The Office for Diversity and Inclusion and the Provost’s Office would like to remind you of several celebrations, commemorations, and moments of raising awareness for members of our community during the month of January:

Federal and Cultural Holidays:

New Year’s Day (January 1): This day for celebrating new beginnings was first marked as a federal holiday in 1870, along with Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day (January 11): Every January 11, the United States government recognizes National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. On January 11, 2011, President Barack Obama issued a Presidential Proclamation designating January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Though slavery in the United States was officially abolished by the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865, the injustice of slavery still exists through sex trafficking, forced labor, involuntary servitude, forced marriage, and debt bondage.

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, there were more than 10,000 reports of human trafficking involving over 16,000 individual victims in 2021; 2022 and 2023 statistics have not yet been released. Evidence suggests that people of color and LGBTQIA+ people are among the most vulnerable to trafficking, as are victims of domestic violence; victims of sexual abuse; those in unstable living conditions; runaways or those involved in the juvenile justice or foster care system; undocumented migrants; those facing poverty or economic need; and those addicted to drugs or alcohol.

For more information or to report suspected human trafficking:

• • • Visit the Connecticut Department of Children and Families for Connecticut-specific resources and information
    • Call the Federal Government at 1-866-347-2423
    • Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” or “INFO” to BeFree (233733).

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 15): Since 1983, the third Monday of January has been set aside to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. No figure is more closely associated with the American struggle for civil rights than Dr. King, an influential leader who is best known for his work on racial equity and ending racial segregation in the United States. On this day we honor his life and his achievements, and we reflect on the work that still needs to be done to promote racial equity. Observing this holiday provides an opportunity for all of us at UConn to reflect on Dr. King’s life and legacy. In particular, we invite you to reflect on the importance of standing up for racial, social, and economic justice for all. From Dr. King, we learned that we can only reach our potential for justice when we address the needs of those who have been excluded from it historically, especially racially oppressed peoples. We recognize that we cannot truly have justice as long as there are groups for whom justice is denied.

UConn celebrates the work of Dr. King through the MLK Living Legacy Convocation, including keynote speaker Dr. Fania E. Davis, and the MLK Day of Service. To see more information about these events, as well as other events across the state, please visit UConn’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice website.

National Day of Racial Healing (January 16): January 16, 2024, marks the eighth annual Day of Racial Healing. As part of the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Initiative – which has selected UConn as one of its campus sites – this day recognizes that racial healing lies at the heart of racial equity. According to the TRHT framework, racial healing enables community, organizational, and systems transformation by restoring individuals and communities to wholeness; repairing the damage caused by racism; facilitating trust; building authentic relationships; and bridging divides. To get involved in this year’s Day of Racial Healing:

• • The National Day of Racial Healing with Dr. Anneliese Singh (January 16, 12.00pm – 1:30 pm, Storrs Campus): Join us for an enlightening event and discover practical activities to empower yourself in challenging privilege, confronting systemic racism, and actively participating in collective healing. Register here!
  • HERO Graduate Students Self-Care Workshop with Dr. Diandra Prescod (January 16, 2.00pm – 3.30pm, ODI Commons): Join fellow HERO (historically excluded and racially oppressed) graduate students for a workshop focused on self-care and community care. Register here!
  • Hold a racial healing conversation around your dinner table or in a community space. Download the National Day of Racial Healing Conversation Guide.
  • Watch Changing the Narrative, a 14-part digital series on the subject of advancing racial equity through the experience of racial healing, produced by NBC Universal News Group and sponsored by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Holocaust Memorial Day (January 27): In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly voted to mark January 27th—the anniversary of the 1945 liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps—as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. According to the United States Holocaust Museum, an estimated 1.1 million people were murdered at Auschwitz-Birkenau, including 1 million Jewish people. The atrocities committed there were only part of the larger program of genocide aiming to systemically annihilate the Jewish people. An estimated six million Jewish people were murdered during the Holocaust—around two thirds of the world’s Jewish population at that time—along with millions of others. On January 27th, we remember this systemic murder and renew our vow to never let such violence happen again.

