A statement on the insurrection at the US Capitol

The insurrection at the US Capitol was an extraordinary and horrific, though not surprising, moment.

An armed mob, brandishing symbols of white nationalism and stoked by disinformation, used terrorism and force to overtake our nation’s Capitol.

As an organization, we are dedicated to the proposition that evidence, transparency, and discovery are the key to improving our collective well-being—with no tolerance for violence or racism.

As a society, we must continue to address disparities in treatment of Black, Indigenous, and people of color by law enforcement and confront systemic racism.

This insurrection is an example of the darkest possibilities when these principles are dismissed and we want to affirm our dedication to the values and processes that CCST was designed to embody.

The seeking and sharing of truth require deliberation and debate absent threats of physical harm. The health, safety, and well-being of all staff, fellows, and policymakers alike must be protected in our capitols. These buildings must be maintained as safe, public spaces where we gather to debate and inform policy peacefully.

This attack cannot shake our commitment to the truth, to data and scientific integrity, and to justice. These are nonpartisan issues that we must stand for together, and serve as an antidote to deception and conspiracy theories in public life.

Amber Mace, PhD
Executive Director
CCST