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Creating a Welcoming Community: Ramapo Raises Pride Flag

Two young women stand side by side smiling. One is holding a rainbow peace sign. The othe is holding a rainbow sign that reads "Come out & party"

June 9, 2026

by Lauren Ferguson

For the fifth year in a row, Ramapo College of New Jersey raised the Pride Flag high over the entrance of its safe, welcoming Mahwah, NJ campus to officially commemorate June as Pride Month.

“On behalf of Ramapo College of New Jersey, I am more than pleased to celebrate and proclaim June as Pride month, a month in which we celebrate the pride and culture of the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. We also honor those allies and advocates who work tirelessly to achieve equal justice and opportunity for the community,” Ramapo College President Dr. Cindy Jebb said before reading an official proclamation declaring June to be Pride Month at Ramapo.

President Jebb said that Ramapo has a LGBTQ-friendly campus, and that through programs and curricula, the College is fostering an environment for employees and students that celebrates dignity in everyone. The College has made intentional investments such as health insurance coverage to employee’s same sex partner, LGBTQ-specific course offerings, and roommate matches for LGBTQ students to find safe and supportive room assignments.

A flag poll holds three flags. On the top is the American Flag, middle is NJ State Flag, and on the bottom is the Pride Flag. The three flags fly against a blue sky.

Ramapo College of New Jersey raised the Pride Flag on campus to commemorate June as Pride Month.

In Ramapo’s Women’s Center and LGBTQ+ Services, staff work to build a welcoming feminist community that centers women and LGBTQ+ students by promoting education, advocacy, wellness and connection.

The College also annually celebrates Queer and Trans History Month by hosting Pridefest each October – when more students are on campus.

“Even though most folks aren’t here during the month of June, we’re finding another time to celebrate the queer community and all the people who make it up, and that feels a lot more meaningful than anything,” said Andrea Oliver ’26, of Hawthorne, NJ.

Before graduating with her Master of Social Work (MSW), Oliver interned for the College’s Women’s Center and LGBTQ+ Services, where they helped run events and discussion groups on LGBTQ+ topics. The discussion groups were broken down for different identities, such as trans folks, women, men, queer people in general, and queer people who are neurodivergent, they explained.

A person in a black hat and black dress stands outside and smiles.

Andrea Oliver ’26 interned for Ramapo’s Women’s Center and LGBTQ+ Services.

Ramapo is also home to clubs focused on providing safe environments for LGBTQIA+ community members and their allies. Ramapo Pride was built around providing activist and educational programming, as well as a social network for LGBTQIA+ students, while Faculty/Staff Pride promotes the interests of LGBTQIA+ and allied faculty and staff.

“Our commitment remains steadfast in ensuring that our students and colleagues find more than just safety here,” President Jebb said. “Together, we create a community where hearts and minds are open, and where empathy and kindness are second nature.”