ODI believes that the first step to stopping this violence from happening again is to stand against antisemitism in all forms. According to the Anti-Defamation League, the last two years have brought a spike in antisemitic incidents in the United States, including on college campuses. Sadly, UConn has not been spared from this trend. We encourage all members of the UConn community to confront antisemitism, racism, and discrimination, to actively speak out and denounce it, and to create a caring community that celebrates diversity. For more resources on confronting antisemitism, please check out:

• • • The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which is committed to stopping the defamation of Jewish people and to securing justice and fair treatment for all.
    • Antisemitism Education (YouTube)
    • Between Kanye and the Midterms, the Unsettling Stream of Antisemitism (NYT)
    • Antisemitism: How the Origins of History’s Oldest Hatred Still Hold Sway Today (The Conversation)
    • UConn’s course on antisemitism: “Why the Jews? Confronting Antisemitism.” This course will run this spring; please visit the Office of the Provost’s website to register!
    • Antisemitism Rising: Bearing Witness Then and Now, an interview with Neag’s Alan Marcus
    • A UConn Today Article on Combatting Antisemitism and Teaching the Holocaust
    • A wealth of resources and events from UConn’s Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary American Life

ODI and the Provost’s Office are committed to combating antisemitism in our campus spaces. We are currently engaged in two long-term programs to combat antisemitism: a Campus Climate Initiative in partnership with Hillel and the Academic Engagement Network. These two projects are helping UConn build the infrastructure needed to eliminate antisemitism and other forms of identity-based harassment and violence, including by expanding partnerships across the university system. We are also excited to participate in the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Center Initiative, which will help build the infrastructure for addressing identity-based bias and creating space for members of our community to process and heal from hateful incidents.

Religious Holidays:

Epiphany | Theophany | Three Kings Day (January 6): Epiphany is a Christian feast day celebrating the revelation of Jesus Christ as God incarnate. In Western Christian traditions, this feast commemorates the visit of Three Wise Men to Bethlehem. Epiphany is the twelfth day of Christmas, and the night before is commonly referred to as Twelfth Night. In Eastern Christian traditions, this feast is known as Theophany and commemorates the revelation of Christ’s divinity through his baptism and his first miracle.

In Latin American countries, the day is commemorated as Three Kings Day, El Día de Reyes or El Dia de los Tres Reyes Magos. In addition to gift-giving and parades on this day, this day is often marked with Rosca de Reyes, a cake that signifies a king’s crown. Inside this cake is a small plastic figurine representing the baby Jesus; whoever finds it is obligated to host the upcoming Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas Day) on February 2nd.

Orthodox Christmas (January 7): Orthodox Christmas, also known as “Old Christmas,” is celebrated on January 7th in accordance with the Julian calendar. Christmas is celebrated on this day by practitioners of Orthodox faiths, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, including Greece, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine, as well as in communities in Egypt, Ethiopia, and elsewhere. Traditions vary by location and culture, but Old Christmas is typically seen as a time for peace, unity, reflection, and healing.

Orthodox New Year (January 14): Orthodox New Year, also known as “Old New Year” is celebrated on the first day of the Julian calendar, falling on January 14 of the Gregorian calendar. This day is celebrated by practitioners of Orthodox faiths, especially in Russia, Serbia, North Macedonia, and other Eastern European countries, though it is not a public holiday in those countries. Celebrations vary by location, but typical traditions involve a festive dinner, music, dancing, and meditation about personal New Year’s resolutions.

Makar Sankranti (January 15): Makar Sankranti, often called “Uttarayana,” “Makar,” or “Sankranti,” is a Hindu observance and festival that celebrates the sun’s journey from the Southern to the Northern hemisphere. Dedicated to the sun deity, Surya, Makar marks a new beginning. Makar is a day for thanking Mother Earth or nature as the winter starts to recede to spring; participants spread good will, peace, and prosperity by giving each other presents, especially sweets. Makar is typically observed on January 14 but is observed on January 15 during leap years.

Tu B’Shevat (January 24-25):  The 15th of the Jewish month of Shevat is the day that marks the beginning of a “new year” for trees. This day marks the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle. Today, many Jews hold a modern version of the Tu B’Shevat seder (festive meal) during the holiday and celebrate by eating fruit, particularly from the kinds that are singled out by the Torah in its praise of the bounty of the Holy Land: grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. The holiday has also become a tree-planting festival in which many Israelis and Jews around the world plant trees in honor or memory of loved ones and friends.

