SWANA Heritage Month
This month, San Diego State University is celebrating Arab American Heritage Month and the 5th annual Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Heritage Month with events throughout April. This month-long recognition provides an opportunity for all of our campus community to come together in celebration of the histories, cultures and contributions of Arab American and SWANA-identifying individuals. Through a series of thoughtfully curated events and activities, we foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of this community while creating spaces for dialogue, reflection and advocacy.
About the SWANA and MENA Communities
The acronym SWANA represents the diverse communities of Southwest Asia and North Africa, offering a decolonial alternative to the traditionally used Middle East and North Africa (MENA) designation. SWANA encompasses vast cultures, dialects, several languages, religious traditions and ethnic identities. Arab American Heritage Month, is observed nationally each April. This commemoration serves as an important time to honor the multifaceted and valuable contributions of Arab Americans and all SWANA identifying individuals and communities to society, highlight their heritage, amplify their voices, and strengthen cross-cultural understanding. At SDSU, the first-year student survey now includes the SWANA identifier as an option, allowing the university to better align policies and support services tailored to the needs of SWANA students.
At SDSU, the first-year student survey now includes the SWANA identifier as an option, allowing the university to better align policies and support services tailored to the needs of SWANA students.
About SWANA Heritage Month
April marks the annual Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Heritage Month at San Diego State University and coincides with the National Arab American Heritage Month. This heritage month aims to increase awareness about the history, cultures, experiences, contributions, and resiliency of the SWANA community. The SDSU Center for Intercultural Relations, in collaboration with student organizations and community partners, plan educational and celebratory programming and invite faculty, staff, and students to participate in the annual series of events.
Creating a Supportive and Inclusive Environment
SDSU recognizes the heightened loss and the weight of displacement, fear and safety concerns experienced by members of our community, especially among Iranians, Lebanese, Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims in the United States. Their distress is not solely tied to events abroad, as some have experienced bias-related threats and intimidation here in the U.S.
Many on our campus may be attending classes, participating in internships, and engaging in academic life while carrying the weight of grief and concern for loved ones. As educators, we acknowledge the depth of that feeling, and remain committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive campus environment for every one of our students. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to utilize the university’s broad support resources.
Throughout April, the Center for Intercultural Relations (CIR) will be hosting and cosponsoring a series of events dedicated to SWANA Heritage Month. We encourage faculty, staff and students to participate in these programs and to engage in meaningful conversations and celebrate the resilience and cultural richness of our SWANA communities at SDSU. RSVP via the CIR Spring 2026 RSVP Form.
All students, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin, who are interested in celebrating and participating in SWANA Heritage Month events are welcome. Learn more by reading SDSU's Affirming Equal Opportunity statement.
