Identity and Inclusion

Student Life recognizes the value and meaning of connecting with people of shared identities and experiences. Our identity and inclusion programs allow students to come together with their peers, faculty, and staff to explore their identities, and to build networks of support and solidarity. We recognize that Barnard students come together with shared goals and interests, and yet inequitable power structures have a differential impact on students of marginalized identities.

We offer a variety of programs and events, including our annual Bold Brilliant Beats concert; identity-based meetups with faculty, staff, and students; and a prayer and meditation space. We also collaborate with colleagues across Barnard and Columbia to create spaces for deeper connections, such as the Women of Color Support Group (with Furman Counseling Center) and advising History and Heritage Months programming. Student Life also believes in honoring our communities and achievements with the Community Excellence Reception at the end of the academic year to acknowledge graduating seniors who identify as students of color, LGBTQIA, first generation college students, and students with disabilities.

Most importantly, we realize the intersectional and multiple identities of each student and intentionally foster a space that acknowledges both similarities and differences. We honor the complexities that exist within each community.

Identity-Based Community Meetups/Socials
Student Life hosts monthly meetups for students, faculty, and staff of color, and for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual, LGBTQIA-identified students, faculty, and staff. The meetups are a space to connect, build relationships, and share experiences and resources with people who share these identities. 

We’re excited to see you at our community meetups! If you have any questions, need more information about any of the programs, or would like to collaborate or share/exchange ideas, please don’t hesitate to contact Jenn Nival at jnival@barnard.edu.

Zora Neale Hurston Lounge
The Zora Neale Hurston (BC ‘28) Lounge, named after Barnard’s first black alumna, commemorates her legacy in providing a safe space for Barnard students of color. This space, located at 121 Reid Hall in the Barnard Quad, is managed by the Barnard Organization of Soul Sisters (B.O.S.S.).  In this space, B.O.S.S. hosts biweekly discussions and events as well as open lounge hours on Tuesdays from 9PM - 11PM. Stop by for access to the library--filled with many of Zora Neale Hurston’s works as well as the works of other great authors including James Baldwin, Ralph Ellison, Maya Angelou, and more--or to catch up with B.O.S.S. members. For access, please contact B.O.S.S. at boss@barnard.edu for details.

Latinx Heritage Month
Latino/a/x Heritage Month (LHM) is a collaboration between Barnard College and Columbia University. LHM strives to increase awareness about Latinx and Latin American histories, identities, cultures, accomplishments, and contemporary issues.  During the month of September/October, the Latinx Heritage Month committee works closely with students and the surrounding community to address issues impacting Latinos and Latin Americans internationally, within the United States, and on campus. Latinx Heritage Month aims to strengthen the Latinx community on campus and build bridges between students from a variety of backgrounds with a common interest in Latinx and Latin American experiences. For questions, please contact Jennifer Nival at jnival@barnard.edu.

Native American Heritage Month
The month of November celebrates the rich culture, history and political contributions of the worldwide contributions of Native American peoples. Native American Heritage Month (NAHM) is a collaborative effort between both Columbia University and Barnard College. Past programs have included (but are not limited to) the All Ivy Native Council Summit, dessert and discussion on Native American identity, movie nights, author series events, an "Indians and Indians" dinner co­sponsored with Columbia's Bhakti Club, along with other intellectual & social programs. For questions, please contact Jennifer Nival at jnival@barnard.edu.

Black History Month
Held each February, in collaboration with Barnard College and Columbia University Black History Month (BHM) celebrates the rich cultural, historical and political contributions of the Black Diaspora. Black History Month celebration annually features an Opening Reception, panel discussions, a networking social with faculty members from the Institute for Research in African­American studies, film screenings, Fashion/Culture Show, art exhibits, and much more!For questions, please contact Rebecca Lesperance at rlesperance@barnard.edu.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM) is an annual celebration dedicated to promoting awareness of APA issues and history among the greater Columbia student body. The APA identity has been founded upon the struggles, activism, and passion of APA communities whose impact and voices still resonate with us today. However, we also recognize that each generation brings new meaning to the APA identity. Through programming, the APAHM committee hopes to bring all voices, new and old, heard and unheard, into dialogue with each other. Over the course of April, the committee showcases the stories of APA artists, activists, professionals, scholars, and more. For questions, please contact Jenn Nival at jnival@barnard.edu.

LGBTQIA+ Student Initiatives

Student Life hosts monthly meetups for students of color students,  Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA),identified student, and students who identified as Queers students of color. The meetups are a space to connect, build relationships, and share experiences and resources with people who share these identities.

We’re excited to see you at our community meetups! If you have any questions, need more information about any of the programs, or would like to collaborate or share/exchange ideas, please don’t hesitate to contact Jenn Nival at jnival@barnard.edu.

Queer Awareness Month
Queer Awareness Month (QuAM) is a collaborative effort between Barnard College and Columbia University. QuAM strives to celebrate queer identities and increase awareness about lesbian, gay, bi­sexual and transgender issues and history.  Recognized annually in October, QuAM features an Opening Reception, the First Friday series, special events for National Coming Out Day, and much more! For questions, please contact Rebecca Lesperance at rlesperance@barnard.edu.

Gender-Neutral & Gender-Inclusive Restrooms
Barnard Student Life seeks to create a safe, accessible, respectful, and inclusive campus environment for students of all gender identities and expressions. We recognize that some members of our community may experience difficulty, inconvenience, or harassment when using gender specific restrooms and facilities. At Barnard, individuals have the right to use facilities that correspond with their gender identity.

Muslim Prayer Room
During the school year, the Barnard community has access to the Muslim Prayer Room, located on the 1st Floor of Barnard Hall in the LeFrak 102. The room is open from 8 AM to 12 AM with a keycode lock on the door for privacy. For access, please complete the Google form listed on the door or contact Student Life at studentlife@barnard.edu.

First Generation Student Advisory Board
The Dean of Studies Office convenes the First Generation Student Advisory Board to discuss and take actions to better engage and support the first-gen student population on campus. The advisory board, in collaboration with college staff at Barnard, have open dialogue on how we can better serve first-gen students through programming and services. For more information, please contact Dean Jemima Gedeon in the Dean of Studies Office at jgedeon@barnard.edu.

The Office of Academic Success and Enrichment Programs and Student Life at Barnard College hosts the Barnard Community Excellence Reception to acknowledge graduating students who have become great leaders within the Barnard community. These students have achieved academic excellence through their coursework and intellectual life on campus and have contributed greatly to the Barnard community. This senior recognition program will take place annually in the Spring semester.This program specifically celebrates the following communities of seniors: C­Step Scholars, HEOP Scholars, MMUF Scholars, Seniors who self-­identify as students or color, Seniors with disabilities, Seniors who self-­identify as members of the LBGTQ+ community, and Seniors who self­-identify as first­-generation college students.