The National Humanities Center’s Statement on the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

We deplore the unprovoked aggression launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin in his invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign nation which has embraced democracy. His territorial invasion and mendacious justifications for his actions threaten to seriously disable an already fragile global stability. The escalation of his rhetoric to include the possibility of nuclear conflagration necessitates that the rest of the world consider this a watershed moment in history and respond not only with united condemnation but also with consequential actions.

Our condemnation should extend beyond Putin himself to all those who excuse his actions, indulge his false narratives with their own, and promote autocracy over democracy. The humanities are founded on the pursuit of truth, justice and freedom of thought. We believe these act in concert and are mutually reinforcing. The work of humanities scholars and teachers strengthens the understanding and dissemination of the democratic principles that emerge from this foundational pursuit.

It is therefore appropriate and essential for the National Humanities Center to add its voice to those throughout the world who support the courageous and freedom-loving Ukrainian people.
—Robert D. Newman, President and Director  

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