December Observances

Advocacy is central to our Student Senate and we’d like to take some time to acknowledge some of the observances during the month of December. Here are just some of the ways in which we can begin to create awareness and advocacy during this month as well as learn about resources that are available.

Human Rights Day

On December 10th, 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations, adopted and proclaimed Universal Human Rights. The document is currently transcribed in over 500 languages.

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

HIV/AIDS Awareness Month

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) that interferes with the body's ability to fight infection and disease. HIV can later lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). There is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS, but medications have been discovered to slow down the progression.

To learn more about HIV/AIDS, watch the following videos:

HIV/AIDS Information

Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month

December is known as Drunk and Drugged Driving Month, due to the increased numbers of accidents that occur during the Holiday season. In 2019, 40,000 deaths were reported to involve Drunk or Drugged Driving during December.

This Holiday season, more than ever, it is important to stay safe. If you know that you will be under the influence above the legal capacity, be sure to have a backup plan. Designate a DD (designated driver), order an Uber or Lyft, anything but drunk or drugged driving. Some companies are known to offer free rides for those who are impaired and/or not able to make a plan. Do some research before you go out!

It is also important to be aware that even prescription medications can impact your driving. Make sure you read the labels for each prescription.

It's our responsibility to make sure that we are not driving impaired and that we are checking in on our friends to make sure they aren’t making the decision to drive while under the influence.

Here are some other videos to learn more about the impacts of drunk and drugged driving:

The following video is the story of a victim who survived a drunk driving accident:

Antonio Mason Drunk Driving Victim Story

Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month

Persons With Disabilities Day

Persons with Disabilities Day is on December 3rd. This is a day dedicated to acknowledging the differences and the adversities that those with disabilities have to face. People with disabilities have the hardest in times of crisis as they are less likely to access healthcare, education, employment and participation within the community.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

Slavery Abolition is on December 2nd. This day is used to recognize the atrocities of modern slavery. It also marks the date of the adoption, by the General Assembly of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others (resolution 317(IV) of 2 December 1949).