The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is clear in its “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family [as] the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,” as well as the reality that ”disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind.”

We have seen the denial of dignity, the denial of rights, the denial of justice, and acts against Black communities which should outrage all of us. We see the systems that make these denials possible. We have consciously and unconsciously participated in and benefited from them. Racism and discrimination have been baked into our institutions and our societies for so long; but it is time that we look closely at ourselves and decide how to change.

The Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs is dedicated to the improvement of professional education in international affairs and, thereby, the advancement of global prosperity, peace, and security. We owe our community an environment of safety and dignity, of listening and action, of diversity and inclusion. If we pride ourselves on how our students shape the world, we owe the world schools of international affairs which see the structural problems at work, who think about their role in those structures, and who feel compelled to address them in pursuit of greater dignity, greater equality, and greater justice, prosperity, and peace.

We recommit ourselves to make that a reality.