By Rachel Terlep

NEW ALBANY, Ind. – IU Southeast is proudly participating in the inaugural Jeffersonville Pride Festival on Saturday, June 25, as a Major Sponsor.

Chancellor Ray Wallace will walk in the parade alongside other participants from the campus community.

“It is important for IU Southeast to celebrate diversity and equity, which are core principles of our institution,” Wallace said. “Several of IU Southeast’s students, faculty and staff are members of the LGBT community, and we support this festival in step with them. In the wake of the recent tragedy in Orlando, it’s even more important we all reach out to all of our friends and neighbors.”

Jeffersonville Pride Festival marketing director Nicholas Moore, an IU Southeast alumnus, said the university’s participation in and support of the festival reinforces the school as a leader of diversity advocacy in the region.

“To me, this clearly exemplifies the university’s sincere commitment to actively creating a community where cultural diversity thrives,” Moore said. “It is one thing to state in your corporate policy that you advocate for diversity. It is another, wonderful thing entirely to have your university’s Chancellor, staff, faculty and multiple student groups be in a parade celebrating this community. ”

Jeffersonville Pride Festival will kick off with the city’s first-ever pride parade to march down Spring Street at noon on Saturday, July 25, to the scenic Big Four Station.

A full day of fun and entertainment will follow, including Jake Parker Band and many other dynamite regional bands playing the main stage from 12:30-10 p.m. Local food trucks and vendors will also be available, as well as a kids’ stage area for families. IU Southeast will have a booth alongside more than 40 other vendors and organizations at the festival.