Sept. 17, 2024

As the University of Rhode Island proudly celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, the Office of Equal Opportunity recognizes the vital contributions Hispanic Americans have made to our nation’s history, culture, and achievements.

The observance, which spans from September 15 to October 15, commemorates the heritage of members of 20 Spanish-speaking countries in the world and their influence on American society at large. The term Hispanic or Latino (or the more recent term Latinx) refers to a person’s culture of origin –regardless of race.

This year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” serves as a reminder of the rich cultural diversity that makes the University of Rhode Island a vibrant place to learn, work, and thrive.

In alignment with the mission of the Office of Equal Opportunity, our team encourages students, faculty, and staff to reflect on the key role each of us plays in fostering an environment free from national origin discrimination in both education and employment. Hispanic Heritage Month presents an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the protections provided under Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, and national origin.

National origin discrimination includes treating individuals unfavorably due to their ethnicity, accent, or perceived ethnic background. National origin discrimination also can involve treating people unfavorably because they are married to (or associated with) a person of a certain national origin. National origin discrimination can occur even when the victim and the perpetrator share the same heritage.

As we celebrate this month, let us also be mindful of the work that remains to be done in ensuring equal opportunity for all. If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or harassment, we encourage you to visit our website to learn more about your rights and the resources available to you.

To learn more about the scope and jurisdiction of the offices involved in investigating discrimination claims, click here.