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Inclusive Excellence California State University, Sacramento

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Messages from the CDO & IE

Veteran's Day 2024

Honoring Veterans Day and our Hornet Veterans

Dear Hornet Family,

This Veteran's Day, we pause to honor and thank the veterans and military-connected members of our Sacramento State community for their service. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who have given their lives for our country, and Armed Forces Day, which celebrates those on active duty, Veterans Day is unique in that it allows us to recognize the public service of all who have served. This Veterans Day, we also take the opportunity to honor military families, whose support and sacrifices are essential to the well-being of our service members.

At Sacramento State, we are proud to have a strong network of veterans, active service members, and their families who enrich our campus with their diverse experiences, leadership, and resilience. We encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on their contributions and offer your thanks. The Veterans Success Center remains a vital resource for our military-connected community, offering ongoing support and opportunities.

Additionally, Inclusive Excellence is here as a resource for anyone seeking more information or support, and we encourage you to reach out to us at diversity@csus.edu.

To all our veterans and military families, we extend our deepest gratitude for your legacy of loyalty and service.

With appreciation,

Michael V. Nguyen, PhD

Chief Diversity Officer (Interim)

Inclusive Excellence

2024 Election Information and Resources

Dear Hornet Family,

As Election Day approaches on November 5, we encourage our campus community to embrace this moment of Hornet civic pride. With many in our community casting ballots, including first-time voters, it is a powerful reminder of the importance of each person’s participation in shaping our future.

This election season can spark a wide range of emotions and viewpoints, which are natural parts of our vibrant, diverse community. During this time, we ask everyone to hold space for different perspectives and to approach conversations with empathy, respect, and understanding. As a Hornet Family, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment where all members of our campus community feel valued, respected, and connected.

As we exercise our civic rights, we encourage our Hornet Family to:

  • Take advantage of on-campus voting resources
  • Practice self-care and mindfulness
  • Engage in respectful dialogue across differences
  • Support fellow community members
  • Utilize available support services when needed

Campus Support Services

As our community awaits the election results, we encourage you to prioritize your well-being. Some available campus resources include:


Additionally, there will be various election-related events on campus. Please contact the following campus centers to learn more:

On-Campus Voting Resources

As detailed in President Wood's message last week, Sacramento State offers convenient voting options:

  • Vote Center at Modoc Hall (Willow Suites 1-3):
    • Monday, Nov. 4: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
    • Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5): 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Ballot drop-box in the Welcome Center lobby (8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday through Election Day.)

For more information, please visit Sacramento State's voting website

Important reminder: Sacramento County residents can register and vote on the same day at our Vote Center. Multilingual voting materials are available on-site.

Voting with a Disability

All polling locations must be accessible, providing:

  • Accessible parking with clear path to entrance
  • Wide doors and large-print materials
  • Assistance from poll workers
  • Right to bring two helpers (not employers/union reps) or request poll worker help
  • Service animals are welcome

If you need accommodations, please contact your local election office. For more information, see the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Checklist on Polling Place Accessibility or Disability Rights California Webpage on Voting Rights.

Sac State remains dedicated to fostering a campus environment where every member of our community feels supported and valued. For any questions or additional support, please reach out to us at diversity@csus.edu.

Thank you for your engagement, empathy, and commitment to our Hornet Family.

In Community,

Inclusive Excellence

Honoring Dia de los Muertos: A Celebration of Life and Memory

History

Día de los Muertos is an Indigenous tradition from Southern Mexico and Central America, celebrated from October 28th to November 2nd. This holiday honors the lives of loved ones who have passed, including family, friends, and even pets, as they return from their annual rest to reunite with those they left behind.

Families prepare for this time by creating ofrendas (altars) filled with meaningful mementos like candles, photos, keepsakes, and personal items like eyeglasses or jewelry to guide our antepasados (ancestors) back home. These altars also include essentials and treats like water, favorite foods, cempasúchil, (flowers), coffee, sugar skulls, sweet bread, and other items that were loved or enjoyed by those who have passed. Traditionally, ofrendas are built on two or three levels, symbolizing earth, sky, and the underworld, as a place to honor and welcome our ancestors.

Traditionally, Día de los Muertos invites families to decorate the resting places of their loved ones, but as this holiday has gained popularity in the U.S., more families are building ofrendas at home to honor their relatives.

At Sacramento State

At Sacramento State, we celebrate Día de los Muertos to foster community among our students. Our approach centers on cultural knowledge, blending non-traditional learning with the familial wisdom that students bring from home. Through exploring Indigenous history and traditions, we create a space where students can honor loved ones, express their identities, and connect with one another in a supportive environment.

