NYU CEDA Statement on Injustice

The multi-racial roster of NYU CEDA stands in solidarity with those battling centuries of violence, exploitation and inequities levied against their bodies fueled by a climate of intolerance.  Antiquated systems of power embedded in our laws and norms intensify polarization, poverty and the politics of fear weighing heavily on communities nationwide.   

Our debaters spend their weekends exploring questions of public policy action on domestic and international issues intermeshed with social, economic and racial injustice using in-depth, well-researched evidence from scholars, journalists and advocates from all sides. Debaters and coaches shoud use our agency to a) encourage listening and respect even when we may disagree b) hold ourselves and others accountable for how and where we communicate and c) help introduce vocabulary to have hard conversations about injustice that echo demands of the voiceless across America. 

The distinction between demonizing and differencemakers is sometimes quite small.  We are destined to make mistakes along the way.  That’s not a reason to hide.  It’s a call to listen, illuminate and learn.  

Non-black allies remain transfixed by the recurring stories of Tyre Nichols, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Tanisha Anderson,  Ronald Greene, Trayvon Martin, Kendra James, Ahmaud Arbery, Eric Garner, Atatiana Jefferson, Walter Scott,  Philando Castile, Sean Bell, Tony McDade, Michael Brown, Charleena Lyles,  Robert Fuller, Tamir Rice and so many others whose lives were brutally cut short, they will need storytellers. 

We encourage all NYU teams, departments and organizations, as well as debate programs at other institutions, to devote some of their digital real estate prominently to resistance to injustices. Every small step improves our chances to be heard and create change.

On the Horizon....

NYUCEDA Racks Up Awards & Community Service Hours!

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