We welcome the celebration of each of these holidays on our campuses and encourage support for those requiring accommodations. You can find information and guidance about academic accommodations for religious observations on the Provost Office’s webpage.

To see more information about resources and events happening this month and throughout the semester, please visit our events page at www.diversity.uconn.edu/events. ODI writes these letters in collaboration with our partners across the UConn system. If we inadvertently omitted a cultural or religious holiday, please let us know by emailing us at diversity@uconn.edu.

If you would like to receive our ODI Weekly Digest, where you can receive regular updates about upcoming events, programs, and opportunities, subscribe here!

Sincerely,

Frank, Anne, and Jeff

Frank Tuitt
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer

Anne D’Alleva
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Jeffrey F. Hines, MD
Associate Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer, UConn Health

 

To the UConn Community:

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion and the Provost’s Office would like to remind you of several celebrations, commemorations, and moments of raising awareness for members of our community during the month of December:

Cultural and Federal Holidays:

World AIDS Day (December 1): Founded in 1988, World AIDS day was the first ever global health day, usually commemorated by wearing a red ribbon. This day reminds us of the ongoing crisis of AIDS: more than 35 million people have died from HIV- or AIDS-related illnesses since the virus was first identified in 1984, and an estimated 38 million people worldwide have the virus today. The day offers an opportunity to commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses and to support those currently living with HIV, as well as to raise awareness, fight prejudice, and improve education. This year’s theme is “World AIDS Day 35: Let Communities Lead.”  Communities living with, and affected by, HIV, networks of people from key populations and youth leaders have been, and continue to be, essential for progress in the HIV response. This year’s theme is a call to action to empower and support these communities in their leadership roles.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3): First recognized by the United Nations in 1992, International Day of Persons with Disabilities promotes the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and raises awareness about the political, economic, social, and cultural barriers to inclusion faced by those impacted by disability. It is important to remember that not all forms of disability are visible from the outside; some physical, mental, or neurological conditions that can challenge a person’s movements, senses, or activities are not obvious to others, which can lead to misperceptions, misunderstandings, and judgements. The theme for this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities is “United in Action to Rescue and Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) For, With and By Persons with Disabilities,” which calls for re-energized efforts by Member States, the United Nations system, civil society and the global community of persons with disabilities, through enhanced actions and international cooperation, to make the SDGs a reality for, with, and by persons with disabilities.

UConn has a strong commitment to expanding inclusion for people with disabilities through the Center for Students with Disabilities.  UConn also promotes awareness through academic programs like the Certificate of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies in Public Health and the Human and Developmental Sciences Families and Disabilities concentration, as well as academic centers like the Center for Excellence in the Study of Developmental Disabilities and the Collaborative on Postsecondary Education and Disability, and it offers courses in Disability Studies in Storrs and Waterbury.

Human Rights Day (December 10): Every year, we honor the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, the Declaration establishes equal dignity and worth for every person and proclaims the inalienable rights that every human being is entitled to, regardless of race, class, gender, sexuality, ability, national origin, language, political orientation, or any other status.  Every December 10th, we acknowledge the importance of human rights.

UConn has a strong legacy of working to advance human rights.  The Human Rights Institute, which celebrates its 20^th anniversary this year, serves as a focal point for interdisciplinary educational and research programming. The Institute’s faculty advisory board, the Gladstein Committee, is made up of 48 faculty from across the university who conduct research and offer courses on a wide range of human rights issues. HRI houses an undergraduate major and minor in human rights, as well as a master of arts and graduate certificate in human rights.  HRI’s Dodd Human Rights Impact awards the Thomas J. Dodd Prize in International Justice and Human Rights, as well as programming related to human rights education, democracy and dialogue, business and human rights, and human rights film and digital media.

Innovative research and educational programs centering human rights take place across campus – including in numerous units in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Schools of Business, Education, Engineering, Law, and Social Work, as well as UConn Health. And, student-oriented programming in the Human Rights and Action Learning Community, Community Outreach Alternative Breaks, and efforts of student organizations such as the Human Rights Symposium and Huskies for Human Rights deepen the work of human rights at UConn. The reach of human rights extends into our communities and beyond, particularly through the efforts of UConn Law’s Asylum and Human Rights Clinic and courses offered on human rights in high schools throughout Connecticut in the Early College Experience Program.

