Message from Loyola’s president and chief equity and inclusion officer on the 30th anniversary of the ADA

Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J., president, and Cheryl Moore-Thomas, Ph.D., chief equity and inclusion officer, released this statement on the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 2020:

The historical passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990, knocked down barriers and paved the way for individuals with disabilities to engage with equal opportunity to programs, services, and activities as non-disabled individuals. Since that time, the law has provided many triumphs, successes, and opportunities, as well as the ongoing message that we must continue to work to provide accessible physical and online environments for individuals with disabilities.

The ADA’s legacy of equal opportunity, inclusion, and access for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, including higher education institutions, employment, transportation, public services, and telecommunications, remains strong today. The Loyola University Maryland community is enriched by the presence of individuals with disabilities who contribute to the life of our university in numerous ways, including intellectually, socially, and athletically.

During the 2020-2021 academic year, we will share a number of opportunities to increase awareness of disability-related topics among members of the campus community, including a disability justice panel that Loyola’s Commitment to Justice Committee will hold on Oct. 6, 2020.

As we celebrate this anniversary, let us remain vigilant in our efforts to increase awareness of accessibility matters so that people with disabilities feel welcomed, respected, and included as valued members of our community.

See a list of events celebrating the anniversary on the Loyola.edu/equity website.