APLU Statement on One-Year Anniversary of January 6 Attack on the U.S. Capitol

Washington, D.C. — Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) President Peter McPherson today released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the January 6 attacks on the U.S. Capitol.

“Today we remember the horrific attack on the U.S. Capitol building last year as lawmakers worked to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. That day marked a grave assault on our democracy, but also demonstrated the resilience of our nation as lawmakers returned later that night to certify the results of the election. Today we recognize and honor those who fought to defend the Capitol, including officers who were injured or died as a result of the attack, and all those who worked in the Capitol that day and continue to grapple with psychological trauma.

“We must remember the day as we work to prevent it from happening again. U.S. public universities have a foundational role in strengthening our democracy so it can endure and thrive. Public universities must continue their work to be pillars of free inquiry and vigorous debate that instill the value of civil discourse in their graduates. The vigorous and civil debate of a variety of ideas and viewpoints is at the heart of public universities’ mission to educate graduates who strengthen our democracy. Today, that work is important as ever.”