This message is shared on behalf of the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (OEDI).
On January 27, Durham College (DC) will commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The United Nations General Assembly designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day on November 1, 2005 to mark the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp in 1945.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day provides us with the opportunity to think carefully and critically about the atrocities committed against Jewish people during World War II, as well as reflect and remember the victims of the Holocaust whose lives were tragically taken away because of their race and ethnicity, the religion they practiced, or the political beliefs they held.
On Monday January 27, the OEDI is holding space to Commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. We encourage all DC community members who identify as Jewish, are of Jewish descent or whose families are impacted by the Holocaust to kindly register for this commemorative event. We also welcome drop-ins to reflect and honour the stories and the lives of those tragically lost during the Holocaust.
In consultation with the DC community, we are working on enhancing DC’s Harassment, Workplace Sexual Harassment/Misconduct and Discrimination Policy to more explicitly describe how we will address and combat racism and hate, including—but not limited to—antisemitism. This work is reflective of the requirements in the Ministerial Directives associated with Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act 2024.
To learn more about the Holocaust and to reflect on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we encourage you to explore these resources:
Jewish people around the world are still facing persecution and hate because of their identities and what they believe in, and this can impact mental health. For resources to access help or support others, please visit Campus Health and Wellness Centre, Durham College Wellness Directory or Durham Mental Health Services.
Durham College is committed to providing an inclusive and respectful learning and working environment. Learn more about The Ontario Human Rights Code or about DC’s Harassment, Workplace Sexual Harassment/Misconduct and Discrimination Policy, Sexual Violence Policy, Wearing of a Kirpan Policy, and All-Gender Washroom Policy.
