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Stephanie Akunvabey, a native New Yorker who has dedicated her career in higher education to championing issues relating to equity and inclusion, has been named �̾�����Ƶ’s new associate vice president for diversity and inclusion and its chief diversity officer.

Simon said: "As the incoming LGBTQ+ Advisory Board Chair, I am humbled by the opportunity to collaborate with County Executive Latimer during this pivotal moment for LGBTQIA+ rights around the nation and in our Community." Simon, the Director of the Office of Gender and Sexuality at �̾�����Ƶ, is an accomplished educator, prolific author, awardee of numerous grants and has been recognized for their exceptional LGBTQA+ advocacy work. Now, Simon will continue their efforts, alongside the Advisory Board, with this new added role.

On Thursday, February 9, 2023, �̾�����Ƶ’s Black Student Union (BSU) members gathered to discuss the ongoing mental health effects on the university’s students and the black community at large. The assembly included a guest speaker who is a certified psychologist and therapist specializing in helping black men and women of all ages acknowledge their culture to grow and develop healthily and mindfully. So, what is the adultification of black women, and how has society’s psychological construct of African Americans shaped how black Americans view themselves in the world? The BSU assembly focused on bringing these issues to light and having a conversation and discussion with the university’s students of color.

And on a positive note now, �̾�����Ƶ displayed a show of pride while hosting its annual LGBTQ pride hoops night. And this is aiming to encourage inclusion and awareness of LGBTQ participation in sports. Now in the past, the NHL teams have been criticized for backing off their pride nights like this one but tonight's event is a collaboration of �̾�����Ƶ's office of gender and sexuality and �̾�����ƵAthletics. It featured a double header men's and women's basketball game versus Adelphi University. Athletes hit the court in Goldstein gym here in Pleasantville. This event featured a halftime drag performance by Ms Jade and how did the games end well homecourt took advantage. The �̾�����Ƶwomen won against the Adelphi 75 to 51 and the men's, �̾�����Ƶbeat a Adelphi 77 to 72.