Articles

A Home for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; with Vice President Sean Bennett

By Madeleine Cerone

February 27, 2023

Here at the DMC we have some very exciting news!

The Days-Massolo Center has officially been integrated into a new division on campus called the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Before this division was created by Vice President Sean Bennett in conjunction with Paola Lopez, the DMC was part of the Division of Student Affairs. But what does this division switch mean for the DMC? Or for Hamilton as a whole? I explored these questions and more in an interview with VP Bennett, where we discussed the importance of this new development in the DMC’s history.

The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (or, the DEI Department) includes the Title IX Office, the Student Accessibility Department, and the Days-Massolo Center. These three fundamental pillars are dedicated to making diversity, equity, and inclusion a priority in all aspects of Hamilton College. When speaking with Sean Bennett, he mentioned that “diversity is everyone’s responsibility”. The DEI Department is here to encourage that.

The fact that there is now a division dedicated to DEI at Hamilton shows that our administration wants students, faculty and staff from all different backgrounds and walks of life to feel seen. For far too long, colleges and universities have supported DEI efforts within the college admissions pathways, but have been willfully negligent when it comes to supporting students from different backgrounds throughout their daily lives. At times this has been the unspoken but felt student sentiment; especially, from first-gen and students with marginalized identities. Fortunately, Hamilton’s leadership and community are ready for change and to do more. Every student enrolled at Hamilton will have increased access to resources, including the DMC, that are in place solely for the reason of supporting and sustaining inclusivity on campus.

The DMC is proud to be included in this new endeavor. The history of the DMC has evolved from a faculty home, to a Women’s Center, to a home away from home for International Students, and now it takes its place in the DEI Department. As a result, the Days-Massolo Center will be involved in many behind the scenes changes, including increased funding, different advertisement, and improved administrative support. The DMC will become a resource for students beyond study spaces and club meetings. Vice President Sean Bennett described the DEI Division as acting like an amplifier for the DMC’s “stereo”. In other words, the events and co-curricular activities that the DMC already spearheads will be highlighted and helped by this new department. 

The DMC has been a part of the journey to develop the DEI Division and now it will be part of the change that the DEI Division will bring! Hamilton College is transforming and students, faculty, and staff will have even more opportunity to engage in culture change; reflecting the need for developing a more active community where diversity, equity, and inclusion is prioritized. We couldn’t be more excited.