Juneteenth holiday

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

I am pleased to share that Ohio State will commemorate Juneteenth as an official university holiday beginning tomorrow. The university will be observing Juneteenth on Friday, June 18, and the university will be closed.

As you know, Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when enslaved Black people in Texas finally learned of their freedom as granted by the Emancipation Proclamation. This day and all days, we commit ourselves to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in our communities and across the world.

This afternoon, President Joe Biden signed a bill establishing Juneteenth National Independence Day as a federal holiday. In accordance with university policy and in keeping with our focus on advancing diversity and inclusion across our campuses, all employees will be paid for this holiday and all other university holiday procedures will be followed, including the cancelation of all planned classes. For guidance related to classes, advising or other academic issues, information will be posted to the Office of Academic Affairs website.  For more information related to employees and administrative issues, please visit the Ohio State Human Resources website.

You can explore Juneteenth events in our community by visiting the Office of Diversity and Inclusion website.

Thank you, Buckeyes, for your continuing commitment to inclusive excellence. Let’s take this opportunity to join together, learn from one another and honor this historic day.

Sincerely yours,

Kristina M. Johnson, PhD

President