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Anti-Racism Stance

Joint Statement on Behalf of the Exempt and Non-Exempt Staff Councils of Trinity College on Anti-Racism

We would like to call your attention to the following statement on anti-racism jointly ratified by the Exempt and Non-Exempt Staff Councils. We intend to do our best to help make Trinity College a more just and inclusive community both as individuals as well as in our leadership roles on the staff councils. Feel free to reach out to any of us with any comments or suggestions. We acknowledge that the following statement may bring up uncomfortable feelings and memories for those who have experienced racism at Trinity and may be difficult to read.

As staff members of one of the leading liberal arts institutions in an urban setting, we recognize that supporting social justice is in service to the fundamental mission of our institution. Moreover, as staff of a predominately white institution, it is our responsibility to address the systemic inequities that have shaped our employer, and rectify those failures with concerted action. To that end, we offer our unqualified support to the Black Lives Matter movement, and unequivocally condemn white supremacy, police brutality, and hate in all its forms.

Staff of Trinity College are uniquely positioned to be agents of change. We live and work in and around Connecticut’s capitol, whose rich history and vibrant community are essential to Trinity’s identity. We can, and must, be a bridge between this college and the Hartford community.

As a learning institution, our reach is both local and global. We have the opportunity for immediate impact, and for lasting change as the students whose education we support do their part to transform the world.

We ask that the college consider its own role in perpetuating inequality and structural racism, and thoughtfully embark on new ways to contribute to positive change. In particular, we ask college administration to:

  • Examine our hiring practices to ensure that there are diverse candidates in the hiring pool for vacancies in all departments, and commit to hiring more people of color to work for Trinity.
  • Evaluate compensation, promotion, evaluation, and staff development procedures to consider how we can better support our colleagues of color and continue to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment.
  • Redouble the college’s commitment to strong relationships with the Hartford community and its citizens.
  • Continue to support local and national advocates for social change.
  • Support the work of students, faculty, and staff who show concerted effort to effect change in the ways people of color are treated on our campus, and beyond.

Staff of this college serve a generation who will one day lead our nation. It is in their interest, as well as our own, that we urge our employer to commit to positive social change. We believe that investing in equity, justice, and compassion for all people is in service to the continued success of this institution. These principles should be at the forefront of our work, regardless of department or title.

As individuals, we commit to practicing those recommendations offered by the office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, to dismantle the structures of white supremacy and racism in our daily lives. We also commit to evaluating how our leadership groups can further anti-racism action in our community. Those who work for Trinity College stand witness to the college’s triumphs and its shortcomings. With investment from the college leadership, we can be the engine for change.

The Exempt and Non-Exempt Staff Councils

Non-Exempt Staff Council of Trinity College Commitment to Anti-Racism

“Anti-racism is the active process of identifying and eliminating racism by changing systems, organizational structures, policies and practices and attitudes, so that power is redistributed and shared equitably…” (attributed to NAC International Perspectives: Women and Global Solidarity).

The NESC is committed to creating a community grounded on anti-racism.  Along with the active changes requested of the College as noted in the Exempt and Non-Exempt Staff Councils statement, the Non-Exempt Staff Council further urges the following as a continued response to President Joann Berger-Sweeney’s “Call to Action” on 6/18/2020:

  • NESC urges the College to conduct yearly mandatory training on racism and anti-racism required for all staff and faculty in the form of a video training that would then be followed up with in-person or virtual workshops or both. Such training should be a part of all new employees’ orientation on their first day at the College.
  • NESC advocates for the College to set aside one Common Hour in each semester for the sole purpose of the campus coming together to discuss race relations and having some of those “uncomfortable conversations” moderated by one or more of the professors committed to an anti-racist campus or some other qualified facilitator.
  • NESC encourages Trinity as a whole to host events during Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month, and Pride Month where leaders of the community around our campus and state, both POC & Non-POC, come together in solidarity to discuss racial/religious/sexual equality on all levels.  This action, if repeated yearly, would not only support Trinity’s commitment to an anti-racist campus, but opens the door to Trinity being a fully inclusive body.
  • NESC implores Trinity to create, maintain, and distribute to the community as a whole (students, alums, faculty, staff, Trustees, and community partners) a publication based on Trinity’s extraordinary multiculturism. Such publication should include biographies of notable POC associated with the Trinity campus (students, faculty, staff, alums, Trustees), important multicultural events on campus, and stories of community outreach that supports our diverse urban location.