Faculty, Staff and Students,

Once again, I hope you are healthy and well — especially at this time, when we as a country prepare to come together to celebrate independence and patriotism. The July 4th holiday is a day for optimism and idealism, anticipation and positivity.

And part of the reason for that is because the previous month has also been a time for celebration, due to a series of events that shaped us all as Americans. It is as if the entire month of June has led us to this amazing release of happiness and fireworks.

But we would be remiss if we did not re-emphasize the importance of the holidays and anniversaries that have led up to our Fourth of July Weekend:

• June is PRIDE Month, and while we celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community at all times, we want to use these days to focus on awareness and make sure we are doing our best to be inclusive in every way, all the time. 
• Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day,” is now a national holiday celebrated on June 19, honoring the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed.
• The Celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX, or the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, was also last week. Several of our most accomplished faculty gained media coverage when they spoke at a College-sponsored celebration.

I’d like to emphasize how each of these events have shaped us as a country and a people, and they should continue to be celebrated year-round.

In fact, we should all remember these milestones when we gather this weekend at the pool, or the ballgame, or the barbecue. And as we honor all of those who have paved the way for our freedoms, let us still remember there is more to be done. We must continue to work to achieve our goals of equity and inclusivity.

Be proud of what has been accomplished. But remember — there is still much to be done.

Best,

Scott