Dear University Community,
On Wednesday, June 19, the University of Redlands will pause to honor Juneteenth, a day that holds profound significance in the journey toward freedom and equality for all Americans.
Juneteenth gives us the opportunity to reflect on the end of slavery in the United States and recommit ourselves to fostering an inclusive community where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute.
And while we’ve made significant progress, there is still much to be done. The important efforts that you – our students, faculty, and staff – have made to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion on our campus deserve ongoing and enthusiastic recognition. I know that our commitment to this work will continue with dedication and excellence, and I remain inspired by what we can accomplish when we work together.
Yesterday, we published our Anti-Racism Action Plan. I encourage you to spend time thinking about this plan and identify how you can lean in with your own skills and talents to support its aims.
In the words of Maya Angelou, “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” These words remind us of the importance of confronting our past, and the power that lies in shaping a future defined by justice and equality.
I’d like to thank URSA, the BSFSAA, and OIC for their collective efforts to keep this important date at the forefront of our hearts and minds. Their dedication, along with the commitment of each of you, supports our ongoing work toward justice and equality on campus and beyond.
I wish you a hopeful and inspiring Juneteenth.
Sincerely,
Krista L. Newkirk
President