Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Articles
The Tusla Race Massacre (May 31 – June 1st, 1921)
The Tulsa Race Massacre, also known as the Tulsa Race Riot, occurred on May 31 and June 1, 1921, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States. It was a tragic event of racial violence and destruction, primarily targeting the prosperous African American community of Greenwood, often referred to as “Black Wall Street.” The…
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Pride Month
June is commonly known as Pride Month and is dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning) community. It’s a time when LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies come together to honor the progress made in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and to promote equality,…
Immigrant Heritage Month
June is Immigrant Heritage Month in the United States. It was established in June 2014 to celebrate immigrants’ rich cultural diversity and contributions to the United States. This month provides an opportunity to honor and appreciate the unique heritage and stories of immigrants who have made America their home. Immigrant Heritage…
Caribbean American Heritage Month
Caribbean American Heritage Month, established in June 2006, provides an opportunity to highlight the achievements, history, art, music, cuisine, and traditions of Caribbean Americans. It is a time to recognize the significant impact and influence that Caribbean Americans have had on the United States. Here are some ways to celebrate Caribbean…
Jewish American Heritage Month
Jewish American Heritage Month, also known as JAHM, is a month-long celebration in the United States that takes place every May to honor and recognize the significant contributions of Jewish Americans to American history, culture, and society. Jewish American Heritage Month was established in 2006 by President George W. Bush to…
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness and promote understanding of mental health issues. Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being but is often overlooked and stigmatized in many societies. This month-long observance provides an opportunity to educate the public about mental health’s importance…
Asian Pacific Heritage Month
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans to the history and culture of the United States. This month-long celebration began in 1979 when Congress passed a resolution recognizing the contributions of Asians and Pacific Islanders to American society. May…
DEI Day @ PTC
Ibram X. Kendi Livestream
The library is sponsoring an event the evening of March 9th, 6:00 pm in the gallery. We have paid to have Ibram X. Kendi, livestreamed, to discuss his latest book which is a children’s book based on an African folk tale. If you are unfamiliar with Dr. Kendi, this is a…
Kwanzaa
Official Kwanzaa Website Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration held in the United States that honors African heritage in African American culture. Kwanzaa is observed from December 26th to January 1st and culminates in gift giving and a big feast. Unity:Umoja (oo–MO–jah) Self-determination: Kujichagulia (koo–gee–cha–goo–LEE–yah) Collective Work and Responsibility: Ujima (oo–GEE–mah) Cooperative…
World AIDS Day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WEtxJ4-sh4 One of my favorite groups is TLC. The song “Waterfalls” was released in 1995. I remember hearing the song and listening to the lyrics. It was in 1996, I recall listening to an interview, and they discussed the lyrics to the song and its relevance. The song brought attention to…
It’s the Holiday Season
An So, as the Andy Williams song goes, Whoop de do. The Holiday Season means different things to everyone reading this. Each of us has a solid idea of what this means to us. We are probably sure in your belief and your faith in our holiday season. And I, respect…
PCHE BIPOC
Jaclyn Smith and I attended the PCHE BIPOC New Faculty & Staff Welcome & Reception at Chatham University. It was a great opportunity to network with other colleges and universities. Thank you, Karina Chavez, Dr. David Finegold, President and all the participants for making it a memorable event.
