Dear UWest Community:
Today is Juneteenth. Juneteenth is a blending of the words June and nineteenth. It is a celebration of the end of slavery. It commemorates June 19, 1865, the day that Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and told the slaves that all slaves were freed. That day came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. I know you all know about this, but, just thought I’d share it nevertheless. Happy Juneteenth!
This week marked two major Supreme Court rulings. It declared that employers can’t fire workers being gay or transgender under the Civil Rights Act. Then, on Thursday, Supreme Court, blocked the current administration’s attempt to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) that protects hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought to the US as children from deportation. They are also known as Dreamers who wish to realize their American dreams to be free to study and work. We are pleased with the positive decisions from the highest court in the nation. It’s very encouraging.
The campus remains quiet as we moved into the second week of summer program. Thank you professors who are working with students diligently. We are keeping an eye on the reopening of businesses. We hope you are well and safe as you decide to venture out and about. Please be reminded of keeping distance, washing your hands frequently, and wearing masks – now a state order. We are keeping up with the news about resuming normal air travel, both domestic and international.
Saturday, June 20, is June Solstice. This is the day that the summer season begins in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere. It marks the beginning of summer and the longest day of the year for us – early dawns, long days, late sunsets, and short nights. It will give us more light to work in the gardens or walk/exercise outdoors. Happy Summer Solstice Day and enjoy!
Sunday is Father’s Day. I wish all the fathers, fathers-to-be, and all others who are father figures to us, a great restful day! For those of us who have lost our fathers, a great day for reflection… Enjoy your weekend!
Sincerely
Dr. Chou
Chiung-Sally Chou, Ph.D.
Interim President
