The Office for Inclusion and Civil Rights (OICR) and the Office of the Provost would like to share several celebrations, commemorations, and moments of raising awareness for members of our community. We welcome the celebration of each of these holidays on our campuses and encourage support for those requiring accommodations. For more information, please review the Religious Accommodations Policy and the Religious Accommodations Frequently Asked Questions.
Last Updated: September 14, 2026
Heritage and Awareness Celebrations
Disability Pride Day and Month
In the United States, Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July to commemorate the July 26th anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in many areas of public life. The ADA seeks to ensure that people with disabilities have the same access to opportunities as everyone else in areas like employment, purchasing goods and services, and participating in state and local government programs. In 2008, the ADA was expanded with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), which broadened the definition of disability and created a more inclusive process to qualify for accommodations. Disability Pride Month is a time to recognize the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of people with disabilities. It affirms that disability is a natural and valuable part of human diversity—not a deficit or condition to be fixed.
UConn seeks to ensure that persons with disabilities have the same access to programs, opportunities, and activities as all others at UConn. The primary pathway for providing that access to students comes from the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD), which offers a variety of programs and services. Faculty and staff can also request employment accommodations via OICR, or request OICR’s training to increase awareness and understanding of disability access and responsibilities at UConn. UConn also offers a Certificate of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies in Public Health, provides access to captioning and ASL interpretation through UCIS, and digital support via the IT Accessibility Coordinator.
French American Heritage Month
July is designated as French American Heritage Month and is dedicated to celebrating and honoring the influences and contributions that the French have had on the United States in art, culture, language, etiquette, and more. Approximately 25.8 million Americans claim French- or French-Canadian ancestry, including over 1 million Creole peoples. This month also celebrates historical events that cemented the important relationship between the United States and France. One famous example is the Statue of Liberty, made in Paris and gifted to the U.S. in 1881.
Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
In 2008, Congress formally recognized Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month as a time to raise awareness about the unique mental health strengths and challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). Campbell was a journalist, teacher, author, and mental health advocate.
Cultural and Federal Holidays
Independence Day
July 4
The 4th of July is a national holiday commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Though organized around celebrating American independence from England, July 4 also provides an opportunity to recognize the diverse peoples and cultures who make up our nation. In 2026, the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, also known as the Semiquincentennial. This milestone invites reflection on the nation’s founding ideals, its complex history, and the ongoing responsibility to examine how those ideals are experienced across communities.
National Black Women’s Equal Pay Day
July 21
First celebrated by The National Committee on Pay Equity in 1996, this day highlights the impacts of institutional racism in the workplace, especially regarding pay. On average, Black women make 62 cents for every dollar paid to a White man. This day also recognizes that inequalities created by pay disparity have generational consequences, a problem that has been exacerbated during the pandemic.
Religious Holidays
Shiva Assar B’Tammuz
July 2
Shiva Assar B’Tammuz (the Fast of the Seventeenth of Tammuz) commemorates several tragedies in Jewish history, including the breach of Jerusalem’s walls before the destruction of the Second Temple. The observance marks the beginning of the Three Weeks, a period of mourning and reflection that culminates with Tisha B’Av. During this time, many Jews reflect on themes of loss, resilience, and hope.
Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha’i)
July 10
The Martyrdom of the Bab is a holiday commemorating the July 9, 1850, execution of the co-founder of the Baha’i faith, the Báb, in Persia. On this day, the Báb was charged with apostasy and shot by order of the Prime Minister of the Persian Empire. The Martyrdom is commemorated with prayers and reading of the Baha’i scriptures.
Karka Sankranti
July 16
Karka Sankranti is a Hindu observance that marks the beginning of the monsoon season, which starts the phase of agricultural activities. Agriculture is a significant source of income in India. During the four months of Dakshinayana, people worship Lord Vishnu. Those who wish to perform Pitru Tarpan for their ancestors wait for Karka Sankranti to perform rituals that can offer peace to the departed souls.
Tisha B’av
July 23 begins sunset July 22
Tisha B’Av is considered the saddest day on the Jewish calendar and marks the culmination of the Three Weeks. It commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, along with other significant tragedies throughout Jewish history. The day is traditionally observed through fasting, prayer, and reflection, offering an opportunity to remember the past while contemplating renewal and the future.
Birthday of Haile Selassie
July 23
For the more than a million Rastafarians worldwide, the birthday of Haile Selassie is one of the holiest days in the Rastafarian tradition. It is celebrated with Nyahbinghi drumming, hymns, and prayers as a spiritual celebration of his life and legacy. Haile Selassie’s reign as Emperor of Ethiopia made him a globally prominent figure. His teachings and philosophy became the foundation for the Rastafari movement, which began in Jamaica in the 1930s.
Pioneer Day
July 24
Pioneer Day, a significant holiday in Utah, commemorates the arrival of the Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. It’s a day of celebration, reflecting the bravery and determination of those who settled in the area. Many events and activities throughout the state honor this historical milestone.
Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola
July 31
The Feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola is celebrated annually on July 31st. It commemorates St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. The feast day honors his life, his spiritual work, and his lasting impact on the Catholic Church.