DEI values: SAFETY
Safety is one of the five values of the DEI office. I was told that despite communication regarding the importance of wearing badges, employees perceive they are exempt and give some of our officer’s problems when asked to wear their badges or have them visible. We cannot have certain freedoms without…
Q4 Pittsburgh Diversity Council Chapter Meeting
PTC hosted the Q4 Pittsburgh Diversity Council Chapter meeting, Tuesday, October 18th. The topic was Allyship: “I’d like to solve the puzzle”: Allyship presented by Dr. Paul Spradley, VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (Dollar Bank). Thank you, Haleigh McDonald, Business Development and Event Programmer (National Diversity Council) for coordinating the…
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Cultural Competence & Workplace Diversity Training
Cultural Competence & Workplace Diversity Training Shout out!! Congratulations to the Graphic Design students who completed the Cultural Competence & Workplace Diversity training. Thank you, Alicia Cerullo for your commitment to expanding access to our students as they prepare to enter the workforce. From left to right:Nathan Lambert, Emma Kuzminsky, Rohmen…
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Testing Center is open
Hello PTC Community, We are pleased to announce that the Testing Center in Room 604B will be open to students who are approved for testing accommodations beginning in the October quarter! Currently, the Testing Center is used for Accuplacer Testing. This will continue, but now students who are approved for a…
Student ID card changes
Dear PTC Community, We are excited to announce a change to the back of Student ID cards: they will now include a QR code that links students to the Health & Wellness Center webpage where students can book appointments for both health and counseling services. We hope that by making booking…
Connect With Us on TikTok
Follow us on TikTok to hear from other students about what’s on their minds this back-to-school season, and join in by sharing how you support your mental health and tackle challenges. Click here to connect Hashtag #MentalHealth #JEDCares #SchoolMentalHealth #BackToSchool #MentalHealthMatters
NAMI x JED’s Mental Health Guide to College
Find expert advice for college students on everything from creating healthy relationships to taking care of your emotional health and staying safe on campus in this easy-to-follow, information-packed guide. Click here to learn more
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Going to Campus Mindfully: How to Plan for a Supported, Connected, Less Stressful Year
We know it can be stressful as you head into a new school year, which is why we put together a guide to help you think about what you want out of this year, how you can stay connected to yourself and others, and plan for a year that feels good to you.…
You Are Here
You Are Here is an experience from JED and our partners at PINK offering tips, practices, and resources for navigating transitions like back to school with intention, connecting with your authentic self, pressing pause when you need to, and embracing your next chapter. Click here to learn more
JED is here to support you
This back-to-school season, JED is here to support you with useful advice, tips, and resources to plan for a strong start. Beginning right now, exactly where you are, you can take the first steps to have a year that feels good to you. Feeling Stressed? We can’t always control the…
Transition to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline The 10-digit Lifeline number 1-800-273-TALK (8255) will continue to be operational after July 16 and will route calls to 988 indefinitely. Need Support Now?If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org Stephanie A. Svilar, Ed.D., LPC, NCC (She/Her)Dean…
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Cheryl Lumsden
The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and DEI Task force wish to thank Cheryl Lumsden for her dedication, commitment, and service to Pittsburgh Technical College and her passion and persistence in serving on the task force. I had the privilege of working alongside her and other members for over a…
Wellness Walk Campaign
In collaboration with the Dr. Stephanie Svilar, I am pleased to launch the Wellness Walk Campaign. The purpose is to promote physical activity as one of many ways to improve mental health and well-being. Walk for 15-30 minutes between the hours of 11 am-1 pm with a colleague or student around…
Training & Development
Congratulations to the graduating Surgical Tech class of 2022!! First class to complete the Cultural Competence and Workplace Diversity training. Instructor: Gabrielle Muzina Students: A Johnson, A. Pritt, D. Abrantes, D. Matson, G. Thomas, J. Illig, K. Schulmeister, L. Mills, M. Forry, T. Gozur We are so proud of your commitment…
Pride Month Finale
Thank you, Shane McGarvey and the Rainbow Alliance, for hosting the Pride Month Camp Fire finale. We had a wonderful time celebrating with students, faculty, and staff. I am privileged to work for an institution that promotes an authentic, not aspirational culture. The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusions values (civility, advocacy,…
Juneteenth
Juneteenth, the official name of the federal holiday Juneteenth National Independence Day, also called Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day, and Juneteenth Independence Day, is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, observed annually on June 19. This year Juneteenth falls on Sunday, June 19, 2022. In 1863, during the American Civil War, Pres. Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation,…
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) has been observed in May in the United States since 1949. The purpose is to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illnesses as well as sharing strategies for maintaining mental health and wellness. Additionally, MHAM strives to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health. …