For Immediate Release
June 2, 2020
Media Contact:
Karen E. T. Garrett
Chief of Communications, Marketing and Membership
202-585-4313

Giving Voice to Our Values
American Society for Public Administration President Kendra Stewart has released the following statement:

This past week, the wounds of inequality have been reopened by the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. Three more black lives have been taken—as many more before them and several since—enabled by the systemic racism that has divided our country for centuries.

For all of us mourning these deaths and feeling the searing pain in our communities, please know that ASPA and I stand with you. As Americans protest—individually and collectively—and call for an end to these tragedies in our own ways, know that ASPA remains a force against this tide of hatred and fear, working for social justice and continuing to stand on the front lines of change.

Our Code of Ethics  provides a solid foundation. ASPA members are called to strengthen social equity: To treat all persons with fairness, justice and equality, and respect individual differences.

We must make it our priority to take our work farther and harder, and proactively call out racism and injustice wherever we find them. Racism has no place in ASPA and it has no place in our work on behalf of the public good. It is up to each of us to work to eradicate it from our communities. Racism is not a difference of opinion; it is simply wrong.

Our communities are counting on us—public administrators, at every stage of our careers or professional development—to lead the way, advance excellence in public service and bring about a fair and equitable society for all. I urge us to start this work now; it cannot wait for tomorrow.

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ASPA is the leading interdisciplinary public service organization that advances the art, science, teaching and practice of public and nonprofit administration. Learn more at www.aspanet.org