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DEI Communications

Past communications from the CFA Assistant Dean for Communications, Valeria J. Martinez.

With Pain and Gratitude

The truth is I am growing weary from writing messages that cast out hate from our lived experiences. Sadly, we live in a world where so many people choose ignorance over understanding. It is not hatred, but fear of the unknown and the choice to remain ignorant that causes hateful acts. That is what every one of these deplorable events and acts have in common: ignorance.

Up for the Challenge?

NAIHM is a relatively young heritage month, as its ratification (similar to Native American history) was quite politicized and complicated. Its origin began as "American Indian Day" — a day fought for recognition by Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, who was the director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, N.Y. He argued that the Boy Scouts of America should set aside a day for the "First Americans."

Beyond Borders

In learning about the peaceful protests met with abhorrent violence in Iran and the heinous murders of children in Thailand, my heart breaks and extends sorrow and empathy to those whose families, communities and cultures stem from those beautiful countries.

Shanah Tovah

As our college community prepares to celebrate the academic new year at the end of the week during CFA Community Days, our Jewish community members will begin a spiritual new year as they celebrate and observe their High Holy Days. The High Holy Days take place over the next few weeks, beginning yesterday, and include Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

En Comunidad

Today marks the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Maria, an event that resulted in 4,645 deaths in Puerto Rico and over hundreds of thousands of relocations.

Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Community

Every year, National Latinx Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. As the largest pan-ethnic group in the United States, Chicanxs, Hispanics and Latinxs are extremely diverse by race, language, nationality and experiences along the diaspora.

Let's Reflect and Celebrate

Happy Pride Month! Happy Caribbean Heritage Month! And, in a matter of days, Happy Juneteenth, everyone!

Our Progress in DEI

Due to various reasons, our engagement this semester felt limited. My hope and intention was to provide several updates about the inclusive work that has been completed over the past academic year and engage with community members in person before the end of the year. Since that is not possible, I would like to utilize this last correspondence for the 2021-2022 academic year as a combination of updates, acknowledgements and gratitudes.

April is Celebrating Diversity Month

This month, we recognize not only Diversity Month, but it also is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, National Alcohol Awareness Month, National Month of Hope and other important social issues and causes. When thinking about all this month holds, like religious and spiritual holidays, international days of symbolism and the ending of another academic year, it is important to recognize all that has been accomplished to this point and all who are deserving of celebration.

Reclaiming Time and Power

This month, we hope to decrease the waiting time by centering “herstory.” “Herstory” is a term created in the 20th century to mean history that is written by women, centering the experience of women. The College of Fine Arts will celebrate Women’s Herstory Month with a focus: “Counter-narratives: Sharing Victoria’s Secret.”

Black History Month: Collective Work and Responsibility

The College of Fine Arts honors Black History Month by accepting accountability for our positioning of Black and African American history, culture and narratives within our community. We must do better, and we will.

Transphobia has no place in CFA

Last week was Trans Awareness Week, a week to celebrate, educate and identify modes of accountability and allyship. The week ended on Saturday, November 20, Trans Day of Remembrance — a day to honor the memory of those whose lives were taken to trans violence, transphobia and cissexism. These heinous acts are not isolated, but complicated by intersections of race, ethnicity, ability, class, etc.

In Unity and Commemoration

Tomorrow, October 27, 2021, will mark the third anniversary of the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the United States — an attack that took place at the Tree of Life — Or L'Simcha Congregation in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A place of worship that is located mere blocks away from our campus.

Remembering George Floyd

The College of Fine Arts is committed to providing an atmosphere of learning that is inclusive of a variety of perspectives.

A Verdict

Yesterday, a historic verdict was delivered in the trial of Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was found guilty on all counts in the trial for the death of George Floyd.

CFA Diversity Statement

The College of Fine Arts is committed to providing an atmosphere of learning that is inclusive of a variety of perspectives.

In Community

It pains me to write another statement acknowledging racial hatred in this country, but it is a statement that must be made.

April is Celebrate Diversity Month

April is “Celebrate Diversity Month”. Designated in 2004, April is a time to help people gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of one another.

In Solidarity

Two weeks ago, we were made aware of the abhorrent racial violence that ensued in Atlanta, Ga., resulting in the death of six Asian women: Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, Yong Ae Yue, Hyun Jung Grant, Soon Chung Park, and Sun Cha Kim, as well as Delaina Yaun Gonzalez and Paul Andre Michaels.
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