Company Directory - Rochester Institute of Technology
Company Details - Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester Institute of Technology
WebsiteRochester, USA
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a private university in Rochester, New York, known for its strong emphasis on career-oriented education in engineering, computer science, art, and various other programs. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies, emphasizing innovative, technology-driven learning.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Rochester Institute of Technology
6.52
Latest Event
RIT Bans Trans Athlete Following Trump Executive Order
RIT issued a statement confirming that, in accordance with the NCAA’s revised transgender participation policy—adopted in the wake of Trump’s executive order—trans athlete Sadie Schreiner would not be competing in the next track meet. Critics view this move as reflective of an institutional endorsement of exclusionary policies that align with authoritarian and anti-trans sentiments.
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OBJECTOR
Rochester Institute of Technology is currently rated as an Objector.
Latest Events
- MAR232025
RIT issued a statement confirming that, in accordance with the NCAA’s revised transgender participation policy—adopted in the wake of Trump’s executive order—trans athlete Sadie Schreiner would not be competing in the next track meet. Critics view this move as reflective of an institutional endorsement of exclusionary policies that align with authoritarian and anti-trans sentiments.
- FEB142025
RIT's leadership has publicly decried the Trump administration’s proposed NIH funding cuts, which would strip $10 million from RIT. They have joined bipartisan calls to reverse what they label as draconian measures endangering crucial biomedical research, job security, and public health.
+80
Public and Political Behavior
March 23
RIT's leadership took a clear public stance against the authoritarian funding cuts proposed by the Trump administration. Their vocal opposition and call for bipartisan support reflect a strong commitment to protecting scientific research and local economic stability, aligning with anti-authoritarian values. This public and political behavior supports democratic engagement and resists policies that undermine research and innovation.
- FEB142025
RIT joined other local academic institutions in a public rally alongside Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to oppose the proposed capping of NIH indirect research funds. Leaders criticized the potential $10 million cut that could undermine research and impact jobs, emphasizing a stand against policies viewed as undermining democratic and academic values.
- FEB062025
Data from OpenSecrets for the 2024 election cycle shows that Rochester Institute of Technology did not register any identifiable political contributions or lobbying activities. This lack of financial engagement in political campaigning suggests minimal complicity in influencing or supporting authoritarian agendas.
+50
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 23
According to OpenSecrets, RIT has no recorded political contributions or lobbying activities for the 2024 cycle. In the context of corporate complicity, this absence helps distance the institution from directly funding or supporting political entities that may promote authoritarian policies, reflecting a moderately positive stance against fascist influences.
Rochester Institute of Technology Profile: Totals • OpenSecrets
- DEC312024
RIT's 2024 political activities, as detailed by OpenSecrets, reveal $78,342 in contributions and $100,000 in lobbying expenditures. The profile also notes a significant revolving door phenomenon, with a high percentage of lobbyists having prior government roles, which raises concerns about conflicts of interest and potential alignment with authoritarian power structures.
-25
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 23
RIT reported $78,342 in political contributions and $100,000 in lobbying expenditures during the 2024 cycle. This level of financial engagement in the political arena, particularly when combined with evidence of a revolving door where former government officials are involved as lobbyists, suggests an undue influence on public policy that could facilitate the rise of authoritarian practices.
Rochester Institute of Technology Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets
-30
Executive Political Engagement
March 23
The data reveals that a significant proportion of RIT's lobbyists have held government positions previously (2 of 2 in 2023 and 3 of 4 in 2024). This revolving door phenomenon blurs the line between public service and private influence, compromising democratic accountability and potentially supporting policies that undermine democratic norms.
Rochester Institute of Technology Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets
- SEP112024
RIT has implemented new advanced technology and training initiatives—including encrypted smart card readers, integrated surveillance systems, and drone operations—to improve campus safety while carefully safeguarding privacy. This investment reflects a commitment to responsible public safety measures and community protection.
