Fall 2020 saw the emergence of a new wave of an anti-democratic and illiberal attacks that tried to take away the language by which we can understand racial and gender justice, in turn silencing us and turning back the clock on more than 50 years of social progress. Promulgated on September 22nd, 2020, the Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping—"Equity Gag Order"—was an authoritarian intervention intended to silence those working tirelessly to ensure that conversations about American history, racism, sexism, diversity, equity and inclusion are integrated into our communities, workplaces and academic institutions.

With a new presidential administration installed, the Gag Order has been rescinded. But the fight continues. It is time to come together and raise up the critical challenges that frame our nation’s future. If anything, the Right wing attacks of the last year demonstrated the need for re-grounding of social justice in our institutions.

We are now looking ahead to a long fight to defend the free speech and historical understanding that make possible the promise of multiracial democracy, Add your name below and tell us why equity, social justice and critical inquiry are valuable to you and vital to the future of the nation.