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President Eric W. Kaler announced today that, effective this year, Juneteenth will be a permanent holiday in �ǿմ�ý’s annual calendar.

Juneteenth marks the June 19, 1865, when union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that all slaves were free. While President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation took effect Jan. 1, 1863, fighting and slavery continued for nearly two-and-a-half years longer.

“This moment in history merits remembrance,” President Kaler said. “Making Juneteenth a university holiday gives our community the opportunity to reflect on our past, and consider ways that we can contribute to a future that is more equal and just for all.”

For 2022, the holiday will be observed on Monday, June 20.

Two years ago, university leaders closed the university on June 19 to allow the campus community to reflect on the May 25 murder of George Floyd and the nationwide demonstrations that followed. In 2021 the university again closed in recognition of Juneteenth, a day after President Biden  making the occasion a federal holiday.

In each of the past two years, university offices and organizations have provided opportunities for dialogue and learning during June.

“Part of our mission as a university is to encourage rigorous inquiry and meaningful discussion,” Provost Ben Vinson said. “This permanent holiday gives us an opportunity to be even more thoughtful and deliberate as we engage questions of race, equity, and justice of all kinds.”