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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.

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.