Statement by AERA Executive Director Felice J. Levine 
on the Celebration of Juneteenth

June 19, 2020

AERA, the field of education research, and the entire scientific community stand together in celebrating Juneteenth, the true second independence day of the United States. On this important day and at this critical turning point in our society, we express our deep commitment to taking affirmative steps to eradicate systemic racism and to addressing the racial trauma that has afflicted so many for far too long. 

As AERA President Shaun Harper said in a May 31 statement, “As a community of researchers, we must unite to take bold, evidence-based action that exposes and ultimately ends the catastrophic police killings of unarmed Black people.” Through its programming, convenings, and other organizational channels, AERA is committed to taking concrete steps to fight racism in academia and throughout society.

We encourage all those engaged in education research, practice, and policy, and others who intersect with education in any way, to reflect on the meaning and significance of this day. We urge them to find ways in their daily lives to join in conversations and actions that break down personal racial barriers and biases. And we urge them to unite and make their voices heard by our national, state, and local leaders until institutionalized policies, procedures, and actions that discriminate against and harm Black Americans are dismantled.