MLK Day Statement 2023

January 17, 2023

The University of Connecticut will observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 16. Observing this holiday provides an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s life and legacy, as well as on the importance of standing up for racial, social, and economic justice for all. From Dr. King, we learned that we can only attain 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 to whom justice is denied.

This year, ODI invites you to reflect on the importance of promoting greater equity, especially through efforts to identify and eliminate forms of systemic racism that lead to health inequities. ODI has been proud to work alongside faculty, staff, students, and alumni to promote racial, social, and economic justice at UConn. We are especially proud of the undergraduate student body’s call for the University to identify the impacts of systemic racism by declaring racism a public health crisis; we laud the University’s, Student Health and Wellness’s (SHaW), and UConn Health’s efforts to promote health equity at UConn and in the communities we serve by identifying biases, belief systems, and processes that contribute to systemic racism.

ODI believes that we can only address injustice if we first identify the historic and contemporary effects of racism. To that end, we are proud to participate in the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Center Initiative, a comprehensive national and community-based process to bring about transformational and sustainable change by replacing deeply held belief systems that fuel systemic racism with ones that see the inherent value of all people. A core tenet of the TRHT framework is that racial healing is at the heart of racial equity. To that end, we are excited to participate in the TRHT’s National Day of Racial Healing, part of a nationwide effort to help drive more equitable systems.

We invite all members of the UConn community to participate in events celebrating Dr. King’s life and legacy and continuing the work of dismantling systemic racism:

  • The MLK Day of Service (Monday, 1/16, 8:00 AM to 3:45 PM, Student Union ballroom)
  • UConn’s National Day of Racial Healing event (Tuesday, 1/17, 12:00 – 1:30 PM in the Class of ’47 room of UConn Library). This event, titled “Counternarratives on the Racial Realities of Working in Predominantly White Spaces” will feature UConn faculty and staff sharing their lived experiences related to race in higher education. t
  • The MLK Living Legacy Convocation (Thursday, 1/19, 6:30 to 8:30 PM, Jorgensen Center). This event will feature a keynote speech by Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr., performances by Shayy Winn, Isaac Barber, Bloomfield High School’s Voices of Inspiration, Voices of Freedom, and more. This event is free and open to all, but a ticket is required.

Please visit UConn’s DEIJ website for more information about upcoming events and opportunities for engagement, as well as for more resources for promoting justice and equity. As we reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, we remember that no one group or unit can achieve justice alone; it takes effort from all of us. We are thankful to each of you who has chosen to get involved in making UConn a more justice-oriented and equitable university.

Graduate Students of Color Meet & Greet

January 9, 2023

Join Graduate Students of Color in a Meet and Greet at ODI Commons! Come meet fellow graduate students of color to build community while sharing space and food. The ODI Commons is located on the first floor of the student union next to the student union theater. Registration is required so please utilize the link below to RSVP. See you there!

This in-person event will be held on Wednesday, January 18th, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM in the ODI Commons. Registration is required so please RSVP here. See you there!

January 2023 Heritage Celebrations

January 4, 2023

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:

Cultural Holidays: January holds several significant cultural and federal 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 11th, 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 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:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 16): 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. Eddie Glaude, Jr., and the MLK Day of Service. At UConn Health, The School of Dental Medicine will hold a day of service on Monday, 1/16, at CT Food Share and Southington Bread for Life. The School of Medicine will hold a keynote address at 10:30 AM featuring Chief Diversity Officer, Jeffrey Hines, MD. Additionally, the School of Medicine will hold their annual research day for students to present their research on the social determinants of health and health equity. 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 17): January 17th, 2023, marks the seventh 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:

Lunar New Year (January 22): January 22nd marks the start of Lunar New Year 2023, the Year of the Rabbit / Year of the Cat. Lunar New Year has been observed for thousands of years and symbolizes the welcoming of a new beginning and a time of reunion with family and friends. For the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities at UConn, it marks an occasion to celebrate cultural backgrounds, experiences, and identities. On Lunar New Year, we recognize and honor the rich culture, history, and experiences of Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities, which make up such a significant portion of the UConn community. We recognize that the last few years have been especially difficult for these communities as they have borne the brunt of increases in racially based harassment and violence. We believe that these communities make UConn stronger. We are thrilled to celebrate them and encourage all in our community to participate in this month of festivities. Check out the Asian American Cultural Center for this year’s Lunar New Year Events.