+70
Public and Political Behavior
March 23
RIT’s efforts to enhance its public safety infrastructure underscore its commitment to protecting its campus community through transparent, well-coordinated measures. The integration of advanced monitoring technology in collaboration with local agencies supports democratic values by increasing safety without resorting to heavy-handed practices.
RIT uses new technology upgrades and increased training to keep campus safe
+80
Technology and Services Impact
March 23
The installation of encrypted smart card readers, advanced surveillance systems, and controlled drone operations demonstrates RIT’s responsible use of technology. The measures are designed to maximize safety while incorporating privacy safeguards, reflecting a balanced approach that avoids the pitfalls of repressive surveillance.
RIT uses new technology upgrades and increased training to keep campus safe
- OCT012023
A class action settlement concerning overtime pay claims filed by approximately 170 of RIT's 2,800 employees highlights potential systemic labor rights violations at the institution, calling into question its adherence to fair labor practices.
-50
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 23
The overtime class action against RIT indicates that a significant number of employees were allegedly under-compensated for their overtime work, reflecting a broader issue in labor relations and human rights practices. This is seen as exploiting workers and undermining fair labor standards, which is concerning from an anti-authoritarian and anti-fascist perspective that emphasizes worker rights and ethical treatment of employees.
Rochester Institute of Technology Employees Overtime Class Action Settlement
- JAN012023
RIT has established clear federal lobbying guidelines that require all governmental advocacy to be coordinated through its Division of Government and Community Relations. By mandating internal approval and transparency in all lobbying activities, RIT demonstrates adherence to federal disclosure requirements, reducing the risk of undue political influence that can enable authoritarian practices.
+15
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 23
The published guidance for federal lobbying at RIT shows a proactive effort to ensure compliance with legal standards and transparency in political influence. This careful oversight helps mitigate potential risks associated with lobbying practices that could, if unchecked, contribute to authoritarian policy shifts. While the act of lobbying is inherently politically charged, RIT’s structured approach and internal controls indicate a moderate positive impact when evaluated from an anti-fascist perspective.
- DEC312022
In 2022, Rochester Institute of Technology spent $220,000 on lobbying efforts. This financial engagement, detailed by OpenSecrets, has raised alarms among critics who argue that such spending can be used to influence public policy in ways that undermine democratic accountability and potentially support authoritarian practices.
-70
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 23
RIT's allocation of $220,000 towards lobbying in 2022 reflects a significant use of financial resources aimed at influencing political decision-making. From an anti-fascist perspective, this level of political spending is troubling as it potentially facilitates the alignment with authoritarian policies by leveraging political influence to safeguard institutional interests over broader democratic norms. The involvement in lobbying raises concerns about transparency and the potential for such actions to contribute to a culture that supports undemocratic power structures.
- JAN012021
Data from OpenSecrets shows that Rochester Institute of Technology was involved in lobbying efforts during 2021. This involvement in political lobbying raises questions about the university's role in influencing policy at a time when corporate and institutional lobbying can contribute to an environment that favors authoritarian interests.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 23
The OpenSecrets data indicates that RIT engaged in lobbying activities in 2021. From a left-leaning perspective, any effort by influential institutions to lobby for legislation—even if for benign reasons—can be seen as contributing to a political environment where money and power undermine democratic processes. This raises concerns about complicity in practices that may help sustain or empower authoritarian tendencies by influencing policy-making in favor of established power structures.
Rochester Institute of Technology Bills Lobbied • OpenSecrets
- OCT012015
A lawsuit alleges that a former employee experienced repeated sexual harassment and retaliation at RIT, exposing a hostile work environment and significant failures in labor practices and human rights protections.
-70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 23
The allegations and resulting lawsuit highlight serious issues in RIT's labor relations and human rights practices. The claims of sexual harassment, hostile behavior, and retaliation suggest a systemic failure in protecting employees, reflecting poor ethical responsibility and neglect of worker rights. This undermines the institution's commitment to safe and equitable working conditions.
RIT facing lawsuit over sexual harassment, retaliation allegations
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