by Fatima Rodriguez Johnson | Nov 6, 2025 | Staff
Canisius University is committed to a campus culture of respect, inclusion, and care for all members of the community.
Guided by our Jesuit values, this commitment reflects the university’s dedication to cura personalis, care for the whole person. Central to this commitment is the Bias Resource and Response Team (BRRT), a university committee devoted to campus-wide education and the promotion of best practices involving institutional and individual violations of the university’s policies and values.
The BRRT is comprised of faculty and staff volunteers who dedicate their time and expertise to supporting our campus community.
We are pleased to welcome the newest members:
Sierra Bonerb, Director, Support Services, Griff Center
Sarah Blakely-McClure, Assistant Professor, Psychology
Audrey Browka, Director, Public Relations
Corey Damon, Assistant Professor, Chemistry & Biochemistry
Jeannette Delaney, Associate Director, Undergraduate Admissions
Secil Ertorer, Associate Professor & Chair, Sociology/Criminal Justice/Environmental Studies
Byung-Jay Kahng, Professor & Chair, Mathematics & Statistics
Aimee Larson, Director & Chair, Physician Assistant Program
Monika McFoy, Associate Dean of Students/Director of the Multicultural Student Center
Mark Piatkowski, Associate Director, Student Life
Jennifer Trillizio-Smith, Clinical Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Studies
For more information about the BRRT and ways to report bias, please visit the
BRRT Homepage. by Fatima Rodriguez Johnson | Oct 14, 2025 | Staff
With the support of the 5/14 Buffalo Massacre Community Memory Coalition, Canisius University will host a campus and community conversation with Dr. Henry-Louis Taylor, Jr., Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University at Buffalo.
The event, titled “Why Do They Fear Blacks? The Tops Shooting, Replacement Theory, and the Freedom Fight,” will take place on Thursday, October 23, from 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. in Regis.
As a member of the 5/14 Buffalo Massacre Community Memory Coalition, Canisius joins in its mission to provide education and to help dismantle the systems of oppression that contributed to the conditions on Buffalo’s East Side.
In his talk, Dr. Taylor will examine the political and structural forces that led to the 5/14 tragedy, including local policy decisions, and will propose a new philosophy for urban development. The session will include time for Q&A and open discussion.
This event is sponsored by the Division of Academic Affairs, Mission & Ministry, and Student Affairs.
by Fatima Rodriguez Johnson | Sep 19, 2025 | Staff
Our Jesuit mission calls for us to be people for and with others. Your willingness to support members of our community who identify as Jewish continues to put our mission into action.
We are approaching two high Holy Days of the Jewish tradition: Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Monday, September 22, and concludes in the evening on Wednesday, September 24. This holy day commemorates God’s creation of the world and offers time for reflection. As the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah provides an opportunity to center one’s actions for the upcoming year.
Yom Kippur is a time for atonement and repentance, where members of the Jewish community fast and pray. This year, the holy day will begin at sunset on Wednesday, October 1, and conclude on the evening of Thursday, October 2. Yom Kippur is considered to be the holiest day in Judaism.
There may be members of our campus community observing Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Please be mindful of these observances as individuals may be absent and/or require flexibility. In addition, please be considerate of how fasting may impact daily interactions both physically and mentally.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to Fatima Rodriguez Johnson at rodrig23@canisius.edu.
Resources:
by Fatima Rodriguez Johnson | Sep 16, 2025 | Staff
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, in partnership with GLYSWNY, Inc., will host an annual Safe Space Training on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 3-5:00 p.m., Student Center Conference Room, 205.
This session is designed to deepen understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, explore local and national history, and provide practical guidance for creating more welcoming and inclusive programs and services.
Rooted in the Jesuit principle of
cura personalis, care for the whole person, this training reflects our commitment to supporting students and colleagues in their full identities and unique needs.
RSVPFacilitators:
-
Faith Winship (she/her) is the Community Programs Manager and GSA Advisor Liaison for GLYS Western New York. Her background is in Psychology and Women, Gender, and Sexualities Studies with a focus on Queer History.
-
Gi Swords (they/them), LMSW, is GLYS Western New York’s Program Manager. They hold a Master of Social Work degree from the University at Buffalo and are a field educator for students at the University at Buffalo and Daemen University.
Submitted by Fatima Rodriguez Johnson, Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Academic Affairs
by Fatima Rodriguez Johnson | May 1, 2025 | Staff
The university will be hosting its annual Juneteenth Recognition event. Please mark your calendars, more details to follow!
Submitted by: Fatima Rodriguez Johnson, Assoicate Dean for Diversity & Inclusion, Academic Affairs