National Homeless Person’s Remembrance Day (December 21): National Homeless Person’s Remembrance Day takes place on the North American winter solstice, which is the longest night of the year and the first day of winter.  Recognized since 1990, this day raises awareness about the plight suffered by those who are homeless or housing insecure. Housing insecurity is an issue facing college students across the nation, including students at UConn. Students impacted by housing insecurity are especially vulnerable during long breaks, including Winter and Summer, where they might not have access to either housing or to campus dining facilities, which can also increase their food insecurity.  The University has a few resources to assist students impacted by housing and food insecurity, including the Dean of Students Office, who has financial resources for students in crisis, and Off-Campus and Commuter Student Services.

Boxing Day (December 26): Boxing Day is held in many countries associated with the British empire, especially in the Caribbean. Though traditions vary from place to place, typical customs include visiting family, friends, and neighbors with gifts, food, and drinks.

Kwanzaa (December 26 – January 1): From the Swahili matunda ya kwanza or “first fruits,” Kwanzaa is a seven-day African American cultural festival.  Started by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, this festival celebrates family, community, and culture. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa are dedicated to one of the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles): Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).  These seven principles are represented by a kinara (candle holder) holding seven candles of red, green, and black, which families light each night before discussing that day’s value.  On December 31, families join in karamu, a community feast. Some may wear traditional African clothing during the celebration. This year, the African American Cultural Center at Storrs will be holding its Kwanzaa celebration on Friday, 12/8, at 6:00 p.m. in the SU Ballroom.  The event is free, but please RSVP here.

Religious Holidays:

Advent (December 3 through December 24): In Christianity, Advent is a period of preparation for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas, as well as for preparing for Christ’s second coming. In Western churches, Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30. Eastern Churches begin Advent 40 days before Christmas.

Hanukkah or Chanukkah (sundown December 7 through sundown December 15): Hanukkah, which is Hebrew for “Dedication,” is an 8-day Jewish festival celebrating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after Greek control in the second century BCE. Hanukkah is celebrated for 8 days because a single day’s supply of oil for the Temple menorah miraculously lasted eight full days. Often called the “Festival of Lights,” this holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah – which represents light pushing out darkness – traditional foods, games, and gifts. UConn Hillel will also be hosting the following events:

• • Thursday, December 7 (4 p.m. – 6 p.m.): Chinese Food at Chabad. Time is subject to change.
  • Saturday, December 9 (12 p.m. – 5 p.m., UConn Hillel): Bagels and Candles
  • Sunday, December 10 (12 p.m. to 5 p.m., UConn Hillel): Donuts and Candles
  • Monday, December 11 (12 p.m. – 2 p.m., UConn Hillel): Fuel up for Finals
  • Monday, December 11 (3 p.m. – 5 p.m., UConn Hillel): Break the Bread – Interfaith Gathering
  • Tuesday, December 12 (3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., UConn Hillel): Sfing Making with Shirly
  • Wednesday, December 13 (3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.): Latkes and Candles
  • Thursday, December 14 (4 p.m., UConn Hillel): Candle Lighting

Christmas (December 25): Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus, though it has also become a widespread secular holiday. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, and sharing meals with family and friends. Christmas was in the first group of federal holidays passed by Congress in 1870, along with New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving.  Christians in the Orthodox tradition, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, celebrate Christmas on January 7th.

Saint Stephen’s Day (December 26 in Western Churches; December 27 in Eastern Churches): This Christian feast day commemorates Christianity’s first martyr. It is also an official public holiday in much of Europe and in countries associated with the British Commonwealth.  In some countries, it is known as the second day of Christmas.

We welcome the celebration of each of these holidays on our campuses and encourage support for those requiring accommodations. You can find information and guidance about academic accommodations for religious observations on the Provost Office’s webpage.

To see more information about resources and events happening this month and throughout the semester, please visit our events page at www.diversity.uconn.edu/events. ODI writes these letters in collaboration with our partners across the UConn system. If we inadvertently omitted a cultural or religious holiday, please let us know by emailing us at diversity@uconn.edu.

If you would like to receive our ODI Weekly Digest, where you can receive regular updates about upcoming events, programs, and opportunities, subscribe here!

