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THE DEPARTMENT OF POLITICS affirms the fundamental democratic freedoms of speech, of thought, of religion, and of assembly. As political scientists at the University of Virginia, we recognize the racism and inequality bound up with and institutionalized in the history of our University in multiple ways. We denounce the violence and terror carried out by white supremacists at UVA and in Charlottesville on August 11 and 12, 2017. We seek to practice mutual respect, promote diversity, and foster inclusion, and we reject the intolerance and hatred espoused by white supremacists.

Those of us who teach and study politics in this Department connect our work with our convictions. We do not fear debate, precisely because we are confident that arguments founded on hatred, bigotry, intimidation, and injustice cannot withstand arguments based on principles of freedom, peace, justice, and equity.