CAN/DID: Standing Against Racism and Injustice
See more Personal Stories released during Black History Month and other times of the year!
What Is CAN/DID?
- An ongoing multimedia series that builds on the knowledge and experience of De Anza College students, faculty members and classified professionals
- An exploration of equity and social justice issues – including lessons we can all learn from the struggles of many different groups and individuals
- See more videos below!
CAN/DID is continuing to address major issues with new videos focusing on topics that are important to all of us. Below, you can learn about previous installments in the CAN/DID Inclusion series, plus find resources for support and further exploration, and read previous editions of the CAN/DID newsletter.
CAN/DID Personal Stories
In 2022, we launched "CAN/DID Personal Stories" to share personal experiences and insights from members of the De Anza community.
Sharing Experiences As a Black Person
To commemorate Black History Month in February 2022, these videos featured students, faculty members and classified professionals sharing their "Experiences as a Black Person."
Experiences in the Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities
These videos were released during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May 2022, with more releases during Filipinx American Heritage Month in October 2022.
Honoring LGBTQ+ History and Coming Out
Members of De Anza's LGBTQ+ community shared their personal stories in these videos. They were released in October 2022 to commemorate LGBTQ+ History Month and National Coming Out Day.
Celebrating Latinx Heritage and Experiences
CAN/DID released these videos, featuring a De Anza student talking about her experiences, in honor of Latinx Heritage Month, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 in 2022. Look for more Personal Stories soon!
CAN/DID Series Wins National Recognition
De Anza’s CAN/DID Inclusion Series has been honored for outstanding communication and creativity by a national organization of communications professionals. The series earned a Silver Paragon award from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations – which draws members from two-year colleges across the U.S. and Canada. The award was in the category for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion campaigns.
Previously In the Series
Celebrating Pride Month
Also in 2022, we celebrated Pride Month in June with these videos below, featuring members of De Anza's LGBTQ+ community.
If I Could Have One Wish Come True ...
Love Comes In So Many Different Forms
Here are some other previous installments in the CAN/DID Inclusion series.
What Is Black Lives Matter?
What does this important social movement mean to Black students, faculty members and classified professionals at De Anza?
Countering Anti-Asian Racism
What is the history behind anti-Asian racism and scapegoating during the pandemic – and how can we confront it?
Intercultural Studies at De Anza
What are the vision and goals behind the creation of De Anza's ethnic studies program – and what makes it unique?
About the Name
"Can" represents the opportunity for action and positive progress. "Did" acknowledges the history – good and bad – that we are building on. And "candid" means open and honest, which the series will be.
CAN/DID is produced by De Anza's Office of Communications in consultation with the Office of Equity, Social Justice and Multicultural Education and other campus experts.
Click or mouse over each image to read the full caption
The series was developed to expand on collegewide efforts that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Those efforts included funding of a full-time, permanent position for an Umoja program counselor, online discussions and activities for students and employees, and the creation of the Standing Against Racism resource webpage.
Resources for Support and Further Exploration
College Resources
Academic Programs
- African American Studies
- Asian American and Asian Studies
- Chicanx/Latinx Studies
- Comparative Ethnic Studies
- Intercultural Studies
- Native American and Indigenous Studies
- Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Campus Organizations
- Asian Pacific American Staff Association
- Black Faculty, Staff and Administrators Network
- De Anza Latinx Association
- Equity Action Council
Information and Support
- Addressing Anti-Asian Scapegoating
- President Holmes: Taking Action Against
Anti-Asian Racism - HEFAS: Higher Education for AB 540 Students
- Undocumented Student Resources
- Office of Equity, Social Justice and Multicultural Education
- Standing Against Racism
- Equity and Engagement Division
- Institutional Research
- Pride Center
- Mental Health and Wellness Center
Learning Communities
Community Resources
Here are some (mostly) local organizations that offer information, training and advocacy for racial equity and social justice.
- Asian Americans for Community Involvement
– training for leadership and advocacy - Black Lives Matter
– information and activism - Sacred Heart Community Service
– social justice education, Rapid Response Network for immigrants - Showing Up for Racial Justice
– education and activities for white people who want to support equity - Silicon Valley DeBug
– community organizing, advocacy - SIREN – Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network
- Viet Unity – grassroots organization for social justice
League Highlights CAN/DID Project
CAN/DID was highlighted in 2021 by the national League for Innovation in the Community College, in an article on its website and in its “League Connections” email newsletter for July.
De Anza employees can read the article on the League’s resource website – or find it at league.org/innovations/search by selecting “Diversity,” “Equity” or “Inclusion” as the topic and “Project Highlight” as the type, before clicking the search button.
(If you don't have a password, you can create an account with your @deanza.edu email address.)
TikToks Honoring History and Heritage
Who created Ms. Marvel? Who invented the Fender Stratocaster guitar?
See all the special TikTok videos created by De Anza's Office of Communications for AAPI Heritage Month and Women's History Month in 2022.
Profiles include a variety of individuals who have made unique contributions, including women who have made a big impact in science, medicine and mountaineering.
Taking A Stand
In a February 2021 email to students, faculty and classified professionals, President Lloyd A. Holmes outlined plans for a collegewide response to anti-Asian racism. That response includes opportunities for the college community to share knowledge and solidarity against racism. Visit the Standing Against Racism webpage to learn more.
Report Hate Crimes
- Visit stopaapihate.org
Learn Intervention Strategies
Find More Resources
- Check the resources listed on this webpage
- Visit the Standing Against Racism webpage
Read the CAN/DID Newsletter
The Office of Communications will keep the college community informed about new installments in the series, through social media posts and emails to De Anza's faculty and classified professional staff, among others. Below you'll find links to the email messages.