Sincerely,

Frank, Anne, and Jeff

Frank Tuitt
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer

Anne D’Alleva
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Jeffrey F. Hines, MD
Associate Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer, UConn Health

 

To the UConn Community:

Like many of you, I continue to mourn the devastating loss of life in Israel and Gaza and, at the same time, have been heartened by the peaceful exchange of hostages and prisoners that is taking place now.

The human tragedy playing out in Israel and Gaza and its impact on UConn’s community continues to generate deep concern for the well-being of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. Since Oct. 7, amid peaceful protests on our campuses, the administration has reached out to and met with student groups, both Jewish and Muslim, and is inviting members of our community to participate in organized dialogues in the coming days.

I want to extend my concern to each of you at this time and invite all of you to come together as one community — a community that is compassionate, empathetic, and kind.

During any conflict, one of the most important roles a university can play is to invite people to come together; make a space for dialogue; and help one another to learn and understand the relevant history, dynamics, and roots of the conflict. As a community, we must listen to and support each other.

As Provost D’Alleva and the Dean of Students shared, UConn’s administration and faculty experts have organized a series of discussions that can help bring us together and shed light on the situation in the Middle East. Additional discussions are being scheduled and will be announced soon. They will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person.

I encourage you to join these forums and others that will be planned. As we navigate these difficult times, please care for one another and take advantage of the support UConn has to offer, including resources at Student Health and Wellness and among our faculty.

If you know someone who is suffering, reach out to them. The safety and well-being of all our students is our highest priority and there is no room for intimidation, threats, or hate on our campuses.

Last week, UConn participated in two statewide meetings to address safety at Connecticut institutions of higher education. The first was a meeting with the state’s Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), and the second was a meeting with Gov. Lamont and the presidents of Connecticut’s colleges and universities. We discussed potential strategies to help enhance security and combat hate crimes at our institutions during this fraught time.

In light of everything from threatening messages received by members of our community to posters appearing on our campuses that allude to violence, it is clear that we must be ever more vigilant in working to protect our community.

As an institution, we place the highest value on free speech; at the same time we continually seek legal guidance and advice when words or actions may cross a line and become harassment or hate crimes. As always, please report any bias incidents that you experience on our campuses.

Academically, during the spring semester we will offer courses on antisemitism and Islamophobia, both of which are on the rise nationally and globally.

Most importantly, please help care for UConn’s community and make every one of its members feel welcomed and loved!

Leading with joy and love for all,
Radenka

UConn unequivocally condemns Islamophobia, just as it condemns antisemitism and all forms of hatred.

UConn was made aware that a former student received a voicemail that was reported to have included racist and inflammatory language and a reference to death, and that the UConn Muslim Student Association received an email with similar sentiments.

Our review determined that the call originated from an Oklahoma-based number, and there is no indication at this point of any connection to the UConn community or state of Connecticut. The identity of the person who sent the email could not immediately be determined because an alias was used.

We recognize the concern generated by the messages, and we join others in condemning the hateful sentiments in the strongest terms.

The incidents have been documented through the UConn Bias Reporting process and reported to UConn Police and, in the case of the voicemail, to the police department with jurisdiction in the municipality where the former student resides.

Stephanie Reitz
University Spokesperson and Manager of Media Relations

 

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion and the Provost’s Office would like to take this opportunity to remind you of several celebrations, commemorations, and moments of raising awareness for members of our community during the month of November:

Heritage Month Celebrations:

Native and Indigenous Heritage Month (November): November is Native American Heritage month (also known as “National American Indian Heritage Month” and “Native American and Alaskan Native Heritage Month”). First recognized by President George H.W. Bush in 1990 and commemorated by every president since, this month honors the cultures, histories, and legacies of America’s first inhabitants and the Tribal nations that continue to thrive here today. It celebrates the traditions, languages, and stories of hundreds of Native nations and works to ensure that their histories and contributions endure. This month also acknowledges the painful history Native and Indigenous Peoples in the United States have faced, one marked by unjust federal policies and state-sanctioned campaigns of violence, displacement, assimilation, and terror. It recognizes that the effects of this history are still felt today, as evidenced by the disproportionate effect the pandemic has had on Native and Indigenous communities and serves as a call to action to address persistent inequities.

