April invites reflection and connection, as we recognize Arab American and Asian & Pacific Islander heritage, honor neurodiversity during Autism Acceptance Month and Global Volunteer Month, and engage with efforts to build safety, understanding, and inclusion.
Here are the events and commemorations that we want to highlight in this update:
Silent Book Club – May 13th 4pm – Crain Center (Duques 150)
Our last event of spring is a relaxed book club gathering on May 13th . There’s no required reading. Bring any book you’re currently enjoying. We’ll start with brief introductions, read quietly for about 20 minutes, and then open the space for optional conversation. Whether you want to share what you're reading, discover something new, or simply connect, this is a relaxed opportunity to come together through books and the experiences they spark.
Arab American Heritage Month
Today, more than 3.5 million Arab Americans are part of the fabric of life in the United States, contributing across education, public service, science, business, literature, the arts, and more. Arab American Heritage Month offers a moment to recognize these contributions and explore the rich cultural traditions, histories, and experiences that shape Arab American communities.
It is also an opportunity to expand our understanding of American identity by learning more about the diversity within Arab cultures. Through education, storytelling, and cultural exchange, we strengthen our sense of connection and foster a more inclusive and informed community. You can learn more about Arab American Heritage and listen to their oral history at the Smithsonian spotlight.
Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated in April at the George Washington University. There are multiple events at GW to celebrate this month. This month recognizes the rich cultural diversity, resilience, and contributions of these communities. Spanning dozens of languages, faiths, and migration stories, these communities have long played a vital role in shaping American history and society — from building the transcontinental railroad to leading advancements in science, business, arts, and social justice.
This heritage month invites reflection on both the historical challenges faced and the ongoing achievements of these individuals. It’s a time to celebrate culture, uplift voices, and deepen understanding through storytelling, education, and community engagement.
Autism Acceptance Month: Honoring Neurodiversity
April is also Autism Acceptance Month, a time to recognize and celebrate neurodiversity within our community. Rather than focusing solely on awareness, we shift the conversation toward acceptance—centering the voices, needs, and strengths of autistic individuals. In our recent Diversity and Allyship week, we had an insightful panel discussing neurodiversity. You can watch the video here if you could not attend the event.
Neurodiversity is a reminder that there is no single way to learn, communicate, or experience the world. Inclusion means recognizing and supporting the full spectrum of neurodivergent identities, and working to ensure everyone has equitable access to opportunity and community.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April also calls us to reckon with the realities of sexual violence and commit to creating a culture of prevention, support, and accountability. At GW, this means investing in education around consent and digital safety, and challenging systems that allow harm to persist. This month reminds us that safety is foundational to inclusion—and that creating safe, respectful spaces is a shared responsibility.
Global Volunteer Month
This month is a reminder that service connects us. Whether through small, everyday efforts or long-term commitments, volunteering builds bridges between people and fosters a sense of shared purpose. As we celebrate Global Volunteer Month, we honor not just what volunteers do, but the spirit of community and compassion they embody.
Wishing you all the best as we approach the end of the academic year,
