The Board of Directors of the American Council of Teachers of Russian (ACTR) condemns the murder of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Mike Ramos, and so many others. We support the Black, Latinx, Native and Indigenous communities in their responses across the country, as well as those acting in solidarity through peaceful protest. As scholars and teachers of the languages and cultures of a region in which public discourse and dissent is often suppressed, it is of paramount importance that we not remain silent during this time of social discord. ACTR has a stated policy of commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity in its membership and programs and, thus, decries the injustice of institutionalized racism in any form.

ACTR programs, in particular those abroad, strive to provide students and teachers with opportunities to travel, study, and conduct research in environments that require sensitivity to racial, ethnic, cultural, social, and political differences.

Participation in our programs helps to prepare and equip individuals to be more equity-minded global citizens. Any actions or movements that undermine or contravene this goal are anathema to the ACTR mission. We are, therefore, committed to ensuring that we are providing safe, inclusive, and equitable environments in our organization, activities, and programs.
To our members and participants in ACTR programs who are also persons of color, we share your grief, anger, and frustration. With your help and participation, we will strive to make ACTR an even more inclusive and diverse organization. Through our meetings, professional development initiatives, and study abroad programs, we will create inclusive spaces for greater dialogue and conversations on race, ethnicity, cultures, and equity. 

Our hearts and minds remain with minority communities everywhere who continue to endure violence and injustice with indomitable resolution. We sincerely hope that the overwhelming response locally and globally to recent events may lead to substantive, significant progress in combating racism in the United States and elsewhere.
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American Council of Teachers of Russian (ACTR) Board of Directors