ASHA Statement on Capitol Hill Violence

January 8, 2021

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) categorically condemns yesterday’s violent, destructive, and deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol—and our democracy. It was an affront to the values our country holds dear, including the First Amendment freedom of expression and assembly. We recognize how upsetting these events are to ASHA members, ASHA staff, and the public at large, and cannot in good conscience remain silent. We all have a stake in Congress’s ability to operate in a setting of mutual respect, civility, and safety. ASHA works closely with lawmakers to advance a public policy agenda that is critical not only to the professional futures of ASHA members, but also to the well-being of millions of Americans with communication disorders. Communication is intended as a tool for sharing, unifying, and increasing understanding, and we all stand to gain through civil discourse; however, what we saw yesterday and what’s continuing today is divisive rhetoric that divides and can result in violence and sedition. Communication is something we all hold dear, and should never be used to incite, harm, or divide.