We develop, implement, and expand systems and structures to advance engagement and opportunity in support of the mission of the Stanford Department of Pediatrics through active listening and intentional collaboration.

All members of the Department of Pediatrics participate in a dynamic and diverse community where every individual feels included, valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

We embrace diversity and the richness it adds to our community, including the diversity of faiths and spiritualities present among us. 

It is important to foster inclusivity regarding individuals’ religions, spirituality, and world views, such that people feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work—if they so choose. We also recognize and honor that some prefer to keep their worldviews or spirituality private.

In that spirit, we share the following tips to build inclusivity around religion and spirituality:

• Add the Office for Religious and Spiritual Life’s religious observances calendar to your Stanford calendar.

• Refer to the calendar and avoid scheduling events or programming on religious holidays, especially those most commonly honored by our community members. 

• Be mindful of how religious symbols or traditions are incorporated into holiday and end-of-year messaging. 

• Provide accommodations for people’s religious observances, such as midday prayers or dietary restrictions. (Religious accommodations are also required by federal law.) If you have questions about accommodations, please reach out to your HR team or the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life.
   

Given that the religious observances calendar is an exhaustive list of observances big and small, we have included a short list of significant holidays that fall (or can fall) on weekdays within the academic calendar below that were most commonly mentioned by our community in our Culture & Demographic survey. 

Though the academic year has already begun, please consider these dates when scheduling large department or division meetings, required meetings, and gatherings based on the needs of our community, especially if they have not been scheduled yet.

Significant Observations That Can Fall During the Academic Calendar and Work Week

• Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year)

• Diwali (Divali, Deepavali)

• Good Friday

• Rosh Hashanah

• Yom Kippur

• Juneteenth

• Hanukkah/Chanukah

• Eid (Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha)

• Passover

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• Nowruz (Persian New Year, Naw Rúz, Bahá’í New Year, Spring equinox)

• Ramadan

This list is only a starting point and there may be other significant observations during the academic calendar. As a best practice, consult the Office for Religious and Spiritual Life’s religious observances calendar when scheduling. 

The university does not promote a particular religion or spirituality, nor does it discriminate against any student, staff, faculty, affiliate, or community member on the basis of religion or spirituality.