Message from the Office of the President: Juneteenth, Pride, and a thank you

Dear students, faculty, and staff,

Preserved in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. is General Order No.3, which states, “The people of Texas are informed that…all slaves are free.” On Saturday, June 19, we recognize the celebratory date known as Juneteenth, when 156 years ago, General Gordon Granger announced this military order in Galveston, Texas. First known as Jubilee Day, Juneteenth has since been celebrated in Black communities across our country, and currently, 48 states and the District of Columbia commemorate or recognize the day.

Just yesterday, a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives took a significant step toward establishing June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day, a federal holiday. The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the legislation, which now goes to the President for consideration.

U of M Professor Keith Mayes reflects on the significance of June 19 for all of us, and reminds us that Juneteenth is an “ode to the past, taking stock of the present, and trying to determine where we’re going in the future.” I invite you to find ways to do what Professor Mayes suggests and honor the holiday in a way that is meaningful to you and our greater community. You can find a collection of reflections on Juneteenth from students, faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as resources, events in Minnesota, history, and more at z.umn.edu/Juneteenth. Supervisors are asked to be flexible when faculty and staff request to use vacation or comp time for Juneteenth observances.

Pride

This month also kicks off many Pride events, during which we celebrate our LGBTQ+ community. The University will be represented at Twin Cities Pride events next month and at Duluth/Superior Pride in September. Other events are also planned in the coming months across Minnesota in cities like Austin, Winona, Rochester, Fergus Falls, as well as locations across the country.

Pride commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City. More than 50 years later, the movement has continued the fight for equal rights. As we celebrate the progress that has been made, we are particularly aware of recent struggles and harm experienced by transgender, Black, Indigenous, and community members of color. Pride month calls on us to recommit to the work of ensuring the protection of all members of our community, and to recognize with appreciation the important contributions of our University’s LGBTQ+ family. Please take a moment to consider the messages of equality and understanding that are at the core of Pride celebrations, and find new ways to create a welcoming place for all members of our community.

Preventing sexual misconduct on campus

In March, we launched Preventing Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination, and Retaliation, as part of The President’s Initiative to Prevent Sexual Misconduct.

We are happy to report that 95 percent of actively employed faculty and staff systemwide completed this educational module by the deadline. Responsibility for long-term culture change belongs to all of us, and this education module is one step we take together in our shared commitment to building a healthier, safer campus climate.

While engagement with the module has been overwhelmingly positive, we have more work ahead. Those who have not completed the training are expected to do so, and the training will be included in onboarding for new faculty and staff. This focused effort is vitally important to the long-term wellbeing of our entire community. Thank you for your participation and commitment to create a University environment that's welcoming and respectful for all.

Please continue to be healthy, safe, and well.

With warmest regards,
Joan Gabel