Company Statement Regarding Jan. 6 Incident at US Capitol

Wednesday’s incidents at the U.S. Capitol have challenged the fundamental ideals of our democracy more than any event in our lifetimes. We witnessed insurrectionists breach the Capitol, storm through the Great Rotunda, and break down the doors of our House and Senate Chambers.  Several police officers were injured, and a woman died from a gunshot wound amid the violence. 

The Connecticut Democracy Center is dedicated to promoting well-informed, productively engaged citizenship, and helping citizens find their voices to pursue the public redress of grievances enshrined by the First Amendment.  The chaos, vandalism and outright contempt for the democratic norms that we witnessed today crossed the line beyond free speech and had all the hallmarks of an insurrection and coup d’état.

Our management and Board of Directors believe deeply in the importance of reasoned public debate, believe strongly in the integrity of our electoral process and believe uncompromisingly in the peaceful transition of power that has been the bedrock of our society for more than two centuries.  Most of all, we believe in the duty to heed our better angels and reach for the best ideals that built our democracy and our nation. 

As a community we need to reset our common understanding of government and civil discourse, rebuild the trust in our institutions and pursue a public dialogue where opposing views and debate result in better, more inclusive solutions instead of collateral damage.  This is not new thinking; it has been and continues to be fundamental to our beliefs as Americans.  The Connecticut Democracy Center remains committed to fostering this spirit of informed, engaged, constructive citizenship that is needed now more than ever.

William Bevacqua
President & CEO

Michael Imber
Board Chairman

Board Members:
Mary Gawlicki
Alice Gold
Eric Kemmler
Joanne Nesti
Stephen Nevas, Esq.
Anita Ford Saunders
Patrick Sheehan
Terryl Mitchell Smith