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Easter Sunday

Observed by Christians around the world, Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his death by crucifixion on Good Friday, as described in the Christian Bible. His resurrection marks the triumph of good over evil. Christians worldwide celebrate Easter Sunday by attending church services, spending time with family, friends and loved ones, and gathering to eat a meal. 

You can join in celebrating Easter by learning more about Easter in Canada and attending local events. Scouts Canada volunteers at Camp Samac in Oshawa are hosting an Easter egg hunt, and the business owners of Historic Downtown Bowmanville are hosting a family-friendly, free event. You can also learn more about your rights and responsibilities in the College’s Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Response Policy.  

Passover

Passover is an important eight-day religious holiday in Judaism. Passover celebrates the redemption of the Jewish people from slavery in ancient Egypt (the “Exodus”). It is commemorated by eating matzo (unleavened bread), avoiding chametz (leavened products), and by participating in Seders (festive ritual dinner gatherings), on the first two nights of the holiday. Passover is celebrated by spending time with family and loved ones, lighting candles at night, singing traditional songs, and eating holiday meals. 

Durham College (DC) is committed to providing an inclusive and respectful learning and working environment. Help us foster an inclusive and equitable campus by familiarizing yourself with the Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Response Policy. You can also check out the Jewish Community Resources page on our website; many local organizations listed are hosting Passover Seders and other events.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

On March 21, we recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, a global observance that highlights the ongoing realities of racism, systemic discrimination, and inequity faced by racialized, Indigenous, and religious minority communities. This day commemorates the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in Sharpeville, South Africa, where 69 peaceful demonstrators were killed while protesting apartheid pass laws. It serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to speak out against racism and to advance human rights.  

As a community, we can contribute to the elimination of racial discrimination through ongoing education, allyship, and by engaging with both internal and community resources that support equity and inclusion. You can participate by familiarizing yourself with DC’s Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Response Policy, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and Community Resources like Victim Services of Durham Region’s new Hate Reporting Resource.  

Check out the Social Justice Collection at the Durham College/On Tech library as well as Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy to educate yourself about the history and ongoing manifestations of racism, discrimination, and xenophobia in Canada. Speak out against racism and discrimination when and where you encounter it and encourage anti-racism in all areas of your life, big and small. We keep each other safe! 

Good Friday – College Closed

Durham College will be closed for Good Friday.

Observed by Christians around the world, Good Friday is a day of mourning, reflection and prayer about the death of Jesus Christ. Good Friday occurs two days before Easter Sunday and is oftentimes observed to be one of the most important religious holidays in Christianity. On Good Friday, some Christians may attend church services, partake in partial fasts, or enjoy the traditional treat, hot cross buns.  

Durham College (DC) is committed to providing an inclusive and respectful learning and working environment. You can learn more about your rights and responsibilities in the College’s Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Response Policy. 

Eid al-Fitr

Eid Mubarak! 

Eid is the Arabic word for “festival” or “feast,” but also commonly means celebration. Eid al-Fitr, the feast of breaking the fast, is one of two major Eid festivals celebrated by Muslims around the world. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan each year and is determined by the sighting of the new moon. Muslims observe in many ways, including through prayers, sharing gifts, engaging in worship and other celebratory activities with family, friends and loved ones.  

Durham College is committed to providing an inclusive and respectful learning and working environment. Familiarize yourself with the Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Response Policy, and check out the Muslim Community Resources section on the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion website. You can also follow the Durham College Muslim Students’ Alliance on Instagram to keep informed of their ongoing Ramadan events.

Holi

Holi, known as the “Festival of Colours,” is celebrated by many Hindu communities across Canada and the globe in grand fashion, and was given special recognition by the Canadian government in 2017. Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil and celebrates various deities across various traditions. Holi also celebrates the end of winter and the arrival of the spring season. During Holi celebrations, people light bonfires, fellowship together, eat traditional foods and splash colourful dyes at one another. Join us in wishing all those who celebrate a vibrant and joyful Holi.  

Human Trafficking Awareness Day

February 22 is Human Trafficking Awareness Day. As a community committed to safety and awareness-raising, we encourage everyone to take time to learn more about the signs of trafficking and challenge the myths that allow it to continue and support individuals and communities that are impacted.  

