DEI&B Updates for October

Month-Long Observances

  • LGBT History Month

  • Down Syndrome Awareness Month

  • Dyslexia Awareness Month

  • Filipino American History Month

  • Italian American Heritage Month

  • Polish American Heritage Month

  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month

  • Bullying Prevention Month

  • Domestic Violence Awareness Month

  • Global Diversity Awareness Month


Religious or Cultural Observances

  • Yom Kippur (Jewish, 10/1-10/2)

  • Sukkot (Jewish, 10/6-10-13)

  • Indigenous Peoples’ Day (10/13)

  • Diwali (Hindu, Jain, Sikh, Buddhist, 10/20)

  • Birth of Bab and Birth of Baha’u’llah – Twin Holy Birthdays (Bahá’í, 10/22-10/23)


Dates of Significance

  • World Mental Health Day (10/10)

  • National Coming Out Day (10/11)

  • Blind American Equality Day and White Cane Awareness Day (10/15)

  • Spirit Day (10/16)

  • International Stuttering Awareness Day (10/22)

  • National Immigrants Day (10/28)


Library Resources
Anything that is linked is an eBook, anything that is not, we have in our Behind the Eyes Collection.


LGBT History Month

  • Queer: A Graphic History by Meg-John Barker & Jules Scheele

  • A Queer History of the United States by Michael Bronski

  • The Big Reveal: An Illustrated Manifesto of Drag by Sasha Velour

  • The Real Lives of Transgender and Nonbinary Humans by Publish Your Purpose & Brandi Lai

  • The Stonewall Riots: A Documentary History by Marc Stein


Dyslexia Awareness Month


Bullying Prevention Month


Religious or Cultural Observances

Indigenous Peoples’ Day (10/13)

  • An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

  • The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer

  • Notable Native People by Adrienne Keene

  • The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen by Sean Sherman & Beth Dooley

  • Dreaming in Indian: Contemporary Native American Voices edited by Lisa Charleyboy & Mary Beth Leatherdale

  • There There by Tommy Orange

  • The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline |

Birth of Bab and Birth of Baha’u’llah – Twin Holy Birthdays (Bahá’í, 10/22-10/23)


Dates of Significance

World Mental Health Day (10/10)

Student Open Dialogue Event

You are invited to the first Student Open Dialogue of the academic year, on October 14, 12:00-1:00PM in the DEI&B Office (and hybrid) on the third floor at 424 Beacon Street. 

The Open Dialogues are a regular discussion series hosted by the DEI&B Office. There is no need to have attended previous discussions, nor do you need to attend every event. The Open Dialogue series is an avenue for connection and a safe space for conversations we may not easily be able to have in class, clinic, or even social time. Aside from your host, this event is student-only to provide space for student-specific conversations.

To RSVP, please complete this form, where you will also be able to pre-submit any questions or topics you may like to ensure we cover. This is a valuable opportunity to build relationships and community, and for a safe space for conversation.

Refreshments will be served for those able to attend in person, though there is also the option to attend virtually through Zoom; if attending, please RSVP here to indicate how you will participate and ensure there is enough to go around!

White Cane Awareness Day

Friday, October 24, 2025, 10:30AM–1:00PM
Massachusetts State House (Great Hall)

Join the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind to celebrate the independence of the white cane and help raise awareness of the White Cane Law in Massachusetts which requires drivers to identify and yield to pedestrians using a white cane or dog guide at street crossings. Please register here if you plan to attend.

NECO Food Pantry

In case you aren’t familiar or need the reminder:

The Food Pantry is open to all members of the NECO community and is located just off the Community Commons next to the Office of Public Affairs. It is in operation during building hours and is unstaffed to to ensure easy access and anonymity.

We do ask that you please take only what you need so that others can also benefit from this shared resource. By working together and being mindful of our community’s needs, we can ensure that the pantry continues to serve everyone effectively.

In addition to the food pantry, we have many options for food on campus:

  • NECO Community Café for inexpensive meal options: Community Commons

  • Market Fresh for quick and easy meals/snacks: Basement 

  • Snacks available for students in the DEI&B Office: Third Floor 


Food Pantry FAQ

How do you define food insecurity?
We have developed a working definition here at NECO of food insecurity as it relates to our food pantry and our community. Food insecurity is the condition of not having access to food, or food of sufficient quality and quantity, to meet one’s needs, whether that be for a short period or a longer time frame. Food insecurity can occur to anyone at any time, and there can be multitudes of reasons why one may experience it. Regardless of those reasons, we intend our NECO Food Pantry to serve as a resource for those experiencing need at any time.

Do I need to prove that I have a need?
No, however, we ask that you only take what you need, as you need it.

Who is eligible for this service and can access the food pantry?
Any member of the NECO community, students, residents, faculty, and staff who have a need can access the food pantry.

Do I need to provide any identifying details when accessing the food pantry?
No! We understand this is a sensitive topic to many; we do not collect any identifying information when you access the food pantry.

When can I access the food pantry?
The pantry is open during our regular building hours.

How do I access the food pantry?
Simply enter through the electronic classroom during open hours. The electronic classroom is located on the ground floor through the community commons. If you need directions, please email foodpantry@neco.edu or ask a staff member, faculty, or a classmate.

What type of food is provided?
The purpose of the pantry is to provide“staple foods” such as rice, beans, pasta, sauce, and canned goods meant to be prepared at home. We seek anonymous feedback from folks who utilize this service to inform future food selections.

Is this truly free?
Yes. Thanks to generous donors, this is free. If you are able to support the food pantry so that others can access it in the future, you can donate here. 

If you have additional questions, you can reach out to the food pantry committee at foodpantry@neco.edu.

Confidential Resource Provider 
As a reminder, Simone Jadczak is the Confidential Resource Provider on the Title IX team, offering students, faculty, and staff a safe and private environment to discuss concerns related to sexual misconduct. The CRP role ensures confidentiality while providing guidance, support, and information about available resources—without initiating formal investigations.

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