November 16, 2023 is International Day for Tolerance. The International Day for Tolerance is an annual observance day declared by UNESCO in 1995 to generate public awareness of the dangers of intolerance.
In 1996, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 51/95 proclaiming 16 November as International Day for Tolerance.
The Declaration affirms that tolerance is neither indulgence nor indifference. It is respect and appreciation of the rich variety of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. Tolerance recognizes the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others. People are naturally diverse; only tolerance can ensure the survival of mixed communities in every region of the globe.
From https://www.unesco.org/en/days/tolerance
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
The United Nations General Assembly designated January 27—the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau—as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a time to remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution. Holocaust victims are remembered by reading their names, by lighting candles, and by learning about the Holocaust. All of us can mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day by sharing the truth of the Holocaust and by confronting antisemitism and hate in our daily lives.
https://www.ushmm.org/remember/international-holocaust-remembrance-day
Submitted by Diversity, Equity & Inclusion co-chairs Sally Jacoby Murphy and Linda Haley
LGBT History Month 2023
Monday, October 9, 2023 is National Indigenous People’s Day. It is a day to honor the cultures and histories of the Native American people. Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates, recognizes, and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of Indigenous People. Their way of life and culture carries wisdom and valuable insights into how we can live life more sustainably.
Our homes, businesses and schools in Steuben County exist on land that was once the territory of Seneca people. The Seneca Nation was the western most nation of the Iroquois League, prior to the American Revolutionary War.
As we wrap up Women’s History Month, we leave you with this anthem:
Here’s to strong women!
May we know them.
May we raise them.
May we be them.
**Celebrating Black History Month**
DEI Note for February
Did you know that February 11th is International Day of Women and Girls in Science? In 2015 HRH Princess Dr. Nisreen El-Hashemite, The Science Princess, is credited with creating this UN International Day. From drafting and introducing the resolution to a successful lobbying, the UN has designated February 11 as “International Day of Women and Girls in Science”.
Dr. El-Hashemite has stated, “From today, I very much hope that I will be called a scientist rather than a woman in science, and to be recognized by my achievements rather than by gender”. 11 February 2016, UNHQ
To learn more about this year’s events and initiatives visit https://www.womeninscienceday.org