Ramadan observances begin this evening for many members of our community

The following message was sent via email to all students, faculty and staff on April 12.

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Dear Members of the Campus Community,

The month of Ramadan is the holiest month for Muslims. This year Ramadan begins the evening of April 12 and ends the evening of May 12.

During the holy month, Muslims fast and do not consume food or drink during the daytime hours, but instead wake up early to eat a pre-dawn meal called suhoor and break their fast after sunset with a meal called iftar. Please be mindful of the observance of this holiday especially as it takes place during the final weeks of instruction. Students especially may be impacted by fasting and changes to sleep routines to accommodate nourishment.

Ramadan is a time for Muslims to gather with family and community within homes and mosques, much like gatherings that take place for Easter and Passover. It is common for mosques to host large iftars, especially in poor or underserved communities. Many houses of worship and communities will continue to see practices and traditions curtailed to meet regional and state guidelines. Though there has been some easing of pandemic restrictions in many areas, there is still a sense of prolonged isolation for many members of our community who observe the holiday.

We have seen the positive impacts of maintaining social distancing and we continue to encourage all members of the community to maintain those practices and to carefully consider travel plans. Many mosques continue to stream prayer services, and some are even hosting virtual communities to share in the iftar. While not a replacement for in-person gathering, virtual connections to family and friends to share faith and reflection can be sustaining as we continue to navigate the pandemic.

Wishing you all peace and good health,

Tanhena Pacheco Dunn, Associate Vice President for Human Resources, Diversity & Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer