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Dear ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúans,

We are pleased to announce that tomorrow, Friday, June 18, will be a new University holiday. This afternoon, President Joe Biden will sign a bill establishing Juneteenth National Independence Day as a federal holiday. This further confirms that Juneteenth is an important part of America's history. In light of this new federal holiday, instead of closing at 2 p.m. we will be closed for the entire day. As you know, in 2020 we began a tradition of closing at 2 p.m. on Juneteenth to honor and remember its importance to our culture of inclusive excellence and racial equality.

Due to the short notice, unclassified staff who cannot take the day off should work with their supervisors to arrange to take another day off (i.e., a floating holiday). Classified staff who are deemed essential staff and must work will receive holiday pay. Classes will be held at the discretion of the faculty member.

Juneteenth commemorates the end to slavery in the United States. Although enslaved people were technically freed, the long and difficult journey for freedom, civil rights, and equality for African Americans continued long after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and continues today. The quest for equality and the unalienable rights promised at the foundation of this country are still being realized in today's society.

In observance of the holiday, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion will host a Juneteenth "Teach In" featuring Professor Rodney Coates. Professor Coates is a renowned public sociologist who is engaged in race, justice, social movements, social policy, and practice. He is a dynamic scholar and public intellectual who has been featured on national platforms.

The featuring Professor Coates will be available as a webinar at 2 p.m. followed by a Q&A exclusively for the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Community from 3:15 - 4 p.m. For more information and to register for the Q&A, visit the.

Juneteenth is a celebration of perseverance, courage, and the empowerment to transform lives and society during uncertain times. I encourage everyone to join in this important conversation and learn more about the history that we all share.

Love and Honor,
President Gregory P. Crawford