Holocaust Memorial Day (January 27th): 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:

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: January holds several significant religious holidays for members of the UConn Community:

Asarah B’Tevet (January 3rd): Asarah B’Tevet is a day of fasting, mourning, and repentance that commemorates the series of events that led to the destruction of the First Temple and the first exile from Israel. On this day, Jewish people refrain from food and drink from daybreak until nightfall; unlike other Jewish holidays, Asarah B’Tevet is observed even when it falls on a Friday, even though that may interfere with Shabbat preparation. In Israel, this day also memorializes the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

Epiphany | Theophany | Three Kings Day (January 6th): 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. 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 7th): 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 14th): Orthodox New Year, also known as “Old New Year” is celebrated on the first day of the Julian calendar, falling on January 14th 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 14th): 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 14th but is observed on January 15th during leap years.

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.

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 and Chief Diversity Officer, UConn Health

2023 Week of MLK Events

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion is pleased to announce the 2023 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living Legacy Convocation! This year's speaker is Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr., New York Times Bestselling Author & Chair of Princeton’s Department of African American Studies.

One of the nation’s most prominent scholars, Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr. is an author, political commentator, public intellectual and passionate educator who examines the complex dynamics of the American experience. His writings, including Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul, In a Shade of Blue: Pragmatism and the Politics of Black America, and his most recent, the New York Times bestseller, Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for our Own, takes a wide look at Black communities, the difficulties of race in the United States and the challenges we face as a democracy. In his writing and speaking, Glaude is an American critic in the tradition of James Baldwin and Ralph Waldo Emerson, confronting history and bringing our nation’s complexities, vulnerabilities and hope into full view. Hope that is, in one of his favorite quotes from W.E.B. Du Bois, "not hopeless, but a bit unhopeful."

Convocation Event:

Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm

Location: Jorgensen Theater

Live streaming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i28kDZIVDkw&ab_channel=UCTV

Live captioning: https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=UCONN-MLK-2023

Virtual program details: https://diversity.uconn.edu/lessons-from-the-later-dr-king-program/

This event is free and open to the public, but a ticket is required. Secure your ticket here.

This event is co-sponsored by the Provost's Office, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Africana Studies Institute, Neag School of Education, UConn Library, the School of Pharmacy, and the School of Fine Arts.

Graduate Students of Color Meet and Greet!

Date: January 18th

Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Location: ODI Commons

Join Graduate Students of Color in a Meet and Greet taking place at the ODI Commons on January 18th, 2023 from 3:30-5:30 pm! Come meet fellow Graduate Students of Color to build community while sharing space and food.

The ODI Commons is located on the first floor of the student union next to the student union theater. Registration is required so please utilize this link to RSVP. See you there!

National Day of Racial Healing Event

Date: January 17th 

Time: 12pm - 1.30pm

Location: Class of ’47 room, UConn Library and virtual option

RSVP here.

Title: Counternarratives on the Racial Realities of Working in Predominantly White Spaces: A Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Event

Description:

In this session UConn Faculty and Staff will share counternarratives on their individual and collective lived experiences both in and outside of the classroom related to the impact of race in higher education.

According to Lee Anne Bell (2003), counternarratives can help us learn about race and racism by helping us become more conscious of historical and current realities by interrupting common notions that prevent movement toward democratic and inclusive communities.  Specifically, she argues that counternarratives can serve as a tool for developing a more critical race consciousness about social relations in historically white institutions (HWIs).

 

 

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King's vision of a "Beloved Community." Dr. King believed in a nation of freedom and justice for all, and encouraged all citizens to live up to the purpose and potential of America by applying the principles of nonviolence to make this country a better place to live—creating the Beloved Community.

The MLK Jr. Day of Service is a way to transform Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and teachings into community action that helps solve social problems. That service may meet a tangible need, or it may meet a need of the spirit. On this day, Americans of every age and background celebrate Dr. King through service projects that strengthen communities, empower individuals, bridge barriers, and create solutions.

On this day, students all over the UConn Campus will partake in service opportunities, hear for speakers, and engage in meaningful discussion.

For more info, and to RSVP, please visit the UConntact site.

Wishing You a Restorative Winter Break!

December 19, 2022

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion and the Provost’s Office hope that all UConn students, staff, and faculty have a restful, relaxing, and restorative Winter Break!

