The Council for Action and Advocacy United for Social Justice and Equity (CAUSE) formed in 2016 as the Steinhardt Diversity Council and initially served as the School's advisory committee on diversity, equity, and inclusion matters. The Council was renamed in the fall of 2020 to align with the new office of Equity, Belonging, and Community Action. The Council serves as a safe space for members to discuss any challenges, share accomplishments, and plan for upcoming changes in higher education. Under the leadership of the inaugural Associate Dean of Faculty Development and Diversity Dr. Charlton Mcllwain, the previous leadership of Dr. Stella Flores and Dr. David E. Kirkland, the Council has established a caring community of faculty and staff and has worked to support initiatives such as the Faculty First-Look program, the Steinhardt Visiting Artist in Residence, the Diversity Innovation grants, and Black History Month presentations. The Council will now partner with the Office of Equity, Belonging, and Community Action and other community members to advise and support all equity initiatives at the School.