Pacheco Dunn says that “the impact of changing names is important both for our campus culture but also for the transparency of our history.” The space was also suggested in 2019 along with the name changes, but construction has only begun now, because of the pandemic related restrictions on campus.ĭiversity and Inclusion council’s Chief Diversity Officer, Tanhena Pacheco Dunn, says that the Contemplative Space is the next step in their mission, a project which will, “move us beyond the moment of name changes and will become a place where visitors can be reminded of the importance of thinking critically about history.” This addition follows the inspection of the building names in Peregrine Complex, which were changed in 2019 because of the slaveholders they were namesake to, but now reflect the diverse regional history of the area before colonization. Located on the west side of the Gunk, across from Peregrine Dining Hall, this space will include benches, garden beds and plaques that will display historical information about the New Paltz area, especially the history of the indigenous Esopus Munsee, enslaved Africans and early European immigrants whose vital contributions have made New Paltz what it is today. The suggestion for this space came from the Diversity & Inclusion Council (D&I), an administrative group which is dedicated to diversifying and transforming our campus into an anti-racist and inclusive space. This is our new and long awaited Contemplative Space being built. Photo courtesy of SUNY New Paltz.Īs our school year kicks off, you may have noticed a section of the walkway next to the Gunk in front of Peregrine Complex boarded up and under construction. Many students have noticed the construction blocking a pathway by the West side of the Gunk, this is where the Contemplative Space is being built.
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