June 18, 2021
To: Members of the University Community
From: Robert J. Zimmer, President, and Ka Yee C. Lee, Provost
Subject: Juneteenth
Date: June 18, 2021
Yesterday President Biden signed legislation to create a federal holiday for Juneteenth, establishing June 19 as a day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. It is a day when people around the nation reflect upon the deep human toll of slavery, and examine a wide range of issues that are relevant to addressing ongoing discrimination.
Please take time to review the events and discussions throughout campus that have been planned to commemorate Juneteenth. We invite members of the University community to take part in these and other observances. We look forward to creating additional opportunities to recognize Juneteenth at the University and explore its importance in ways that are fitting for our campus community and strengthen our culture of diversity and inclusion.