Adelphi University Recognizes Juneteenth, Offers Holiday to Employees

In recognition of Juneteenth, a nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States of America, Adelphi University is joining other colleges, universities and organizations around the country in offering a paid day off to employees. The University has encouraged our community to take this time off to develop personal action plans to create positive change in the world.

“We believe that Juneteenth is a day of reflection that Adelphi and all our community members should honor,” said Adelphi President Christine M. Riordan. With the University’s full executive leadership, President Riordan stated in a communication to all employees that “It is a day when we should examine our personal thoughts and beliefs, and make a commitment to take a stronger stand against the hatred, fear, racism and injustice that has plagued our country for far too long.”

Recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday is just one of the steps the University continues to take to help dismantle systemic racism, and build a more equitable and inclusive environment for all at Adelphi—especially for our black faculty, staff and students. See another recent communication on the issue.

“At Adelphi University, we are in the midst of an important transformation, examining our personal thoughts and actions as well as our institutional policies and practices,” said Dr. Riordan. “We are listening to the painful recounting of experiences of our Adelphi family and doing all that we can to repair past injustices with a commitment to an equitable future.”

While the University remains open, those who work today will be able to use the day off at another time.