Celebrating Pride and Our Values

Dear members of the Emerson community,

As our community celebrates Pride Month in June, I wanted to send a message of support and inclusiveness, particularly as we prepare to welcome a new class of Emersonians later this summer. Emerson has long been honored as a LGBTQIA+-friendly campus and I am proud to be a part of such a community.

Each June as we celebrate Pride, we remember the Stonewall uprising and its rejection of oppression and intolerance. This resonates for many of us today as elements of our society continue to seek to limit the civil rights of our citizens. Members of Emerson’s LGBTQIA+ community have long been fearless as they honor and celebrate what makes each of us unique individuals, including sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. I am grateful for the impact Emersonians have made, and continue to make, in our community and across the country to initiate change.

Emerson’s institutional values include respect and equal treatment for people of all backgrounds, orientations, beliefs, and physical capabilities; appreciation for diverse ideas and the freedom to express them; academic excellence; and critical and creative thinking that inspires audiences, improves the arts and communication, and advances social justice, global responsibility and environmental sustainability in our institution, communities, nation, and world.

Some may attempt to test or erode these values, but at Emerson, we will hold fast and strong to them. It is what makes us who we are.

This month there are several activities available to members of our community that celebrate these values and Pride month; a listing can be found here. I hope you enjoy whichever events you choose to attend.

Sincerely,

William P. Gilligan,
Interim President