Human trafficking is a complex issue that thrives in silence. By educating ourselves and others, promoting empathy, and recognizing the realities of exploitation, we can all contribute to creating a community where every person is safe, valued, and free from violence. Here at Durham College, it’s important to recognize that human trafficking is not a distant issue, it is happening within our surrounding community. According to The Chronicle, human trafficking remains a growing concern in the Durham Region due to the area’s proximity to Highway 401, which allows traffickers to move victims between cities. 

There is help— Victim Services of Durham Region in collaboration with the Durham Regional Police Service developed the HALT Model, which brings social services and law enforcement together, coordinating support to provide compassionate, survivor‑informed, and survivor‑led responses that prioritize safety, dignity, and long‑term healing. 

On campus, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion website is a valuable resource for Human Rights and Sexual Violence supports on campus, as well as broader community resources. Our office offers services to address human rights concerns, access training and educational resources, and receive guidance on policies that protect community members from discrimination, harassment, and violence. We also provide confidential disclosure options and connections to both on‑ and off‑campus support services. 

If you or anyone you know is experiencing trafficking, please call the Durham Regional Police Human Trafficking Hotline at 9055791520 ext. 4888. 

International Women’s Day

On March 8th, 2026, we join the global community in recognition of International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to honouring the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and girls everywhere. This year’s United Nations theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls” calls on us to champion equity in every space, confront the systemic barriers that persist, and affirm the rights and dignity of women and girls across all identities. 

The first International Women’s Day was held on March 19, 1911, in Austria and Denmark, marking the beginning of a global movement for women’s rights. In 1975, the United Nations proclaimed International Women’s Year and officially designated March 8th as International Women’s Day, solidifying its place as a global day of recognition, advocacy, and collective action. 

Durham College remains committed to fostering a learning and working environment grounded in respect, inclusion, and equity. To support this commitment, we offer on–campus resources such as the Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Response Policy  and the Sexual Violence Policy, which outlines your rights and the pathways for reporting concerns. You can also familiarize yourself with women’s community resources on the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion website as well as those from the Ontario Human Rights Commission to further deepen your understanding of all our rights and responsibilities. Join us in reinforcing our shared responsibility to building a campus community free from harassment, discrimination, and hate.  

On March 8 and beyond, we celebrate the achievements, resilience, and leadership of women and girls everywhere. We honour the progress made and the women and girls who continue to drive change. Happy International Women’s Day!

Action against Islamophobia: A Panel Discussion

The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion invites all DC students, staff, and faculty to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia on Thursday, February 5th, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Global Classroom (CFCE 145). Halal refreshments will be served.

This panel discussion is held in collaboration with Durham College’s Muslim Student Alliance. Local advocates and community leaders will come together to remember the Quebec Mosque Attack, and to discuss Islamophobia in Canada and in Durham region specifically. Leaders will also share resources for students and community members affected by Islamophobia. Hunain Sindhu (student leader and advocate as well as former President of the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus’ Student Union) will moderate the panel. We will feature panelists who represent the National Council of Canadian Muslims, the Muslim Women of Durham Region, as well as local academics and advocates.

Islamophobia is an ongoing issue that Canadians everywhere face, and one that we must confront ourselves on campus. Join us in remembering the 2017 Quebec Mosque Attack, honouring those who lost their lives or were injured during the attack, and to reflect on how we might take action against Islamophobia within our spheres of influence.

Black History Month

Officially recognized and first celebrated in February 1996, Black History Month honours the histories, contributions, and legacies of people of African descent in Canada. Every February, Canadians are encouraged to take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the various ways that people of African descent have contributed to all facets of Canadian life and society.  

Black History Month is an important time to reflect on both the history and ongoing contributions of Black communities, on campus and beyond. Stay tuned for details on how Durham College will be celebrating Black History Month. In the meantime, we encourage you to learn more about Black history in avenues relevant to your life and study, to support Black-owned businesses, and to uplift Black members of the community.  

Durham College (DC) is also committed to providing an inclusive and respectful learning and working environment. Here are some resources on and off campus to help all of us connect to and learn more about Black History Month and Black Canadian History, as well as our rights and responsibilities in creating a campus community free of harassment, discrimination and hate:   

Internal Durham College Sources: 

External Sources: