Cronkite Interim Dean Kristin Gilger joined with the deans of 10 of the nation’s leading schools of journalism and communication to sign the following statement reaffirming the critical role of journalism in our democracy and the responsibility as journalism educators to confront and challenge racism in our communities and in our institutions.
As deans of journalism and communication schools at some of the country’s leading research universities, we stand together to reaffirm our belief that journalism is critical for a functional democracy. This principle is especially true now, at a time of national reckoning.
The recent killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and now Rayshard Brooks have forced Americans to once again confront systemic racism, specifically against African Americans. At the same time, the pain and protests in the streets have challenged journalists to redouble efforts to hold the powerful accountable in public institutions, including police departments, governments and education.
More than ever, there is a need for a factual context and cultural perspective that helps citizens better understand the nation’s history of racial intolerance and the fullness of emotion leading people to America’s streets as advocates for change. We must uncover the facts and tell the stories that serve the public, wherever those stories lead.
In attempting to do this work, journalists themselves are increasingly under attack. Since May 25, the day Minneapolis police killed Floyd, more than 430 reports of acts of aggression have been filed by journalists with