Hispanic Heritage Month is nationally recognized from September 15 to October 15, celebrating Hispanic and Latine history and culture, including important advocacy work, art and dance, popular and traditional foods, and more. The month-long celebration also provides an opportunity to explore the impact and contributions of Latinos and Latinas in the United States.
Indiana University will celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with educational programs and special activities on IU's campuses and surrounding communities.
“The activities that IU has planned provide an opportunity for students, faculty, administrators, community members, and others to recognize and celebrate the diverse cultures and achievements of the Latine community,” says Rashad Nelms, interim vice president for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Latine population in the United States today is more than 60 million strong, accounting for approximately 19 percent of all Americans and making it the nation's largest racial or ethnic minority.
At Indiana University, Latine enrollment has been on the rise for the past several years. Over 20 percent of students enrolled at IU South Bend in 2024 are Hispanic/Latine. Indiana University Northwest, which became the first public, comprehensive institution of higher learning in Indiana to receive a “Hispanic-Serving Institution” designation from the U.S. Department of Education in 2020, continues to maintain its HSI status today, with 28 percent of its students identifying as Latine.
In addition to IU’s long-time partnership with the Indiana Latino Expo and Indiana Latino Institute, the university will host a number of special events, exhibits, culinary experiences, programs, and more that highlight Hispanic culture and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Visit IU’s events calendar at events.iu.edu for a complete listing of activities on each of IU’s campuses.
Campus communities can also access digital tools, including Zoom backgrounds, social profile images, and Snapchat filters, to further support Hispanic Heritage Month.
Visit diversity.iu.edu/cultural-involvement/heritage-months to learn more about events associated with Hispanic Heritage Month at IU.