Colleges across the country are teaching students to ‘decolonize’ Thanksgiving
Universities and colleges across the country are marking Thanksgiving and other events in opposition to national holidays, according to reports from college news websites.
Diversity offices at several colleges are holding events this month to “decolonize” Thanksgiving and acknowledge the “National Day of Fasting,” which falls on Thanksgiving Day. This event, which was first recognized by the United American Indians of New England, celebrates Thanksgiving as a “commemoration of the genocide of millions of Native Americans, the theft of Native lands and the eradication of Native cultures.”
Students at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri; The University of Buffalo, New York and the University of Maine have been encouraged to participate in “getting rid of Thanksgiving,” The College Fix first reported.
Washington University’s Office of International Student Engagement and Cross-Cultural Connections invited students to learn about “the impact of colonization on Native American communities” at their “Decolonizing Thanksgiving” event on November 22.
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Colleges across the country have encouraged students to learn about “decolonizing” Thanksgiving. (Stock)
“This event encourages reflection and discussion on how we can reshape culture to include and consider the historical context, and will include presentations from various cultural perspectives and sampling of traditional Thanksgiving foods from different cultures,” the university said.
The University of Buffalo’s Intercultural and Diversity Center also hosted a discussion on the topic of “Decolonizing Thanksgiving” on Nov. 21, according to the school’s calendar.
Students were scheduled to discuss “is it right to celebrate Thanksgiving and America’s history of settler colonialism” and ask “what can we do to honor this day of mourning for Native communities?” according to the description of the event.
“We can redefine the meaning of Thanksgiving to remember and honor the histories of indigenous peoples,” it said.
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Students are invited to celebrate the “National Day of Mourning” or “Transgiving” at different colleges across the country. (Stock)
The University of Maine’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion also held a “thanksgiving closing awareness hour” on Nov. 18, according to the university’s calendar.
Pasadena City College is also reportedly holding its “largest National Day of Mourning celebration on Monday, Nov. 25,” according to the local newspaper, Pasadena Now. The event was also shared on the university’s website under its American Heritage Month events.
“The event, organized by Pasadena City College’s Indigenous People’s Advocacy Collective, will feature educational talks, cultural aspects, and trauma healing workshops focusing on historical accuracy and acknowledging past trauma while promoting understanding,” reports Pasadena Now.
“This is a day of real trauma and an important day in history for indigenous and indigenous peoples,” event organizer Jordyn Orozco told reporters. “Although Thanksgiving is celebrated by others, the real day of Thanksgiving is the 28th, which is the National Day of Mourning, a day to remember and a day to honor those who have passed and acknowledge that history has been rewritten. To erase the trauma this community has faced.”
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“Country Day of Mourning” is an annual Thanksgiving celebration observed by indigenous peoples. (Stock)
University watchdog Campus Reform also reported that some universities are hosting identity-based appreciation events this month.
Yale University’s LGBTQ Center invited students to celebrate “transgender joy, resilience and community” at its “Transgiving” dinner on November 18, according to social media.
Oakland University in Michigan invited students to a “affirming and sad family autumn dinner” at its Gender and Sexuality Center on November 26.
Washington University, University of Buffalo, University of Maine, Pasadena City College, Yale University and Oakland University did not immediately return Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.
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