Statement of the Department against Racism and Discrimination

The recent murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, have galvanized our nation to stand firmly against racism and police violence. We, at the Department of Linguistics and Communication Disorders at Queens College, add our voices to the recent protests and renew our commitment to strongly resist racism, discrimination, and oppression of any kind or form. We affirm our support for students who are Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color and from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to achieve their utmost potential in their academic achievements. We affirm our commitment to education and to the formation of outstanding citizens.

We find it timely to solemnly remember that Queens College is the alma mater of Andrew Goodman, who was murdered in 1964 for defending the right to vote of Black people in Mississippi. In addition, the City University of New York was the first state-funded institution to provide educational programs for students from minoritized groups. Our institution has always strived for equality and social justice. Our department celebrates this rich history and we are proud to be part of this great institution. This legacy serves to remind us of our obligation to work for justice and stand against discrimination.

We encourage you, as students, to continue  fighting for social justice, equal rights, and opportunities for all. Our times, indeed, demand that you take up this responsibility. We are with you. Our professional organizations, ASHA, LSA, and TESOL are also stepping up to demand change and social justice. We share their statements below.

ASHA’s response to racism:
https://www.asha.org/policy/Response-to-Racism/

LSA’s statement on race
https://www.linguisticsociety.org/content/lsa-statement-race

TESOL’s statement on racial injustice and inequality
https://www.tesol.org/news-landing-page/2020/06/01/tesol-statement-on-racial-injustice-and-inequality

MLA Statement Deploring Systemic Racism
https://www.mla.org/About-Us/Governance/Executive-Council/Executive-Council-Actions/2020/MLA-Statement-Deploring-Systemic-Racism ​​​​​