Fresno State’s Media, Communications and Journalism Dept. issues statement supporting journalists, condemning Jan. 6 attack on our democracy

This statement was issued on Tuesday by the faculty of the Media, Communications and Journalism Department at Fresno State:

The Department of Media, Communications and Journalism (MCJ) strongly condemns the January 6 mob violence at our nation’s Capitol aimed at blocking the Constitutional duties of our elected representatives. As a department that teaches ethical truth-telling across various media, we regard these attacks, as well as the ongoing violence and threats of violence against members of the media, as a direct assault on our democracy. Journalists must be able to do their work without fearing violence from those who would silence them. We unequivocally support all journalists’ rights to practice their craft in a safe environment free from intimidation, threats, and violence.