Sinclair Community College Establishes Juneteenth as an Official College Holiday

The Sinclair Community College Board of Trustees is continuing its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism by establishing Juneteenth as an official college holiday. On Wednesday, February 2, 2022, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution designating June 19th as a Sinclair Community College holiday. Each year on June 19th, all Sinclair locations will be closed. Sinclair students and employees will be encouraged to observe and commemorate the meaning of Juneteenth through special programming offered by Sinclair.

Sinclair Community College has an historic commitment to diversity and has seen extraordinary increases in student success for African American students. Over the past 10 years, Sinclair Community College has achieved a 310% increase in the number of degrees and certificates awarded to African American male students and a 250% increase for all minority students. In 2018, the Sinclair Community College Board of Trustees established alignment, growth, and equity as the institution’s strategic priorities. In addition, the Board invested a historic additional $1 million in 2020 to combat racism through further programming and training.

“Sinclair’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism is a daily, intentional pursuit of the institution’s mission of helping individuals turn dreams into achievable goals through accessible, high quality, affordable learning opportunities,” said Amy Barker, Chair – Sinclair Community College Board of Trustees. “Honoring Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, is an additional element of Sinclair’s strategy to encompass the acceptance, inclusiveness, engagement, and mutual respect among students, faculty, staff, administrators, and members of the community.”

“With nearly 6,300 minority students, and more than 4,600 Black students, Sinclair Community College is a crucial player in improving lives through education,” added Michael Carter, Senior Advisor to the President and Chief Diversity Officer – Sinclair Community College.  “Sinclair remains steadfast in bringing about real, lasting, systemic change by ensuring that the future is much brighter for our Black and minority students and that our entire community has equitable opportunities.”

If June 19th falls on a weekend, Sinclair’s President will designate a day during the week to observe Juneteenth.  

Learn more about Sinclair’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism at sinclair.edu/diversity.