Coalition of Feminist Scholars Statement of Solidarity

In 2016, the Coalition changed its name to reinforce the organization’s longstanding commitment to critical feminist work and to better reflect the diversity of its membership, where “diversity” is not always marked by stark or traditional distinctions.  After the 2016 general U.S. election, we wish to reaffirm our commitment to the values of inclusion and gender justice on which our organization was founded; to recognize and bring attention to the unique challenges involved in feminist writing, teaching, scholarship, and leadership in the current political climate; and to reiterate our support for our members.  

Historically, work in rhetoric and composition and feminist methodologies has always been political.  Drawing on the past for fortitude in the present and inspiration for the future, the leadership of the Coalition of Feminist Scholars in the History of Rhetoric and Composition adds its collective voice to those calling for solidarity. In doing so, we join colleagues in three of our closely affiliated professional organizations that have also recently made statements:

The Council of Writing Program Administrators, which issued “The CWPA Statement on Supporting a Diverse and Inclusive Environment;” 

The Council of Writing Program Administrators People of Color Caucus, which issued the “CWPA POCC Statement of Solidarity;”  

The Rhetoric Society of America, which issued this “Message From the President;”

and

The Conference on College Composition and Communication, which issued “The CCCC Statement on Language, Power and Action.”  

In addition to supporting these initiatives from our fellow organizations, we will continue working toward inclusion and solidarity in multiple ways, starting with conversations about balancing work and life at the 2017 CCCC. In addition, the theme for the 2017 Feminisms and Rhetorics conference is “Rhetorics, Rights, Revolutions,” and promises multiple spaces and opportunities for both dialogue and action at the upcoming conference.

We welcome you to participate. Join us at both of these events and subsequent events for both sustained and sustaining conversation. We welcome your ideas and would like to hear your needs. The Coalition is poised to collaborate with others to create just spaces in which feminist research, teaching, and learning are possible for all.