UConn recognizes Native and Indigenous resilience and strength every day of the year. We acknowledge through the Land Acknowledgement Statement that our university sits on lands taken through violence, displacement, assimilation, and terror. We encourage reading this statement before any event held in UConn’s physical or digital spaces. UConn also serves as a vibrant hub for research, scholarship, and outreach among scholars, students, and Indigenous community members through the Native American and Indigenous Studies Initiative (NAISI). NAISI aims to become a center for the renewed presences of Indigenous Peoples in Connecticut, New England, and the entire Eastern region of the United States. We also honor the cultures, histories, and legacies of Native and Indigenous peoples through the Native American Cultural Programs (NACP), which provides programming, initiatives, resources, and trainings for the Native and Indigenous Peoples who make a home at UConn. Native and Indigenous students also find community at UConn through the Native American and Indigenous Student Association (NAISA).

We invite the entire UConn community to join us in commemorating Native American Heritage Month through the following events:

• • Friday, November 3rd: “A Conversation with U. S. Treasurer and Chief Lynn Malerba: A Journey of Leadership and Success” (Student Union Theater, 1 PM – 2 PM; doors open at 12:30 PM)
    • To view the livestream: s.uconn.edu/SUTheatre

More events will be announced soon on the NACP website.

 

Federal and Cultural Holidays:

Día de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”) (November 1-2): Día de los Muertos remembers lost loved ones, as well as ancestors, through food, music, and gatherings—it is a joyful celebration of their lives, rather than the mourning of their deaths. Originating in Mexico, it is celebrated worldwide by those with Mexican heritage. Traditions vary, but common traditions include una ofrenda (an altar) with flowers and food for the dead, individual offerings, and candles lit to help guide spirits back to their families.

National First-Generation Day (November 8): Since 2017, schools and universities across the country have dedicated this day to celebrating first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni. November 8th was selected to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, which increased federal funding and resources to help level the playing field for communities underserved in higher education. Notably, HEA ushered in the federal TRIO programs that increase access, retention, and completion for low-income, first-generation, and underserved minority populations. UConn has two TRIO Programs: Student Support Services, which supports this mission, and McNair Programs, which prepares first-generation, low-income, and historically underrepresented students for M.S. and Ph.D. studies in STEM disciplines.

World Freedom Day (November 9): World Freedom Day is a federal holiday that commemorates the fall of the Berlin Wall. Established in 2001 by President George W. Bush, it celebrates freedom within democracy.

Veterans Day (November 11): Veterans Day pays tribute to all those who served in the United States Armed forces. It is separate from Memorial Day (the last Monday of May), which commemorates those who died while serving in the US military, and Armed Forces Day (the third Saturday in May), which honors those currently serving in the US military. Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, which celebrated the cessation of hostilities during World War I that went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. In 1954, this holiday was changed to “Veterans Day” to include veterans from all American wars.

UConn honors members of the US military and their families. The Office of Veterans and Military Programs (VAMP) will be holding its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday, November 10^th at 11am on Founders Green. All are invited and encouraged to join. VAMP also provides student support services specifically for veterans, active service members, and their families who are attending UConn. Their services include certifying VA educational benefits, assisting students in their transition to life at UConn, providing supplemental programs and activities to student veterans, and directing veterans to fully confidential mental and behavioral health assistance. VAMP works closely with the Center for Students with Disabilities which has a wealth of resources for veterans regardless of ability status, and the Center for Career Development.

Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20): The Transgender Day of Remembrance memorializes those who lost their lives to acts of anti-transgender violence. It raises public awareness about hate crimes directed at transgender and gender-diverse people and ensures that their lives are not forgotten. This is a day for expressing love and respect in the face of hatred or indifference. This day also helps raise awareness about issues the transgender and gender-diverse communities continue to face. UConn supports the transgender communities through the Rainbow Center, which provides spaces of refuge and community-building, as well as resources to help members of the transgender communities navigate life at UConn. Check their website and Instagram account for more.

Thanksgiving (November 23): Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year. It is a day for expressing gratitude that, for many, is marked by family traditions, seeing loved ones, and kicking off the holiday season.

National Day of Mourning (November 23): The National Day of Mourning, which takes place on the fourth Thursday of November every year, was established in 1970 by the United American Indians of New England as a day to honor and mourn Native and Indigenous people lost to genocide and colonialism, as well as to commemorate Native and Indigenous resilience and resistance. Every year, as a part of this commemoration, UAINE holds an outdoor speak-out and march at Cole’s Hill in Plymouth, MA. Many participants also fast from sundown the day prior to the event, and break their fast following the march, as a gesture of both mourning and of solidarity. To read more about this event, please visit UAINE’s website.

