Important information from your SCCPA Board: 

Juneteenth

Commemorates and honors the post-Civil War emancipation of slaves in the United States in 1865. It was officially declared a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. Emancipation was not an overnight process, and it was not until almost three years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation that it became a possibility and reality. SCCPA proudly recognizes and celebrates Juneteenth, our Black higher education colleagues, and Black individuals across America. It is not lost on us that without the arrival of federal troops in Texas in 1865 to ensure the freedom of enslaved individuals, it is possible that Black individuals would not be present in spaces of higher education and beyond today. 

SCCPA encourages all members of our organization to learn more about this incredibly important day and the impact that it has on Black individuals. While all institutions do not yet recognize Juneteenth as a staff holiday within the academic calendar, SCCPA encourages and supports Black professionals being given this day off to reflect, recharge, and take in the immense importance of the day. 

We reiterate our solidarity with Black lives and continue to express and uphold that Black Lives Matter. SCCPA condemns acts of racism, police brutality, historic and systemic violence, white supremacy, and any other forms of oppression. To the higher education professionals and student leaders continuing to fight for the Black community, know that your work is meaningful, impactful, and imperative. 

As a primary resource for student affairs professionals in the state with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, we strive to:

  • Serve as college student advocates, dedicated to dismantling inequity in academic, research, policies, practices, and interactions on our campuses.
  • Align SCCPA with the charge from our parent organization, ACPA, in the Strategic Imperative on Racial Justice and Decolonization. 
  • Foster intentional outreach, across the state, to professionals from various identities.
  • Facilitate equity-based programs and initiatives through our professional development series, Equity and Inclusion Institute, and drive-in conferences. 
  • Create space for professionals across the state to deepen their understanding and commitment to racial justice.
  • Seek guidance and recommendations from our membership to do this work better and ensure we are meeting the needs of our constituents. 
  • Continue our efforts to provide education and advocacy by creating a page on our website to share resources, related upcoming events, and other contributions. 

Take pause to recognize the importance and impact of Juneteenth, and please take care.

South Carolina College Personnel Association Executive Board