By Anna Mangialomini, Contributing Writer
The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) has been rebranded as the HOPE Center which stands for Home of Opportunity, Purpose and Engagement.
Located on the first floor of the Duns Scotus building (DS118), The Hope Center manages the Care Cupboard, hosts many campus events and strives to create an inclusive environment at Daemen.
Daemen’s Vice President of Institutional Equity and Belonging, Tiffany Hamilton, sent out a campus-wide letter on Aug. 13 to announce the change. While this update comes at a time when the U.S. administration is targeting DEI programs and centers in universities across the country, Hamilton stated it was “not a response to external political pressures,” and that Daemen remains committed to diversity, equity and inclusion despite potential backlash.
According to Hamilton, the change was made preemptively in order to ensure that the university would be compliant with potential legislation. It preserves Daemen’s ability to both survive as a university and continue to offer students the support and opportunities they need to further their education. This rebranding is an opportunity to revitalize and expand the center’s mission and goals.
The rebranding and changes to the office were based on student feedback received in the latest Campus Climate Survey, which Hamilton cited as evidence that the university has met its previous goals of diversity and inclusion.
“I think it’s a positive change and we’re going in the right direction,” said Devon Ruddock, freshman social work major.
Despite promising a variety of changes soon, the HOPE Center will continue to offer the same programs, events and services that the CDI has in the past, and Hamilton said that she hopes that everyone will feel welcome and supported.
The HOPE Center is “not just for a specific type of student,” Hamilton said. “It’s about true inclusion.”
As time moves forward, further updates to the HOPE Center are expected to come in the near future. Updates are expected to include expanded gathering spots for study and recreation and an increased level of accessibility for the center’s Care Cupboard, which offers students free essentials such as food and personal care products.
Some student responses to the HOPE Center change aren’t all positive.
“I don’t understand why the change was necessary,” said Peach Linscott, a first-year Animation major.
She clarified that she is open to the update, but hopes the new Hope Center will continue to focus on helping students who need it.
To students who might have any questions or concerns about the change, Hamilton says, “Come in and talk to us, and let us reassure you.”