This celebration has become an opportunity for students to creatively acknowledge their heritage, develop their identities, and commemorate those they've lost. In our post-COVID era, it also provides a meaningful space for those who may not have had the chance to mourn fully.

The first Día de los Muertos Altar at Sacramento State was created in the Fall of 2019 by Professor Luis Gacia’s Art 133 students at Kadema Hall. The goal was to introduce pre-service educators to non-traditional teaching methods and foster community within the class. In 2022, Professors Tena-Encarnacion and Dr. Huante collaborated to expand the event, uniting the Art and Ethnic Studies departments. With additional involvement from Dr. Flores, student participation grew significantly, creating a truly vibrant and inclusive celebration.

Today, the altar project continues as a powerful way to build community among students, faculty, and even local schools, honoring both tradition and education.

Join Sac State Barrio Arts & Ethnic Studies!

The campus community is invited to gather for this year’s Día de los Muertos Altar Exhibit on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024, in the University Library Quad. Celebrate with us through a day filled with cultural events and student-led storytelling, all honoring the memories of loved ones and embracing the beauty of tradition.

Agenda of Events:

12PM-2PM: Catrina Fashion Show, led by Dr. Nancy Tzintzun-Huante

1PM: Theater Production, led by Nicole Limon

1:30PM: Marigold Ceremony, led by Dr. Luis Garcia

3PM-8PM: Student Ofrenda Storytelling, led by Professor Jason Tena-Encarnacion

Come experience the heart of Día de los Muertos at Sacramento State, connect with the community, and enjoy an enriching day of remembrance and celebration.

With special thanks to Sac State Barrio Arts & the Ethnic Studies Department,

Lilia A. Contreras Ramirez (she, her, ella)

Hispanic Serving Institution Director

&

Inclusive Excellence Team

Standing in Solidarity with Our Trans and LGBTQIA+ Community

Dear Hornet Community,

At Sacramento State, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering an environment of inclusivity, respect, and dignity for all members of our community. Unfortunately, we must address recent hateful and harmful actions targeting our trans and LGBTQIA+ community members. Anti-trans rhetoric was recently spread on social media, which specifically singled out our Queer and Trans Faculty and Staff Association (QTFAS) and members of our campus community.

These actions, including the posting of faculty and staff pictures and contact information alongside abusive comments, are deeply disturbing and completely counter to the values we uphold at Sacramento State. We unequivocally condemn this behavior. Harassment and the spreading of hateful language have no place in our community, and we stand in full support of our transgender and LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and faculty.

Let us be clear: at Sacramento State, we affirm the right of all individuals to live as their authentic selves, free from fear, discrimination, and harassment. We are committed to ensuring that our campus remains a safe and welcoming environment for every member of our community, regardless of their gender identity or expression.

We want to remind you that resources are available to anyone affected by these actions. We encourage you to seek support and to report any further incidents. We will continue to stand alongside you as we build a campus that prioritizes the well-being and safety of all its members.

Sacramento State is proud to offer these resources and offer a space of learning and support. On October 24th, the Queer and Trans Faculty and Staff Association (QTFAS) and Inclusive Excellence hosted a LGBTQ+ Cultural Humility Training, facilitated by Sacramento's LGBT Center, which focused on creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals. The training provided valuable awareness about LGBTQ+ identities, inclusive language and pronouns, and best practices for supporting transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. We thank everyone who participated in the training and look forward to more opportunities to learn about and support our diverse community.

As we look ahead to Transgender Awareness Week (November 13-19), a week dedicated to raising awareness about transgender issues and honoring the transgender community, we invite all members of our campus to continue learning and participating in discussions and activities that promote understanding, inclusion, and support for our trans community members.

Thank you for your continued dedication to creating a compassionate and respectful campus environment.

In solidarity,

Michael V. Nguyen, PhD

Chief Diversity Officer (Interim)

Inclusive Excellence

NAGPRA Survey Reminder

The University is extending the deadline to complete the campuswide inventory of potential Native American ancestors and cultural objects. Please complete this survey to report any human remains (regardless of ancestry) and any potential Native American cultural items held by you or your campus unit or to report encountering any human remains (regardless of ancestry) and any potential Native American cultural items during your work or studies at Sacramento State. Your participation helps ensure that Sacramento State will meet its legal obligations under state and federal law and fulfill our ethical duty to our Tribal partners.

If you have questions, please contact Sarah Eckhardt, the campus Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Coordinator (sarah.eckhardt@csus.edu) or visit our campus NAGPRA website for more information on NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA at Sacramento State.

In community,

Michael V. Nguyen, PhD

Chief Diversity Officer (Interim)

Inclusive Excellence