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For Immediate Release
January 6, 2021

Statement by UUP President Frederick E. Kowal on the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol

“The assault on our Capitol today was an attack on our democracy and a blatant attempt to subvert a fair and lawful election.

“For nearly two and a half centuries, the peaceful transfer of power has been a beacon shining for the world to see. It is time for our elected officials to stop the lies and end the rhetoric and political gamesmanship that has brought us to this day of senseless violence and chaos—and actions by thousands of rioters that border on sedition.

“As educators, researchers, and healers, we are committed to the truth and to civic virtue. Our work is about creating a better future for everyone in our society. As such, we stand with those defending democracy, and not with terrorists seeking to tear down the People’s House.

“UUP strongly condemns the violent actions of today, as well as the corrosive and divisive language that has led us to this point in American history.”

UUP is the nation's largest higher education union, with more than 42,000 academic and professional faculty and retirees. UUP members work at 29 New York state-operated campuses, including SUNY’s public teaching hospitals and health science centers in Brooklyn, Long Island and Syracuse. It is an affiliate of NYSUT, the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association, and the AFL-CIO.

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