San Francisco (May 11, 2022) - The San Francisco Board of Education approved a resolution designating June 19, 2022, and June 19 of each year thereafter, in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) as a special day of observance in recognition of the emancipation of all enslaved people in the United States.

The last day of instruction for SFUSD this academic year is June 1, 2022. Summer programming and other year round services will be closed on June 20, 2022 in observance of Juneteenth as a district holiday. 

“As a school district we are committed to equity by eliminating oppression, ending biases and ensuring equally high outcomes for all. Recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday is rooted in our multicultural, multilingual, multiethnic, and multiracial practices,” SF Board of Education President Jenny Lam said.

The resolution officially declares Juneteenth, June 19, as “an annual celebration of the past, present, and future of Black liberation and those who work toward that liberation; a constant reminder to continue to work toward eliminating racism, racial bias, and educational disparities within SFUSD by committing to change the systems that produce those outcomes; an opportunity to fulfill a commitment to increase training and curriculum content development in all school disciplines that recognizes the impact, achievements, and contributions from African American/African Diasporic staff, teachers, administrators, and students throughout the year, not only during Black History Month and other ‘designated days’; and a day to honor and reflect on the significant role that African Americans have played in the history of the United States and how they have enriched society through their steadfast commitment to promoting unity, equality and justice.”

Juneteenth Independence Day celebrations have been held to honor African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures; and are times for reflection and rejoicing. The U.S. Congress has designated June 19 as “Juneteenth Independence Day” in recognition of the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day to the United States and in order to support the continued nationwide celebration of Juneteenth Independence Day to provide an opportunity for the people of the United States to learn more about the past, to better understand and reckon with the experiences that have shaped the United States, and to recognize that the observance of the end of slavery is part of the history and heritage of the United States.

Read the full resolution here.

###