AUCD Statement in Response to Violence in Charlottesville
August 14, 2017
The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) joins with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, and many others in the disability and civil rights communities to condemn the hate and violence that were on display this weekend at the University of Virginia campus and in Charlottesville, VA.
As a national network of university centers committed to helping our country live up to its highest ideals of equal opportunity, liberty, and justice for all, we believe that the white supremacy, racism, hatred, and violence we witnessed this weekend pose a real threat to Americans everywhere.
If we want laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to be successful in creating a more inclusive society, we must help America open wide the doors of opportunity to all of the groups and individuals who experience discrimination and exclusion.
On college campuses and in communities across the United States, we are witnessing the rise of a vocal, militant minority that was made bolder by the Presidential election and feels empowered to harass, bully, and attack neighbors who don't look like them. They perceive difference and diversity as a threat.
Our brothers and sisters with disabilities who are people of color, immigrants, Muslims, Jews, LGBTQ, or members of other diverse groups are directly affected by the hateful beliefs that drove the aggression and violence in Charlottesville this weekend.
We stand in solidarity with all who have been and may be targeted by these hate groups and call on bipartisan elected officials at every level of government to condemn the racism and hate that we witnessed this weekend. We recognize the important role that we can play as leaders in higher education to help create campus environments where all can learn, all are welcomed, and no one experiences harassment, bullying, or violence because of who they are.
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The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), located in Silver Spring, MD, promotes and supports a national network of interdisciplinary centers on disabilities. The members of AUCD represent every U.S. state and territory. AUCD and its members work to advance policy and practice through research, education, leadership, and services for and with individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities. For more information, visit AUCD's website, www.aucd.org, on Facebook, and on Twitter.
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