Tufts Observes Juneteenth with Day of Reflection, Commitment, and Action
In solidarity with the Black community and the pursuit for racial justice, Tufts hosted a Day of Reflection, Commitment, and Action on Friday, June 19, the national observance of Juneteenth. The event focused on making significant and lasting institutional changes that dismantle structural and systemic racism and introduced recommendations for areas such as faculty and staff recruitment.
It also introduced a critical analysis of campus safety systems and approaches to public art and community spaces, and an institutional audit to root out structural racism.
“In looking ahead, we need to develop action steps to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at Tufts to ensure an anti-racist community,” said President Anthony Monaco, as the event concluded. “We will incorporate all that we heard today.”
Monaco also reiterated his own commitment to a successful and transformational change. “I promise you that I will focus on the challenge of systemic, structural racism within our institution with the same passion, inclusive approach, and leadership skills that you have come to expect of me and my senior colleagues in all the challenges we have faced together over the past decade,” he said.
Monaco announced three university-level initiatives to get under way immediately.