Holodomor Memorial Day (November 25): Holodomor Memorial Day is commemorated each year on the fourth Saturday of November as a Day of Remembrance to remember the millions of Ukrainians who were starved to death in Ukraine in 1932 and 1933, many of whom were children. Through the years of 1932 – 1933, as a part of Stalin’s policies targeting Ukraine, wheat and other grains were forcibly exported to fund Stalin’s Five-Year Plan. During the height of Holodomor, 28,000 people died daily. 31% of those who died were under the age of 10.  Holodomor Memorial Day is dedicated to remembering those who died, and, alongside the descendants of survivors, spreading awareness of this chapter in history. For more information, the Holodomor Research and Education Consortium hosts a comprehensive archive of educational materials, which can be found here.

Native Women’s Equal Pay Day (November 30): On average, Native and Indigenous Women make 55 cents for every dollar made by white men of comparable skills and training (according to 2021 census data). This day marks the day that Native women need to work until they made what white men made in the previous year. On Native Women’s Equal Pay Day, activists, organizers, educators, and community members raise awareness and support causes that address this ongoing inequity.

Religious Holidays: November holds several significant religious holidays for members of the UConn Community:

All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (November 1 and 2): These Christian holidays memorializes those who have died. All Saints’ Day commemorates all those who have reached heaven. Traditions vary by location and denomination, but it is celebrated by both Catholics and Protestants. Dates also vary; Western Christians celebrate on November 1st while Eastern Orthodox Churches celebrate on the first Sunday following Pentecost. All Saints’ Day is a holy day of obligation for Catholics. All Souls’ Day is celebrated by the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox churches, and some Anglican churches, though the three churches have doctrinal differences about this day.

Diwali (November 12): Diwali is the festival of lights, a major festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists. Although Diwali is a five-day celebration, the height of celebrations typically occurs on the third day – November 12th this year – which is the darkest day of the lunar month. Diwali is celebrated by billions of people around the world.  Though traditions may vary based on location and religious practice, the most common theme is the triumph of light over darkness. Diwali is generally a time to gather with families and celebrate the victory of good over evil.

Martyrdom of Guru Bahadur (November 24): This Sikh holiday commemorates the martyrdom of Guru Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, who sacrificed his life to protect people—including people from faiths other than his own—from religious persecution. Guru Bahadur’s martyrdom reflects two important principals of the Sikh faith: standing up for faith—including faiths one does not agree with—and standing up for others.

Jain New Year (November 27): Jains mark the New Year on the first day of the Hindu Month of Kartika, following the commencement of their Diwali celebration. This holiday marks the day that their founder, Mahavira, achieved moksha (salvation) in passing from his earthly life. On this day, Jains gather in the temple and perform the Snatra Puja ritual to worship the 24 Tirthankaras who founded their religion (Tirthankara is Sanskrit for “Ford-Maker,” a figure who has succeeded in crossing over life’s streams of rebirths and has made a path for others to follow). Mahavira is the last of the Tirthankaras.

Advent (December 3 through December 24): In Christianity, Advent is a period of preparation for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas, as well as for preparing for Christ’s second coming. In Western churches, Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30th. Eastern Churches begin Advent 40 days before Christmas.

We welcome the celebration of each of these holidays on our campuses and encourage support for those requiring accommodations. You can find information and guidance about academic accommodations for religious observations on the Provost Office’s webpage.

To see more information about resources and events happening this month and throughout the semester, please visit our events page at www.diversity.uconn.edu/events. ODI writes these letters in collaboration with our partners across the UConn system. If we inadvertently omitted a cultural or religious holiday, please let us know by emailing us at diversity@uconn.edu.

If you would like to receive our ODI Weekly Digest, where you can receive regular updates about upcoming events, programs, and opportunities, subscribe here!

Sincerely,

Frank, Anne, and Jeff

Frank Tuitt
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer

Anne D’Alleva
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Jeffrey F. Hines, MD
Associate Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer, UConn Health

Sent on behalf of UConn Human Resources

Dear Colleagues,

We have heard from many members of our community about how the attacks and the ensuing war have affected them and their families and friends. The University’s thoughts are with our UConn and UConn Health community members who have been impacted by the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza. We understand that this is a difficult and emotional time for many of our employees, students, and their families.

