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We, the Executive Board of WVSTA, would like to address the recent and senseless acts of violence in our nation.  We have waited to speak not out of apathy but because a time of self-reflection was needed after such outrage. We must stand against acts of injustice, of hatred, and of bias in our classrooms, in our institutions, and in our state. We must use the power of science education to uplift without exception.

Many of you have seen the protests across the country and throughout our state over the last several days. Teachers, students, and families have been affected by the violence widely circulating across television and computer screens. It can be tempting to lash out in anger or use our classrooms for political stumping.  However, human issues should never be political issues. These are humanity issues.  We have the power as science educators to change lives. As educators, we can offer agency to those most vulnerable in our society. This should be both our duty and our privilege.

As a science teacher organization, we must remember that we teach more than science. We teach those with large voices, and we teach those who have been silenced.  We teach those who know their privilege, and we teach those who do not know their worth. We teach those who struggle to learn, and we teach those who struggle to survive. We teach all without exception.

WVSTA would like to let all members of the science community, but especially members of our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community know this – we hear you, we see you, and we stand with you. Our organization stands in solidarity against inequality. Science is for all.

“For it isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” – Eleanor Roosevelt