In support of the TESOL Statement on Racial Injustice and Inequality

The attached PDF document, In support of the TESOL Statement on Racial Injustice and Inequality, was approved by the JALT Board of Directors, and the JALT Diversity and Equity Practices Committee on June 5, 2020.
The text of the attached PDF is as follows:
In response to the recent unrest in the United States following the death of yet another African American male at the hands of police, TESOL International Association, a JALT Partner Association, has issued the “TESOL Statement on Racial Injustice and Inequality”.
JALT unequivocally supports this statement by TESOL International Association, and calls for our members and colleagues around Japan and the world to take a stand against racial and social injustice in any form in the United States, Japan, and indeed in any locale. Like associations in other countries, our members, colleagues and learners face discrimination based on gender, national origin, sexual orientation, visa status, and/or linguistic background. As a community of educators, JALT stands with TESOL International Association and condemns discrimination in any form and all acts of violence, and expresses our support of peaceful protest. In addition, the current circumstances allow for JALT to reiterate our commitment and reinforce our resolve to ensuring equality and diversity within our profession and our communities.
Echoing the quote of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. which was highlighted in the TESOL International Association Statement, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others’?” Let us be reminded that the fight against discrimination and inequality is an ongoing battle, and to ensure that “our thoughts, words, and actions contribute in some way to justice and equality for all.”
Approved by the
JALT Board of Directors, and the
JALT Diversity and Equity Practices Committee June 5, 2020