Dear Colleagues,
This month, we commemorate the voices and actions of those that have shaped our nation. June reminds us to add our voices and our commitment to theirs, ensuring a future of equity, and vibrant and diverse humanity. An abundance of identities, cultures, and traditions within the University of Maine System continue to speak to this progress. Our opportunity as a community is to act locally and impact globally with our influence of education, celebration, outreach, and research. We hope you spend some time considering the opportunities for growth June has to offer.
June 2nd commemorates the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act granting citizenship to all Native Americans in the United States. On the surface, there appeared to be good intent; until we recall that colonization removed those rights in the first place. Furthermore, this act did not include voting rights which were withheld until 1957. These dynamics must not be forgotten in honor of indigenous lives and heritage.
President Biden recently proclaimed June to be National Immigrant Heritage month stating, “We honor our immigrants and recommit to remaining a country worthy of their dreams and aspirations, a Nation true to our enduring values, and a democracy that forever stands as a beacon of hope to the world.” Just as our nation’s President does, we call upon the people of Maine to learn more and explore the history of immigrant communities that embody Maine today.
On June 19th, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to assume control of the state and free its slaves. On December 6th of that same year, slavery was formally abolished through the ratification of the 13th Amendment. Today—over 150 years later—systemic discrimination continues to impact our citizens. Juneteenth became both federally- and Maine state-supported in 2021 and draws attention to our continued need for advocacy and legislation to end discrimination.
June 23rd marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX. For five decades, this law has supported the civil rights of students by barring sex discrimination in schools nationwide. It ensures equitable education, program, and athletic opportunities in our K-12 and higher education settings. In 2014, the Department of Education used statistical data to demonstrate that assaults of a sexual nature were creating gender inequities in our educational environments, and Title IX was expanded to encompass those spaces.
In June, we also celebrate Pride Month. Since the Stonewall Riots in June of 1969 in New York City, many have committed to raising awareness of the injustices suffered—yesterday and today—by the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Pride events now occur in many communities throughout Maine and worldwide.
June is about awareness every day: listening, accepting, and acting. The journey is ongoing, and it is not always easy, yet we need to remember these stories of our past to build a future of integrity, fairness, and inclusion.
Thank you.