As you celebrate the holidays, ODI would like to remind you that there are communities at UConn, in the state, across the country, and globally who are suffering and who continue to be attacked on the basis of their identity. Unfortunately, the last two years have brought a spike in antisemitism, including in UConn’s campus spaces. Rising antisemitism does not just impact Jewish people; bias, hatred, harassment, or violence against one identity-based group normalizes bias, hatred, harassment, and violence towards other identity-based groups. We have seen, for example, a similar spike in anti-Asian and Anti-Black racism, in Islamophobia, in violence against the LGBTQIA+ community, and in sexual- and gender-based violence across all groups. 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.

We are also mindful of other members of our community who are suffering, whether from housing or food insecurity, substance use disorders, or mental health concerns, or from fears and anxieties connected to conflicts in their home countries, such as Iran and Ukraine.

As you return to your communities during this holiday break, we ask you to be attentive to the impacts of tolerating or perpetuating such bias. Even actions that do not rise to the level of physical violence or discrimination still have a negative impact, whether in directly reducing the quality of life for people around us or in otherwise contributing to a culture that does the same.

ODI appreciates the support we have received from those committed to addressing bias and suffering. We are currently engaged in two long-term projects to reduce bias in our campus spaces. The first is a Campus Climate Initiative in partnership with Hillel. The second is a partnership with the Academic Engagement Network. These two projects are helping UConn build the infrastructure needed to eliminate bias, including by expanding partnerships across the university system.

ODI is also excited to announce that we have been selected as a member of the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Center initiative. Membership in this initiative helps us continue building the infrastructure for addressing bias at UConn. Its guiding principles will help us frame DEIJ planning efforts at the unit and institutional levels. It will also provide a framework for creating space for members of our community to process and heal from hateful incidents. ODI will officially launch the UConn TRHT initiative during our annual MLK convocation and National Day of Racial Healing events this January.

ODI remains committed to facilitating UConn’s efforts to address bias and suffering. Please see links below for:

ODI’s reading recommendations for gender/sexuality, race, religion, and veterans affairs

Resources for Confronting Antisemitism:

Resources for Housing and Food Insecurity:

Resources for Mental Health:

Dealing with Substance Use Disorders:

Dealing with Violence:

These, and other student-, staff-, and faculty-focused resources can be found via diversity.uconn.edu. We hope you have a relaxing and restorative break this winter and we look forward to continuing to partner with every member of the UConn community this Spring to make UConn a better place to live, learn, and work.

We hope you have a restorative break and look forward to working with you this spring to continue making UConn a better place to live, learn, and work.

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

December 2022 Heritage Celebrations

December 1, 2022

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 Holidays: December holds several significant 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 “Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV,” which encourages people across the globe to unite to eliminate the inequities and disparities that create barriers to HIV testing, prevention, and care.

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 “Transformative Solutions for Inclusive Development,” which challenges stakeholders across the world to foster innovative solutions to making the word more accessible and equitable.

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 20th 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 21st): 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 26th): 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 26th – January 1st): 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, 12/9, at 6:00 PM in the SU Ballroom.  AACC will also be celebrating the retirement of long-time Director Dr. Willena Price that day.  The event is free, but please RSVP in advance.

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

Advent (November 27th through December 24th): 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.

Christmas (December 25th): 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 26th in Western Churches; December 27th 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.

Hanukkah or Chanukkah (sundown December 18th through sundown December 26th): 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. Hillel will hold a few Hanukkah events this year, including a “Hoops and Hanukkah” event in Storrs (12/4); a tabling event in Stamford (12/7), and a virtual candle-lighting ceremony for each night of the Hanukkah. Check out Hillel’s social media accounts for more information.

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.

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

 

 

 

Confronting Bias as a Community that Cares

November 10, 2022

Hello Huskies,

The semester is successfully underway. This time last year, Dr. Tuitt and I promised to send you periodic updates about bias incidents and referrals at UConn. Today we honor that promise by including details of the bias referrals we received for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Before we get into the details, however, we’d like to remind you why it is so important to routinely address bias incidents: such incidents of hurtful speech and action undermine our commitment to creating an inclusive and caring community. Such speech and actions can hurt people and make them feel isolated at UConn. This not only makes it harder to achieve their full potential at UConn, but also limits what we, as a group, are able to achieve together. We are committed to making UConn a better place to live, learn, and work by addressing any and all bias incidents that negatively impact our campus climate.

Every incident referred to us documents a hurtful moment impacting a member of the UConn community. Not all of those incidents rose to the level of a conduct violation. For example, anonymous postings on white boards that mock identity, people shouting offensive slurs in the middle of the night when they think no one is listening, or anonymously posting derogatory comments online are all harmful incidents, most of which are protected by freedom of speech. In these cases, we are determined to use these incidents to educate the community about their harmful outcomes.

