Student Voice issues the following statement from Communications Director Jenna Yuan on the Wednesday, January 6th attacks on the U.S. Capitol and calls to protect public education as a critical civic institution:

“Student Voice strongly and unequivocally condemns the violent, white supremacist insurgency at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, January 6th, 2021. Like many events in recent memory, Student Voice believes the attacks demonstrate the fragility of democracy in our country right now.

“Particularly, Student Voice is disturbed by the indifferent response of the U.S. federal government to last Wednesday’s coup. In comparison to the treatment of Black and brown protestors fighting for racial justice, the government’s negligence once again reveals the depth of systemic racism in our country.

“Student Voice demands that the U.S. rapidly strengthen our civic institutions, including public education. More clearly than ever, the events of the past week have shown how underinvestment in high-quality schools, and in effective civic education in particular, is a threat to democracy. It is critical that students — our nation’s next generation of leaders — are equipped with the tools to fight the escalating injustices in our world today.

“Above anything, Student Voice’s thoughts are with students right now. Across the country, many students are being forced to proceed with life as normal as they face unprecedented fear and uncertainty. In particular, we call on educators, leaders and decision-makers to address the events of the past week and protect marginalized students as they process horrific trauma.”