

Create and distribute a clear definition of hate crimes v. bias incident at Curry College

We acknowledge that the Massachusetts State Law is quoted in the protocol; however, a clear understanding of what the law implies needs to be established and clarified across administration and the rest of the community. 

This consistent definition should be used to educate the community about hate crimes versus bias related incidents.

This consistent definition should be used when responding to an alleged incident and determining whether or not the event constitutes a bias related incident or a hate crime.

We demand strengthened communication between the student body and administration.

Create a position for Student Trustees. They will act as liaison between the students and Board of Trustees. Their primary role will be to bring student perspectives into the board room.

There should be 4 reserved chairs for students.
     2 Voting Seats
     2 Non-Voting Seats
Follow up any incident with emails from President Quigley and/or other members of upper administration; these messages should be sent to the entire campus community within 24 hours of the incident. Do not set the messages to expire. **

The administration has expressed that students have complained that they do not want an email every time; however, the focus of these emails (and of the entire bias response process) should be centered around the students who need them. Those targeted by these incidents have stated that they do want an email every time an incident occurs on campus.

The sooner the entire community is notified, the less chance there is for stories to be misconstrued or denied. This also provides opportunities for direct education in classes and clubs.

The presence of President Quigley and upper administration at events and discussions regarding diversity and inclusion **

Members of upper administration should attend these events and discussions for the full duration with the intent to listen and learn from what the community has to say.

We demand the creation and improvement of outreach services and resources.

Hire more staff members with diverse backgrounds.

Provide more gender neutral bathrooms throughout campus.**

Have an accessible, detailed and clear map of where to locate gender neutral bathrooms.**

Create a gender neutral bathroom in the Student Center.

Currently, the gender neutral bathroom is located in the President's Dining Room, which remains locked and inaccessible to students.

Creation of victim advocate positions

Create Safe Zone Project

Safe Zone training are opportunities to learn about LGBTQ+ identities, gender and sexuality, and examine prejudice, assumptions, and privilege.  Educates educators on supports LBGTQ+ 

Victims should be contacted within 1 Business Day after the incident**
There has to be a clear definition of who is considered a victim.
Currently, an incident is understood only in relation to a single individual (ie: called out by name or a note written on the door of the individual); however, the members of the targeted group should also be considered victims to the offense.

We demand a clear set of guidelines for consequences and sanctions.
When a student allegedly commits a hate crime or bias related incident, there should be an immediate investigation, followed by the appropriate disciplinary action. Upon being found responsible, there should be:
An immediate loss or revocation of privileges (ie: sports, clubs, events, housing etc.)
A removal from any position of power (ie: SGA, Club officer, sports captain etc.)

When a faculty or staff member allegedly commits a hate crime or bias related incident, there should be an immediate investigation, followed by the appropriate disciplinary action.

We demand educational programming and preventive measures.
Implement mandatory diversity/ inclusion training for all faculty and staff.
More intensive training for Public Safety staff

Implement mandatory diversity and inclusion education for all incoming freshmen.**

Include mandatory In-Person diversity and inclusion seminars at the following:
      Accepted Students Day
      Orientation
      Welcome Weekend
      Curry Launch Courses
Seminars should educate students on the various identities annually 
      Sexual Orientation
      Race and Ethnicity
      Ability
      Physical, Learning, Mental, Cognitive, Developmental
This includes social experiences rape, abuse and traumas. Socioeconomic Status, Sensitivity to others in regards to income, wealth and poverty
This is not to be confused with social class which includes additional factors such as occupation, level of education and lifestyle. 
Religion

Develop a course on Canva, an educational module for all incoming freshmen to complete. (Similar to the ones for alcohol and healthy relationships)**

Course should be updated with relevant course material every Fall Semester. 
 Prior to moving in, students will have to complete a course with a passing grade to move onto campus

Incorporate more course options in the First Year Inquiry program that focus on different aspects of diversity. (Similar to the Diversity Curry Launch offered).

Implement mandatory diversity and inclusion training for students who hold a higher position on campus.
      Members of Student Government
      Athletic team captains
      Club officers
Run educational events surrounding the topics associated with diversity.
Hold training regarding diversity and inclusion.
Safe Space 
Bringing in the bystander
Create a week surrounding educating students, faculty, staff and upper admin on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
This may be organized by the Diversity Board.
If done by the Diversity Board, focus on one identity per day. 
      Sexual Orientation
      Race and Ethnicity

     Ability   Physical, Learning, Mental, Cognitive, Developmental
This includes social experiences rape, abuse and traumas.
Socioeconomic Status 
Sensitivity to others in regards to income, wealth and poverty
This is not to be confused with social class which includes additional factors such as occupation, level of education and lifestyle. 
Religion

We highly recommend working with an outside professional company such as BetterUp: The People Experience Platform.
Incorporate a statement about diversity and inclusion to all syllabi
Install cameras around campus especially in high traffic areas and resident halls

Cameras should be added to the Student Center, all academic buildings, PAL, in the lobbies, laundry and common rooms of all dormitory and residence buildings on campus, along the academic quad 

The Miller Field House main entry point should be staffed whenever the building is open, reflecting the fitness center protocols.**

Other points of entry should remain locked 24/7, you may only use the exit for emergencies.

Miller Field House should gain an ID scanner due to the use of the space outside of regulated practice times.**

** Indicates short term goals that we believe can be accomplished within a semester. These goals should be prioritized and addressed immediately.

The issues stated above reflect concerns that have been brought up repeatedly by numerous people on campus. These concerns have been met with empty hands and we feel as though the administration has been minimally receptive. Members of campus have been unaware of the events transpiring on campus, due to ineffective communication between our administration and other members of the community. Victim’s feelings have been invalidated and the community as a whole has been impacted in a negative manner. We write this petition as an attempt to holistically improve our campus. We all remain committed to making these changes, and recognize that every stakeholder must be involved to make Curry College a better, safer place. 

With Concern,

The Curry College Community