Response to Jan 6 Insurrection
Response to the January 6, 2021 Insurrection at the U.S. Capitol Building
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
On January 6, 2021, King’s words came to life on the steps of the Capitol Building as white supremacists attempted a coup to pre-empt the peaceful transition of power. The underlying rationale of the lynch mob was to effectively disenfranchise and discount minoritized communities of color. The xenophobia of the rioters was on full display, as suggested by their arsenal of white nationalistic symbols, as was the racist double standards of law enforcement. The mob’s intimidating display of violence and hatred was antithetical to all that CATESOL stands for. In the aftermath of these horrific events, CATESOL reaffirms its steadfast commitment to its mission and values. CATESOL, as an organization, is comprised of language educators who strive to embody and model diversity, equity, and inclusion with the expressed purpose of enacting antiracism and promoting social justice.
Hence, in conjunction with the CATESOL Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Taskforce, CATESOL seeks to promote racial and social justice by:
- Fostering civil dialogue when there are ideological differences in beliefs, norms and values
- Creating professional development opportunities and venues that include all CATESOL levels (K-12, University, Community College, Adult Education, and Intensive English Programs), CATESOL chapters and interest groups
- Conducting research and engaging in discourse about critical race theory and pedagogical applications
- Developing and implementing standards that prioritize and facilitate racial and social justice
- Advocating for racially and socially just practices, policies, and curricula at the classroom, institutional, and governmental levels
History shall never forget Eugene Goodman, the African American Capitol Police Officer who heroically lured white rioters away from the U.S. Senate Chamber. Goodman is a reminder to all that resilience – in the face of racial and social injustice – prevails.
