Equity and Inclusion Observances Calendar

Events and Observances

National Observances

  • January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Don’t let human trafficking become a part of your story. Find out how you can help change the narrative. Use #SlaveryHumanTraffickingPreventionMonth to share on social media.
  • February is Black History Month in the United States and Canada. Since 1976, the month has been designated to remember the contributions of people of the African diaspora.
  • March is Women’s History Month. Started in 1987, Women’s History Month recognizes all women for their valuable contributions to history and society.
  • March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, established in 1987 to increase awareness and understanding of issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • March is National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month. It was established in 2003 to raise public awareness of the autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord and assist those with multiple sclerosis in making informed decisions about their health care.
  • April is Celebrate Diversity Month, started in 2004 to recognize and honor the diversity surrounding us all. By celebrating differences and similarities during this month, organizers hope that people will get a deeper understanding of each other.
  • April is Autism Awareness Month, established in 1970 to raise awareness about the developmental disorder that affects children’s normal development of social and communication skills.
  • May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the United States. The month of May was chosen in 1990 to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks on the project were Chinese immigrants.
  • May is Older Americans Month, established in 1963 to honor the legacies and contributions of older Americans and to support them as they enter their next stage of life.
  • May is Jewish American Heritage Month, established in 2006 to acknowledge the diverse contributions of the Jewish people to American culture.
  • June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, established in 1994 to recognize the impact that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on the world. LGBT groups celebrate this special time with pride parades, picnics, parties, memorials for those lost to hate crimes and HIV/AIDS, and other group gatherings. The last Sunday in June is Gay Pride Day.
  • Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15. This month corresponds with Mexican Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16, and recognizes the revolution in 1810 that ended Spanish dictatorship. (Established in 1968)
  • October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This observance was launched in 1945 when Congress declared the first week in October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1998, the week was extended to a month and renamed. The annual event draws attention to employment barriers that still need to be addressed.
  • October is LGBT History Month, a U.S. observance started in 1994 to recognize lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history and the history of the gay-rights movement.
  • The second Monday is October is Indigenous Peoples' Day, recognized by our own Diversity Council, NASA - Native American Student Association, and Lane SGA Student Government. Indigenous Peoples' Day is a holiday that celebrates and honors Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures.
  • November is National Native American Heritage Month, which celebrates the history and contributions of Native Americans. (Established in 1990)
  • December is World HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, Universal Human Rights Awareness Month (1948), and Handwashing Awareness Month.