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Pride Month

Happy Pride Month!  

While we are proud every day to be a part of and ally to the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, this month that Pride shines just a little brighter as we join the globe in celebration. Pride originates from the 1969 Stonewall Riots: an act of resistance led by trans and queer people of color against police brutality. That uprising sparked a global movement for justice, visibility, and liberation. 

Throughout this month, we celebrate alongside 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities, honoring their resilience, joy, and the courage it takes to live authentically. Pride is a powerful reminder of the vibrant diversity that enriches our community, and the progress made to ensure everyone knows they belong.  

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 

May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB). This year’s theme, “At the Heart of Democracy”, underscores that equity, dignity, and the full participation of 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are fundamental to inclusive societies. While meaningful progress has been made through struggle and study, discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity continue to affect millions globally, underscoring the ongoing need for education, advocacy, and collective action. 

As we mark IDAHOTB, Durham College reaffirms its commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming campus where people of all sexual orientations and gender identities can learn, work, and thrive. The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (OEDI) supports students and employees through policies like the Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Response Policy and the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Policy, as well as with Community Resources that promote wellbeing, belonging, and safety.  

Asian Heritage Month

Asian Heritage Month honours the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of people of Asian descent in Canada. Asia encompasses more than 40 countries and a wide range of languages, identities, and traditions, reflected in the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff.  

Asian Canadian communities have played a vital role in shaping Canada’s cultural, social, and economic landscape. Their contributions span the arts, sciences, education, entrepreneurship, social justice, and public life, and continue to strengthen communities across the country. 

Asian Heritage Month also provides an opportunity to reflect on historical and ongoing inequities Asian Canadians face, while fostering respectful learning, dialogue, and intercultural understanding throughout our campus. 

Throughout the month, students and employees are encouraged to engage with campus and community resources that support inclusion, learning, and safety. These include student–led Asian clubs listed through the DCSA, Durham College’s Harassment and Discrimination Prevention and Response Policy and Wearing of a Kirpan Policy as well as the Victim Services of Durham Region Hate Reporting Program. Educational resources are also available through Canada.ca which highlights significant events in the history of Asian communities in Canada. 

Sexual Violence Prevention Month

May is Sexual Violence Prevention Month. 

Sexual violence impacts people of all genders, identities, and backgrounds, and its effects can be profound and long-lasting. Durham College’s Sexual Violence Policy outlines the College’s approach to prevention, response, and survivor-centered support, and reflects its firm commitment to education, accountability, care, and respect across our campus. 

Sexual violence is preventable, and meaningful change is possible when we act together with compassion and intention. Durham College is dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and respected. 

Support and resources are available to any member of the Durham College community regardless of gender, identity, or background, and may be sought at any stage and in ways that feel right for anyone who has been impacted by sexual violence, whether directly or indirectly. The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (OEDI) Sexual Violence Support page is a helpful educational resource rooted in dignity, respect, and care. In addition to on‑campus supports, individuals may also access community‑based resources, including local organizations listed on the OEDI’s Community Resources page, as well as broader supports like the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada. Help is available—no one has to navigate this alone. 

Everyone deserves to be safe from violence.  

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.

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!