The following massmail was sent to students, faculty and staff on June 17.

Dear colleagues:

I am delighted that President Biden and Governor Pritzker each signed legislation this week declaring Juneteenth a holiday on both the federal and state levels.

It gives much-deserved respect to one of the most significant dates in our nation’s history – June 19, the date that the last enslaved African-Americans were freed in Texas in 1865. It will also heighten education on the importance of the holiday and continue moving us closer to the social equity and justice that our country must achieve.

We are excited to add this to our holiday schedule for June 2022. Details about the observed date will be forthcoming.

I hope you will all join me in applauding our leadership in Washington and Springfield for giving us a chance to reflect and recommit to the goals of equality and justice that we all share.

Sincerely,
Tim