Each member of our community is experiencing this tragedy in their own way. As we move forward, we must show empathy for one another. We want to remind everyone that resources are available to provide support and counseling during this challenging time.

For individualized care, the University encourages employees and their household members to contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

• UConn Health employees may contact EAP at 860-679-2877 or uchc_eap@uchc.edu.

• UConn employees may contact the Lexington Group at 1-800-676-HELP (4357) (available 24 hours a day) or via https://the-lexington-group.com/. Additional resources are available on the Human Resources website: https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-assistance-program. 

Additional resources are available through UConn Health Human Resources, UConn Human Resources, and Spiritual Services at UConn Health. These resources are here to help you cope with the stress and uncertainty that comes with situations like these.

Know that we are here for you and will continue to provide support and resources for our communities, and will update you on additional services and resources as they become available.

We also want to remind everyone to take care of themselves during this time and offer you some information and resources below:

Supporting Yourself

Recognize your limits.

At times, it’s important to recognize our limits and understand that we may not always be as efficient as usual – and that’s completely okay. The key is to plan accordingly, show ourselves kindness, and ask for support when needed.

Engage in healthy activities.

Basic self-care makes a significant difference during stressful times. Taking breaks while working and connecting with colleagues can help us recharge and stay focused. It is also crucial to find what brings us joy and incorporate it into our daily routine. Whether it’s engaging in spiritual practices, meditating, listening to music, or going for a walk, doing things that feel good is essential for our overall well-being. 

Find community support.

Attending community events or informal gatherings with friends can be a way to process grief, fear, and other difficult feelings. Sharing our experiences helps to reduce the intensity of our emotional distress. Experiencing empathy and understanding from others helps us know we are not alone.

Move your body.

Additionally, moving our bodies can be a powerful tool for stress relief. When we experience stress, our muscles tend to tense up. Engaging in physical movement, such as stretching or self-massaging, helps release tension and process emotions. 

How to Support Your Colleagues

As colleagues, it is important for us to exhibit empathy and compassion towards one another. By acknowledging the challenges and emotional upheavals they may be facing, we create a safe and supportive work environment. 

One way to support our team is by modeling the desired behavior. Being aware of how others react in times of stress and being conscious of the words, views, and ideas we hold and articulate is paramount. Our colleagues carefully take in our words and actions, even in casual banter, across different communication channels. 

By leading with empathy, we inspire trust, foster stronger connections, and create a positive work culture. Let’s remember to show understanding and kindness as we navigate through these challenging times together.

Family Resources

How do I talk to my kids about violence in the news? and Explaining the News to Our Kids: These two guides from Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that examines the impact of technology on children, provide age-appropriate tips on how to talk to kids about what’s happening in the news, especially when it involves violence.

How to talk to your children about conflict and war: This guide from UNICEF provides eight tips on supporting and comforting children when war dominates headlines.

UConn’s Feel Your Best Self Videos: UConn’s award-winning puppetry videos designed to teach children and families important coping strategies. The FYBS video series follows three puppet kids – Nico, CJ, & Mena – as they navigate everyday issues. By sharing the strategies, they use to feel their best, the friends help each other work through big feelings and navigate problems.

Ways You Can Help

Anera helps refugees displaced and hurt by conflicts including the Israel-Palestinian conflict, and it has no political or religious affiliation. Its funds provide humanitarian assistance and sustainable development to advance the well-being of refugees and other vulnerable communities.

United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Its human development and humanitarian services encompass primary and vocational education, primary health care, relief and social services, infrastructure and camp improvement, microfinance and emergency response, including in situations of armed conflict.

International Medical Corps works with local health agencies and partners to provide emergency health services, gender-based violence services, and COVID-19 prevention services. Donations may be mad here.

Save the Children is providing resources to affected children. Donations may be made here.

Direct Relief provides medical resources in vulnerable communities worldwide. Donations may be made here.

The International Red Cross provides assistance during times of crisis and has pleaded for an end to the violence. “In our role as a neutral intermediary, we are ready to visit anyone detained so we can check on their well-being and provide news to their loved ones,” the group says. Donations may be made here.

Thank you,

Lakeesha Brown
Vice President for Human Resources and Interim Chief Human Resources Officer