At UNLV, we celebrate Asian, Pacific Islander and Middle Eastern (APIME) Heritage Month in April, during our academic year.

April is Arab American Heritage Month, recognizing the ethnically, religiously, and politically diverse ancestry representing more than 20 nations stretching from northern Africa through western Asia. We also celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month before our academic year ends, however, nationally, it is held in May.

While this message is about celebrating our students, faculty, and staff at this very diverse university, it also is important we are all aware of the issues facing members of our community. As I’ve mentioned before, living with racism, xenophobia, and violence is a disturbing reality for our students, faculty, and staff who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), as well as those who are Asian, Pacific Islander, and Middle Eastern.

This month presents an opportunity for you to learn more about the heritage and cultures of our students, faculty, and staff who identify as Asian, Pacific Islander and Middle Eastern. You can get involved by learning about services and programs at UNLV and by participating in events. I hope you will join us and amplify the voices of our APIME students, faculty, and staff at UNLV.