06/02/2021
By Jacquie Moloney

For the first time, Massachusetts will recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday to mark the end of slavery in the United States after the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 was finally enforced in Texas on June 19, 1865. Because June 19 falls on a Saturday, the day will be observed June 18 at the university and across the commonwealth.

Slavery and its legacy of racism, violence, discrimination and oppression still lingers in many of the systemic racial challenges we still face today. As we continue to work toward a more perfect union, I know you join me in continuing to support through our words and actions Black, Asian, Jewish and other underrepresented American populations that are still facing discrimination, oppression, violence and hatred more than 150 years later.

It is through open dialogue, a commitment to eradicate discrimination by implementing welcoming and inclusive policies, accountability and action that we learn from our past and create a future where each of us know we are respected, valued and supported.