Compliance & Diversity
“John Jay College thrives because of its diversity and inclusion. I stand firm in my commitment to creating a campus culture that promotes safety and respect for everyone in our community. I ask for your continued support to ensure that our College lives up to its mission of justice and maintains a working and learning environment free from discrimination, sexual harassment, and misconduct.” — President Karol V. Mason
About the Office of Compliance and Diversity
Our commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive campus community means that the College has a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment or discrimination of any kind. The Office of Compliance and Diversity leads the College’s work to ensure the wellbeing of its students, faculty, and staff in this regard through fact-finding investigations, education, and outreach. The Office oversees all complaints of sexual and gender-based misconduct as well as other types of harassment or discrimination. The Office also promotes equal opportunity and fairness in the College’s employment practices.
Team Members
“Safety, equality, and respect are key pillars for every member of the John Jay community. I conduct investigations and engage in education and prevention efforts to ensure that students, faculty, and staff enjoy a respectful and inclusive environment at John Jay that is free from discrimination and harassment.” — Gabriela Leal
Gabriela Leal, Director of Compliance and Diversity, serves as the College’s Title IX Coordinator. Ms. Leal is responsible for conducting investigations and outreach to ensure compliance with Title IX and other laws or policies related to harassment and discrimination. Ms. Leal is also the College’s Chief Diversity Officer and 504/ADA Coordinator (responsible for ensuring the College’s compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act). Ms. Leal is a graduate of CUNY Law and is fluent in Spanish.
“John Jay serves a vibrant, dynamic and diverse community. It is essential that all members feel safe and respected. The Office of Compliance and Diversity works to cultivate a culture that encompasses John Jay’s central values including equity, integrity and justice. I am proud to be a part of that effort each and every day.” — Jordana Shenkman
Jordana Shenkman, Deputy Director of Compliance and Diversity, is responsible for conducting investigations and outreach to ensure compliance with Title IX and other laws or policies related to harassment and discrimination. Ms. Shenkman also works with the Director of Compliance and Diversity on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion education and training initiatives across the John Jay community. Ms. Shenkman is a graduate of SUNY Binghamton and the George Washington University Law School.
“John Jay serves a wonderfully diverse student population and is situated in the heart of the one of the most diverse and vibrant cities in the world. I, as a John Jay alum, am proud to support the College’s efforts to increase diversity and inclusion among our workforce so that equal opportunity extends not just to students, but to all faculty and employees as well.” — Henry Cruz
Henry Cruz, Diversity Programs and Data Assistant, oversees the College’s affirmative action compliance and recruitment efforts to promote equal employment opportunity at John Jay. Mr. Cruz is a John Jay alumnus, and is fluent in Spanish.