At a time when the government of the United States is destroying Iraqi cities to "save them for democracy," an important global debate is unfolding on the meaning of democratic politics. No longer is it possible to discuss the U.S. political process apart from its relationship to imperialism, war, and international law. 

          We stand for forms of democracy that actually empower people and are more than merely symbolic exercises. We stand for internationalism because democracy transcends the confines of national states. And we stand for solidarity with those who are opposed to war and all forms of oppression and exploitation, including but not limited to racism, sexism, homophobia, and rabid militarism.

          As students and teachers, we acknowledge our responsibility to resume the debate that began in the 1960s on the university's role in a time of perpetual war, when traditional American institutions have failed, corporate money continues to corrupt public life, and the nation's elected representatives and large corporate media are actively complicit in fighting criminal wars. 

          We call on colleagues and fellow students in all departments to join with us.  We intend to publicize on this campus and in the local community the government's policies of aggression and social injustice, their consequences, and the moral issues involved. We will also look at issues of concern to workers, and form coalitions with unions and other activists who want to nurture democracy by working for systemic change.