Resources for Downstate LGBTQIA+ Student Community Members

SUNY Downstate strives to provide an open, safe, inclusive space and community for all of our community members. The Division of Student Affairs created this page to identify LGBTQI+ resources at SUNY Downstate. If you are aware of a resource that doesn't appear on the page, please let us know at studentaffairs@downstate.edu so we can add it to this page.

Lavender Graduation

Each year, SUNY Downstate holds a Lavender Graduation Celebration which honors graduating students that identify as LGBTQI+ and allies for their contributions to the Downstate community. These programs also recognize the resilience and advocacy demonstrated by LGBTQI+ students in light of unique experiences and potential obstacles within higher education. More information about the history of Lavender Graduation on a national scale can be found using the on the Human Rights Campaign Lavender Graduation webpage.

Safe Zones

All offices in the Division of Student Affairs (Student Services Center and Office of Admissions), Division of Student Life (Student Center and Residential Life and Services), as well as the Offices of all of the Academic Deans have identified themselves as Safe Zones for individuals of all ethnicities, ages, abilities, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities. If your office wishes to be included in this list, please let us know by emailing studentaffairs@downstate.edu.

Office for Institutional Equity

Downstate's Office for Institutional Equity provides oversight, leadership, guidance, information, consultation, coordination, and assistance to Downstate's various constituencies in respecting cultural differences, languages, political beliefs, and ideologies, in the recruitment, retention, and advancement of its faculty, staff, and students. They also implement and enforce multiple policies, including Title IX, Non-discrimination, and sexual harassment policies.

All Gender Restrooms

Also commonly referred to as Gender-Neutral Restrooms, SUNY Downstate is in the process of ensuring accessible restrooms all over campus regardless of gender identity, biological sex, or sexual orientation. In the first phase of the project, the following restrooms have been converted:

• Basic Science Building (near freight elevator, west side of building): 2nd Floor, 3rd Floor, 4th Floor, 5th Floor, 6th Floor, 7th Floor
• Basic Science Building (near center corridor elevators): 3rd Floor, 5th Floor, 7th Floor
• Basic Science Building (other): B-054A (In Gross Anatomy Lab),
• Student Center: Opposite the Bookstore on the entrance level
• Residence Halls: 2 Restrooms are located in each Residence Hall lobby

As additional restrooms are added, they will be added here.

Pride Club (Student Organization)

This organization works to confront discrimination and obstacles arising from prejudice at the University and in our various professions by increasing awareness of homophobia and having direct input into the ways it can be confronted and eliminated. We work to address these issues as they affect ourselves as students and professionals and as they affect the quality of care provided to patients. The Pride Club is open to all SUNY Downstate students, faculty, and staff. One of our primary goals is to provide a healthier, more open and tolerant atmosphere on campus and to reduce the sense of isolation felt by many lesbian, gay and bisexual people because of prevailing homophobia.

Equity, Compliance, and Title IX

SUNY Downstate recognizes that in order to maintain a healthy, safe, and vibrant living and learning community, it must continue to foster an environment free from gender inequality and sexual violence. There are several offices who are charged with responding to reports of discrimination, which includes report of sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. The following offices are available to you to insure compliance with our policies and applicable State and Federal laws:

University Police
(718) 270-2626

Downstate’s University Police Department (UPD) focuses on excellence, to provide leadership through innovation and creativity in a dynamic, diverse, and professional organization. They strive to create a safe and secure environment by dedicating themselves to raising the level of preparedness to meet the needs of today and the challenges of tomorrow. UPD strives to develop and maintain a positive relationship with all segments of the campus community to obtain their cooperation and support in providing successful law enforcement services and implementing beneficial community policing programs.

Office for Institutional Equity
450 Clarkson Avenue, MSC 1220
Brooklyn, NY 11203
(718) 270-1738
AskODI@Downstate.edu

The Office for Institutional Equity aims to uphold and reaffirm the institution’s position and commitment to equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and the creation of an inclusive campus climate.

Title IX Coordinator: Brian Brennan
Office for Institutional Equity
450 Clarkson Avenue, MSC 1220
Brooklyn, NY 11203
(718) 270-1738
AskODI@Downstate.edu

Downstate is dedicated to allowing equal access to education by promoting diversity and developing a safe education environment for the campus community. In our efforts to achieve this goal, the Downstate has a designated Title IX Coordinator. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, the Title IX Coordinator helps to provide a safe educational and work environment for the campus community by providing information about available on and off campus resources, to monitor our campus climate, and to explain the University processes and to help individuals navigate through the system. For information, counseling, or to file a complaint of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, which includes sexual violence, sexual assault, and sexual harassment, contact Brian J. Brennan, Jr.