2021-2022 Heritage Months Statement
Dear DU community,
Here at the University of Denver, we strive to continually deepen our work and progress in diversity, equity and inclusion, engaging a justice-minded approach. We must look back to see how we arrived at our present reality while also looking forward for ways in which we might aim to make a better world in all that we do as a University, as well as individuals who each make up the University community. Our collective recognition of Heritage Months is merely a piece of a bigger overall effort to advance the foundational imperative of making the University of Denver a destination of choice where we celebrate diversity, engage using an equity lens and weave intentional inclusivity into all we do.
Each month as we celebrate the wide varieties of heritages, intersecting identities and varied experiences that comprise the multifaceted nature of society in the United States, we aim to uplift and recognize members of our University community. During these months, we aim to highlight awards, accolades and projects engaged in by members of our community. We also will promote events and creative ways in which all of us can become better informed and more deeply engaged with each of these communities. We must collectively work to stay updated on the wide variety of educational and celebratory happenings each month, so we may continue to recognize DU’s vibrant diversity and bright future.
Each month, The Bridge, The Pulse and The Grad newsletters will provide Heritage Month messaging, event updates and opportunities for engagement. The Crimson Connect website also will continue to offer valuable insights, history and context for each of the Heritage Months. Additionally, each month will feature conversations hosted by Community + Values (C+V) encouraging intellectual growth and theme-specific dialogue.
Thank you for your interest in our celebration of Heritage Months here at the University. We hope this continues to be a valuable part of our broader work in ensuring DU is a destination where individuals can thrive as their full and authentic selves. As we celebrate, we hope that all members of the DU community feel they can show up wholly and completely and flourish. It is important that we create a better, more just and more inclusive world within our University and beyond.
In solidarity,
Christopher M. Whitt, Ph.D
Vice Chancellor of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
C+V Community Talks in Partnership with Heritage Months: An Inclusive Future for Latinx People in Colorado
Join us for a Heritage Months initiative in partnership with C+V.
By 2050, Latinx individuals will be the largest share of Colorado’s racial and ethnic minority population at more than 33%. What does the future look like for the Latinx community in Colorado? How do we work together to address the inequities that impact the Latinx community?
While the state is getting more diverse, Denver is getting whiter. And more Latinx people are being displaced from gentrifying neighborhoods in Denver than in any other major U.S. How do we conserve our traditions and identity when people are getting displaced from their communities?
Join us for a discussion about navigating the future in Colorado as a Latinx community members.
Thursday, September 30, 2021 | 11:30am-12:30pm*
* Please note, we have changed our C+V webinar times to begin at 11:30 am this academic year
Visit the Heritage Months Website
The University of Denver is committed to living our values of diversity and inclusion. Our community and institutional success is dependent on how well we engage and embrace the rich diversity of our faculty, staff, administrators, students and alumni.
With that shared value in mind and in partnership with Human Resources & Inclusive Community (HRIC), the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI), The Cultural Center, and the Staff of Color Association (SOCA), we will celebrate the identities and histories of members of the DU and world communities. Each month we will feature a staff or faculty member and a student in recognition of each heritage month, along with an event to honor one another and learn about our unique differences.
Propose a Program or Highlight a DU Community Member for Heritage Months
The University of Denver is committed to living our values of diversity and inclusion. We recognize that our community and institutional success is dependent on how well we engage and embrace the rich diversity of our faculty, staff, administrators, students, and alumni. With that shared value in mind, throughout this academic year, we plan to publish a series of articles to celebrate cultural and ethnic heritage months. In partnership with Human Resources & Inclusive Community (HRIC), the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI), The Cultural Center, Community + Values (C+V), and the Staff of Color Association (SOCA), we will feature a staff or faculty member and a student in recognition of each heritage month, along with an event to honor one another and learn about our unique differences.
Also, if you are aware of any events that are happening on campus or have an idea for Heritage Month events, we'd love to hear about them and promote them campus-wide.