April is Celebrate Diversity Month!
"Diversity in all its forms is the path to greatness." –James D. Wilson
This month is a time to recognize and embrace the diversity of identities that make SPH-B and the world around us unique, stunning, and vibrant. Celebrate Diversity Month was initiated in April 2004 and is celebrated annually in April. While it is paramount to celebrate diversity all year round, designating a month to celebrate diversity is a reminder of the importance of setting aside time to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other and acknowledge the significant impact of diversity in enriching and strengthening institutions and communities.
As always, we actively work to champion diversity by increasing and embracing it, eliminating discrimination, embracing inclusivity, and promoting a climate of belonging. This includes learning more now—and year-round—from each other and all events hosted in the school and University-wide both now and throughout the year. Read more below:
(https://diversity.iu.edu/news-events/events/index.html)
Every one of us benefits when we foster an inclusive organizational climate that creates a sense of belonging for all.
That includes all of you celebrating April birthdays! Happy Birthday to all those who were born this month!
"Celebrate Diversity Month" offers several opportunities to explore, embrace, and celebrate our theme and is host to several important observances, including some related to health-related diversity. We encourage you to learn more about the following April Awareness events, and consider attending and sharing them with students, colleagues, and friends:
School of Public Health Upcoming Events
April 3–7, 2023: National Public Health Week
The theme for National Public Health Week (NPHW) 2023 is Centering and Celebrating Cultures in Health. Offering plenty of opportunities for fun, learning, and personal growth, NPHW is presented in partnership with the SPH Office of Public Health Practice. Click the following link to see all the events planned. https://publichealth.indiana.edu/campaign/nphweek/National-Public-Health-Week-2023.html
Thursday April 27, 2023: #AllVoicesBelong April Event
Topic: SACNAS IUB chapters "Open House"
Thursday April 27, 2023
12–1 p.m. | PH 125
Description: Short ~20-25-minute presentation about SACNAS and the IUB chapters (student and professional), followed by Q/A, time for discussion of future activities, logo selection/presentation, and networking. A light lunch will be provided for those who RSVP by April 24, and a Zoom link will be provided for those who would like to attend but will not make it in person. Email Teri Hruby (thruby@indiana.edu) to confirm your in-person or virtual attendance by 5pm on Monday April 24, 2023.
April Diversity and Health Awareness Topics
April 2: World Autism Awareness Day
April 2: Palm Sunday (Christian)
April 5: Passover/Pesach (April 5 to April 13)
April 6: Maundy/Holy Thursday (Christian)
April 6 Theravada New Year (Buddhist)
April 7: Good Friday (Christian)
April 7: Day to Remember Rwanda Genocide Victims
April 9: Easter Sunday (Christian)
April 14: Day of Silence (Students take a day-long vow of silence to protest the actual silencing of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students and their straight allies due to bias and harassment)
April 14: Orthodox Good Friday
April 14: Vaisakhi (Sikh)
April 17: Yom Hashoah (Jewish) (Sunset April 17 to Sunset April 18)
April 17: Laila Al-Qadr (Islamic) (Sunset April 17)
April 21: Eid Al-Fitr (Islamic) (Sundown April 21 to Sundown April 22)
April 21: Festival of Ridvan (Baha'i) (April 21 to May 2)
April 22: Earth Day
April 24: Armenian Martyrs' Day
April 25: Yom HaAtzmaut (Jewish) (Sundown April 25 to Nightfall April 26)
April Month-long observances:
- Arab-American Heritage Month
- Autism Awareness Month
- Celebrate Diversity Month
- Earth Month
- National Child Abuse Prevention Month
- National Volunteer Month Celebrate Diversity Month
- Move More Month
- National Stress Awareness Month
- National Volunteer Month
- National Youth Sports Safety Month
- Sexual Assault Awareness Month
- Testicular Cancer Awareness Month
Very respectfully,
Jerono P. Rotich. Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Organizational Climate, Inclusion, and Belonging