Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice

Along with the Earth Institute and Columbia University, the sustainable development program is committed to offering a curriculum that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive for all students, alumni, faculty, and staff. We strive to integrate critical topics of environmental justice, ethics, and equality throughout our coursework and programming, with the understanding that solutions for sustainable development, both at home and abroad, must include the vulnerable communities which are most adversely impacted by climate change. We welcome ideas on how we can improve, please send feedback to Sylvia Montijo [email protected].

Please review the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion website for more information on the Earth Institute's commitment and important resources.

Learn more about the Undergraduate Program in Sustainable Development Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Action Plan. 

    Resources

    • The Undergraduate Multicultural Affairs Office provides programs, resources and support for personal identity development, mentorship, intercultural learning, social justice education and institutional advocacy.
    • The Eric H. Holder Jr. Initiative for Civil and Political Rights sponsors courses, public events, student internships, and fellowships for practitioners that extend the themes and questions of the Core into a contemporary context of Civil and Political Right.
    • The Inclusion and Belonging page houses information/resources for DACA Students, Transgender Students, Disability Services, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ Students, and more. 
    • Multicultural & Social Justice Education Programs (GS Only) provides identity and interest-based social events, discussions on social justice, and leadership opportunities with the aim to develop within our students an appreciation for self-reflection, building community, and making a positive impact in the world.

    Under the federal law Title IX, universities are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of sex, including on the basis of pregnancy and childbirth. The Title IX Coordinator’s office at Columbia works to ensure that Columbia’s programs and classrooms are accessible to all pregnant students. Together with the student, her department, and professors, the Title IX Coordinator arranges reasonable accommodations which enable pregnant students to participate fully in academic programs. Reasonable accommodations help students maintain their educational plans while not centrally altering the nature of academic programs or requirements. Commonly, they include shifting assignment and exams dates, absences for medical appointments, in some cases a medical leave of absence or taking an incomplete in a class, and making up the work missed at a later date. Reasonable accommodations are defined on a case-by-case basis by the Title IX staff and the pregnant student’s Dean of Students or other staff involved with the School’s student life, as well as through an individualized assessment of the student’s circumstances, her doctor’s valuation of what is medically necessary, and knowledge of the context in which the accommodation is sought. Please connect with the Title IX Office to discuss accommodations.

    A CPS representative can be reached 24/7 by calling 212-854-2878.

    For students within the United States looking to schedule a new virtual appointment, please call 212-854-2878, Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    If there is an immediate risk to health or safety, please contact Columbia Public Safety

    • (212) 854-5555 (Morningside)
    • (212) 853-3333 (Manhattanville)
    • (212) 305-7979 (CUIMC)