Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) is committed to providing leadership, guidance, and resources supporting the institution’s commitment to develop, implement, measure, and transform our culture to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all.
The DEI office will partner with forward-facing departments to support programs to empower students to become advocates for DEI to help build community acceptance for all now and in the future.
As a transformative global institution, the office will provide measurable outcomes of success in programs, activities, training, and education related to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to inspire community excellence.
VISION STATEMENT
To overcome barriers as the model community that accepts, respects, and encourages the value, dignity, belonging, and capabilities of all individuals.
MISSION STATEMENT
To champion a community of diversity, equity & inclusion, and belonging in a spirit of civility.
VALUES
CIVILITY
We promote civility in the community as well as empathy and acceptance for all.
ADVOCACY
We advocate for fair and equitable practices and policies that promote and nurture understanding and acceptance.
RESPECT
We respect all individuals’ value of dignity as a foundation for promoting caring, equity, and self-esteem in every community member.
EMPOWERMENT
We empower the underrepresented in the community to be heard and accepted.
SAFETY
We strive to create a safe, inclusive community for all without fear of retaliation or retribution.
Meet the Team
Special thanks to Jessica Cooper and Colleen Maxwell for their participation in the DEI Taskforce. We made great strides and look forward to continuing the great work. If anyone is interested in learning more about volunteering, please email Marsha Lindsay.
Awareness Calendar
May 2022
May is…
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the United States. The month of May was chosen 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.
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.
Jewish American Heritage Month, which recognizes the diverse contributions of the Jewish people to American culture.
Mental Health Awareness Month (or Mental Health Month), which aims to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illnesses and reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illnesses.
May 1: Beltane, an ancient Celtic festival celebrated on May Day, signifying the beginning of summer
May 2–3 (sunrise to sundown): Eid al-Fitr, the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal, marking the end of Ramadan. Many Muslims attend communal prayers, listen to a khutuba (sermon), and give Zakat al-Fitr (charity in the form of food) during Eid al-Fitr.
May 3: Feasts of Saints Philip and James, a Roman rite feast day held on the anniversary of the dedication of the Church to Saints Phillip and James in Rome
May 5: Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican holiday commemorating the Mexican Army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861–1867). This day celebrates Mexican culture and heritage with a variety of festivities, including parades and mariachi music performances.
May 5–6 (sundown to sundown): Yom Ha’Atzmaut, national Independence Day in Israel
May 6: National Day of Prayer, a day of observance in the United States when people are asked to “turn to God in prayer and meditation”
May 8: Buddha Day (Vesak or Visakha Puja), a Buddhist festival that marks Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. It falls on the day of the full moon in May and is a gazetted holiday in India.
May 17: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, a global celebration of sexual orientation and gender diversities
May 18–19 (sundown to sundown): Lag BaOmer, a Jewish holiday marking the day of hillula of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
May 21: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, a day set aside by the United Nations as an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to learn to live together in harmony
May 23–24 (sundown to sundown): Declaration of the Báb, the day of declaration of the Báb, the forerunner of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í faith
May 24: Orthodox Easter (also called Pascha), a later Easter date than what is observed by many Western churches
May 26: Ascension of Jesus or Ascension Day, celebrated as the ascension of Christ from Earth in the presence of God within most of the Christian faith
May 30: Memorial Day in the United States, a federal holiday established to honor military veterans who died in wars fought by US forces
May 29: Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, commemorates the ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í faith
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Articles
Student Spotlight & Diversity Champion Recognition
Contact
Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Pittsburgh Technical College
1111 Mckee Rd.
Oakdale, PA 15071
Marsha N. Lindsay
Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
Email: Lindsay.Marsha@ptcollege.edu
Office: 412.809.5293
Fax: 412.809.5219