Communications from UNC's Vice President of the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

May 26, 2021

Memorial Day: A Day of Remembrance

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day observed in honor of the Americans who have died while serving in the United States Military. Observed annually on the last Monday in May, this year, Memorial Day occurs on Monday, May 31. While Memorial Day was not declared an official federal holiday until 1971, the original observance of Decoration Day took place in 1868 to remember those soldiers lost while fighting in the Civil War. Over time, the holiday grew to include military members lost in all wars.

May 19, 2021

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

In 2002, May 21 was designated as World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. This day provides an opportunity to better understand and value cultural diversity as well as to encourage the advancement of the goals of the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Convention on the Protection of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

May 13, 2021

COVID Vaccination Disparity

The State of Colorado vaccine data shows significant gaps among races, particularly in persons in the Hispanic, All Races (State of Colorado terminology) demographic. Persons identifying as White (non-Hispanic) make up 67.76% of the population in Colorado and of those persons, 69.53% have been immunized. In comparison, Hispanic (All Races) make up 21.69% of the population in Colorado and only 9.11% of those persons have been immunized. Unfortunately, this gap is not unique to Colorado. According to the CDC, this trend can be seen across the United States. CDC data indicate that of the total Hispanic/Latino population in the United States, only 11.1% are fully vaccinated. In comparison, 65.8% of the entire White, Non-Hispanic population in the United States is fully vaccinated.

May 01, 2021

Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

As we begin the month of May, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The following reflection and commemoration, with support from the staff of the Asian Pacific American Student Services (APASS), of this heritage month, is written by third-year Criminal Justice Major Gabby Galamgam (He/Him). Gabby is involved with Air Force ROTC, and his hometown is the Island of Oahu, Hawai‘i.

April 29, 2021

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) occurs next week and has significant meaning for Mexican immigrants in the United States and has become a way to share their pride and heritage of the Mexican culture. Although not a major holiday or celebration throughout Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the state of Puebla, Mexico. Puebla was the site of the 1862 Battle of Puebla, which ended when Mexico defeated French troops in an attempted takeover. The battle of Puebla is regarded as a sign of Mexican strength and perseverance.

April 22, 2021

Respectful Behavior Statement and Bears in Solidarity

Rowing, Not Drifting 2030 guides our direction and aspirations for the next decade of serving students and our community. Our vision takes shape in the form of five elements that serve as our foundation over the next 10 years in support of and service to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community. These five elements include: (1) Students First, (2) Empower Inclusivity, (3) Enhance & Invest, (4) Innovate & Create, and (5) Connect & Celebrate. UNC is dedicated to strengthening and advancing our collective work related to diversity, equity and inclusion.

April 19, 2021

Marcus Garvey Director Search

The search for the Director of the Marcus Garvey Cultural Center is currently underway. The search committee, chaired by Shawanna Kimbrough-Hayward, includes Angie Henderson, Sociology Professor; Myria Davis, Interim MGCC Director and Graduate Student; Tammy Ortiz, Graduate Student; and Rudy Vargas, Coordinator of Undocumented Students and the DREAMer Engagement Program. First-round Zoom interviews included ten selected candidates, and concluded earlier this week.

April 12, 2021

The Holy Month of Ramadan 2021

April 08, 2021

Involvement Opportunities: GSRC Mentorship Program and Book Discussion

The Department of Equity and Inclusion would like to share two opportunities for involvement for the 2021-2022 academic year. In partnership with the University Libraries, you are encouraged to provide your input on possible titles for the fall campus book discussion / summer book club. Title suggestions are provided by various authors including: Yaa Gyasi, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Elizabeth Acevedo, Stephan Graham Jones, Michael Bennet, and several others. The survey also provides you the opportunity to make additional book suggestions. Please take a moment to complete the survey by April 16.

April 06, 2021

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

This month is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Please show your support for survivors in the UNC community by attending the events hosted by UNCs Assault Survivor Advocacy Program (ASAP). Everyone is affected by sexual violence. For a greater understanding of sexual violence, please see the statistics below from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center and RAINN.

March 30, 2021

Joy Harjo Presentation

March 25, 2021

Free Speech and Censorship on College Campuses

Free speech and censorship on college campuses, including UNC, can often times lead to both controversial and educational conversations. What constitutes ‘free speech’ and should a university regulate faculty members? Join Tobias Guzmán for a thought provoking debate and discussion on the evening of March 31 for “Making Space for Diversity of Ideas: Should the University Censor Speech and , if so, on What Basis?”