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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: 

National Day of Remembrance of the Québec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia

On January 29, 2017, Ibrahima Barry, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Abdelkrim Hassane, Azzedine Soufiane and Aboubaker Thabti were murdered and nineteen others seriously injured in a terrorist attack on the Islamic Cultural Centre in Quebec City. On January 28, 2021, the Canadian government declared that every January 29 would mark the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec Mosque Attack & Action against Islamophobia.  

Join us on February 5 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Global Classroom for a panel featuring Muslim and Black Muslim theorists and advocates. More details to follow soon.

    External Sources: 

    International Holocaust Remembrance Day

    On November 1, 2005, the United Nations General Assembly designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. January 27 marks the day 1945 that concentration and extermination camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, was liberated. International Holocaust Remembrance Day provides us with the opportunity to remember the more than one million people who were murdered at various concentration camps across Europe during World War II and to reflect on the dangers of ongoing anti-Semitism and what meaningful allyship entails. 

    Join the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Multi-Faith and Quiet Space (JW 101) from 12 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday January 27 for a wellness and healing event for all in the DC community. Rabbi Tzali Borenstein from the Chabad Jewish Centre of Durham Region will be sharing his family history and critical reflections around the Holocaust. There will be opportunities for discussion and for the Rabbi to pray for attendees, and refreshments served.  

    Durham College (DC) is committed to providing an inclusive and respectful learning and working environment. Here are some resources to help us learn more about International Holocaust Remembrance Day, as well as our rights and responsibilities in creating a campus community free of harassment, discrimination and hate:  

    Christmas

    Observed annually on December 25, Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, marking the incarnation of God on Earth. It is known for family gatherings, festive meals, light displays, music, worship, and gift-giving. The tradition of giving is also linked to Saint Nicholas of Myra, a bishop known for his generosity, which inspired the modern figures of Santa Claus and Father Christmas.

    Christmas is commonly known as a time of joy and connection. Join us in support of all members of our campus community who celebrate this holiday and honour its spiritual and cultural significance. We can do this by centering kindness, extending support to those in need, and creating space for celebration and togetherness.

    Chanukah

    Beginning at sundown on December 14 and ending on December 22, Jewish people in Canada and globally celebrate Chanukah, also known as the “Festival of Lights.” Chanukah is an eight-day celebration, and the word Chanukah means “dedication” and symbolizes the light that shines in the world and in each of us, even during dark times. The lighting of each candle on the Chanukah Menorah represents the triumph of good over evil. Chanukah is also a reminder of the importance of perseverance and, above all, hope. This commemorates the revolt of the Maccabees, a revolt that led to the liberation of the Jewish people. During this celebration, Jewish people gather with family and friends, to enjoy food, socialize, and exchange gifts.

    At Durham College, we honour the traditions of our Jewish community and recognize the importance of cultural and spiritual observances in building an inclusive campus. Let’s show support for our Jewish community by learning about the meaning of Chanukah, participating in campus or local events, and embracing the values of light, hope, and perseverance that this festival represents.  

    Advent Sunday/Advent

    Beginning this year on Sunday November 30th, Advent Sunday (or Advent) is a significant four-week period before Christmas, where Christians in Canada and globally reflect and prepare to celebrate the arrival (“advent”) of Jesus Christ’s Nativity at Christmas time. In addition to the reflection on the past, many Christians around the world take this time to meditate on Christ’s expected return in the Second Coming. Each week of Advent focuses on a different theme: hope, peace, joy and love. Christians from all denominations and backgrounds observe and celebrate Advent in a variety of ways including the lighting of candles, preparing wreaths, attending church services, and reading biblical scriptures.