Here is a summary of what was shared with the University (students are welcome to submit a report here):

Bias Chart

Over the course of the 2021 -2022 academic year, 124 bias related referrals were shared with the University. Some of those referrals disclosed multiple incidents, some resulted in code violations. The majority of the referrals resulted in community conversations led by the Dean of Students Office or the Department of Residential Life. We used these moments to provide honest reflections of our University and to rededicate ourselves to improving it.

What should we make of this? Is UConn a community that values free speech? Absolutely. It is the reason we are able to learn and discover as a research university. Some have suggested in these community conversations that maybe our sense of humor is lacking. Can we just not take a joke? Sure, we can.

But is it funny? Is it funny or necessary to demean and remind others of historical oppression through offensive words and actions? Can we instead embrace the privilege of free speech and the desire to care for all members of our community? Can we learn more from one another rather than pushing each other away through actions that I know so many of us regret in hindsight?

Perhaps exploring these questions and sharing our discoveries along the way can be our commitment to each other in the year ahead. We are excited to launch the UConn Faith and Expression Challenge this year. The Bias Action Group that was formed last year will meet next week. Additional opportunities for engagements can be found on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice @UConn website.

We look forward to the journey ahead and our continued commitment to a caring community.

All our best,

Eleanor JB Daugherty, EdD
she/her/hers
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Dr. Frank Tuitt
He | Him | His
Office for Diversity and Inclusion
VP | Chief Diversity Officer

November 2022 Heritage Celebrations

November 7, 2022

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:

    • Wednesday, November 9th: “Demystifying Thanksgiving” talk with author Chris Newell (Passamaquoddy) at 6:00 PM in the ODI Commons (SU 103)
    • Tuesday, November 15th: “Chicken and Power: Life, Death, and Dismemberment in the Aftermath of American Genocide” talk with David S. Lowry (Lumbee) at 6:30 PM in the ODI Commons (SU 103)
    • Thursday, November 17th: “Minoritized Languages of the North Atlantic” at 6:00 PM in the ODI Commons (SU 103)

Two more events will be announced soon on the NACP website and Instagram.

Cultural Holidays: November holds several significant cultural and federal 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. The students of the Mexican Student Association (MexSA) will put together una ofrenda in the PRLACC programming room, which will be on display the whole week. They will also hold several events during the week; follow the MexSA Instagram account for details.

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 Affairs and Military Programs (VAMP) will hold a ceremony honoring all those who served at 11:00 AM on November 11th. This event will be held at the Ultimate Sacrifice Memorial (at the University Flagpoles across from Wilbur Cross). If it rains, VAMP will hold the event in the Wilbur Cross Reading Room. All are invited 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 for 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 24): 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.

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

All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (November 1st and 2nd): 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.

Jain New Year (November 24th): 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 New Year’s 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.

Martyrdom of Guru Bahadur (November 24th): 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.

Advent (November 27th through December 24th): 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.

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.

Sincerely,

Frank, Anne, and Jeff

Frank Tuitt
Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer

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

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

Samara Joy Cabaret (11/18)

November 2, 2022

Samara Joy

The H. Fred Simons African American Cultural Center (AACC) & the UConn Women's Center are excited to cohost the Samara Joy Cabaret!

Rising star Samara Joy’s velvety, smooth voice puts her own enchanting interpretation on jazz standards from the Great American Songbook. After winning the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition at the age of 19, she released her debut album Samara Joy. One of the most promising young vocalists, she has already performed in many of the great jazz venues in New York, including Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, The Blue Note and the Apollo. On her latest release, Linger Awhile (Verve Records), the 22-year-old makes her case to join the likes of Sarah, Ella and Billie as the next jazz singing sensation.

This in-person event will be held  in the Jorgensen Center on Friday, 11/18, at 8:00 PM. Tickets are available through the Jorgensen Center.

First Generation Week Events and Breakfast (11/7-11/11)

First Gen Week

Join First Generation UConn for a week of events celebrating and supporting first-generation college students.

On Friday, the Puerto Rican / Latin American Cultural Center (PRLACC) will host the First Gen Breakfast. Come hear stories of inspiration form first-generation graduate students while grabbing a coffee and eating a delicious breakfast

This in-person event is open to all first-generation undergrads, grad students, staff, and faculty. It will be held on Friday, 11/11, from 9:30 to 11:30 in SU 331. Please RSVP in advance.