As calls for solidarity and unification resound following the insurrection at the Capitol, we are faced once again with the complexity of ideologies entrenched within our society. Ford Foundation president Darren Walker said, "Democracy is the greatest threat to white supremacy." Therefore we strengthen democracy by being anti-racist, in our community and in the classroom.

We must be intentional in our collective response against racism and white privilege. Unity comes from deeply reflecting on what led us here as a society, accepting responsibility and finally, reconciliation.

At the same time fragile and strong, our democracy depends on it.

As artists and humanists, we not only have the capacity to deeply understand concepts of "democracy," "truth" and "justice," but we also have the responsibility to teach them to our students, giving students the tools to become critical thinkers of the future to help uncover and abolish what is unjust and inequitable.

Critical thinking in and of itself is not owned by our disciplines, but the type of critical thinking we offer - understanding history to guide action today, investigating literature to enrich culture, using creativity to express anger, truth or joy - is what society so urgently needs, whether in museums and libraries, boardrooms and hospitals, or Capitol Hill.

As we begin a new year under immense stress as a nation, recognize your position as leaders committed to making these changes. Encourage and listen to each other, and through our unity, may democracy's fullest potential be realized.