Hillel programming guidelines for equity and accessibility 

Thank you to all the student leaders who have contributed to this document, particularly the Hillel Initiative for Racial Awareness and Justice (HIRAJ) for the initial idea. Some phrasing in the opening paragraphs taken from Keshet. 

Brown RISD Hillel is committed to encouraging and supporting a diversity of students as they explore, develop, and deepen their Jewish identities. Sh’lom bayit, peace in the home, is a Jewish value expressing the need for everyone to be able to feel comfortable, safe, welcome, and respected in their homes. We believe all Jewish students at Brown and RISD should be able to feel at home - comfortable, safe, welcome, and respected - in our community.  The Jewish principle that “All Israel is responsible for one another” (Shavuot 39a) reminds us that we each have a responsibility to make ‘peace in the home’ a reality for all members of our community. 

These guidelines are intended to help make our programming accessible and inclusive to more students, particularly those who hold identities marginalized in the Jewish community and/or society in general. They deal specifically with programming and apply only to situations in which one is acting within their role as a Hillel student leader. Lastly, the intention of these guidelines is to encourage discussion and reflection; if you have any questions about any of the guidelines or how they apply to your programming, reach out to your VP.