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The Committee on Institutional Equity and Diversity (CIED) is committed to providing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) related resources on monthly observances. Please check back often as our list is frequently updated and ever-evolving.
A comprehensive list of all monthly observances and significant dates are available on the CIED Diversity Calendar .
Resources
July
Disability Pride Month
After decades of grassroots activism, protests, and lobbying by disabled people around the country, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush on July 26, 1990. Over the next few years, several cities celebrated with annual Disability Independence Day parades at the end of July.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
ADA website maintained by Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice features legal information, design standards, technical assistance materials, and enforcement
Virtual exhibits on ADA 30 , at the NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
History of the Disability Rights Movement
Disability Pride Month
Disability Diversity
August
8/26: Women’s Equality Day
August 26 is designated as Women’s Equality Day and is celebrated in the United States to commemorate the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment (Amendment XIX) to the United States Constitution , which prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex.
Movement against this bill:
Local events:
September
Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15, honoring the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
In the month of September several Latin American countries celebrate their Independence Day and Día de la Raza , or Day of the Race, which falls on October 12.
Read about Hispanic Heritage Month
CUNY
Events
Podcasts
Recommended Books
September 11
National Resources for September 11
Around CUNY
BMCC - Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) is the only college in United States history to have lost a campus building to a terrorist attack. Explore the School's resilience, recovery, and remembrance.
CUNY TV - Virtual Town Hall on 20th Anniversary of Attacks
CUNY Central - City University of New York's special reflection from September 9, 2021
October
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)
LGBTQ+ History Month
LGBTQ+ History Month is celebrated in October to observe the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community. It coincides with the National Coming Out Day, that is observed on October 11.
The observance of LGBTQ+ History Month began in 1994, which was created by Rodney Wilson, a history teacher at a Missouri high school. The commemorative month originally honored gay and lesbian history, but over the years, "additional acronyms were added to increase inclusivity of LGBTQ+ communities." (LGBTQ History Month , IOWA Multicultural & International Student Support & Engagement)
History
Celebrate LGBT History Month
November
National Native American Heritage Month
History and Resources
Events
National Park Service - a list of events hosted on the Official Website of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation
Smithsonian - a list of the museum's sponsored events
Maps
Native Land - an app to help map Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages
National Public Radio (NPR) - invites us to learn which Native lands we live on via a map that conveys more than borders
Reflections for Allies
CNN - 5 ways to honor Native Americans during National Native American Heritage Month- including decolonizing your Thanksgiving dinner
National Congress of American Indians - read about the campaign to end harmful “Indian” mascots
Smithsonian - offers a thought-provoking essay on Native Americans' Thanksgiving reflections
Women and the American Story - invite you to meet the proud and powerful writer, Zitkala-Sa
For Kids
PBS Learning Media (PBS13) - a curated look at Indigenous art, history, and culture from multiple resources for teachers and their students
Teen Vogue - gives guidelines for young people on avoiding offensive stereotypes and how to be a better ally to Native nations
December
12/3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Celebrated on December 3, 2020
University-wide:
For Students:
For Staff:
For Faculty: