Ohio School Psychologist Association Response to the Assault on the United States Capitol

The Ohio School Psychologists Association (OSPA) is saddened by the assault on the U.S. Capitol that occurred on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, and we send our support and condolences to the Washington D.C. community who experienced these events. The violent acts demonstrated by individuals at the U.S. Capitol requires our organization to provide a statement condemning the assault. It is our responsibility as school psychologists to encourage unity in a time of great divide, and provide support to our students that is focused on safety and well-being.

In addition, OSPA is deeply concerned with the effects of White Supremacy that continue to permeate our systems: from the disparity of the security measures utilized for the Black Lives Matter protests in May, the nooses erected on Capitol grounds, to the display of hateful language used during the assault. As educators, we must continue to identify and address the systemic racism we see by acknowledging our own biases and privilege, confronting racism, and engaging in meaningful conversations to advance equity for all people. As the NASP statement on the Assault on the Capitol dated 1-8-2021 shared, “Children and youth are watching these events and looking to adults for reassurance and help making sense of the chaos”. We must continue engaging in open conversations that are reflective, as well as communicating and validating feelings and concerns as students deal with the aftermath of the violent insurrection. We must continue to lead and support these measures in the schools and communities in which we work, while developing the appropriate social-emotional skills to express anger and frustration, validate experiences of trauma, and address the social inequities everywhere. OSPA is committed to supporting the development of appropriate social-emotional skills, promoting non-violence, and bringing social justice initiatives to awareness with action. As the entire nation mourns the events that transpired, it is important to remind ourselves that we must stay United and come together to embrace humanity.

Linked below is the NASP statement on the Assault on the US Capitol: https://www.nasponline.org/about-school-psychology/media-room/press-releases/nasp-statement-on-the-assault-on-the-us-capitol?utm_content=buffer5ee5b&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Linked below is the OPA statement on the Assault on the US Capitol: https://ohpsych.org/news/546616/OPA-Condemns-the-Acts-of-Unlawful-Civil-Disobedience-and-Violence-.htm

Linked below is an article titled “Supporting Marginalized Students in the Context of the 2020 Election: Tips for Educators” https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/diversity-and-social-justice/social-justice/supporting-marginalized-students-in-the-context-of-the-2020-election-tips-for-educators

Respectfully,
Ashley Lockemer, Ed.S, ABSNP - OSPA President
Bradley Paramore, Ed.S, NCSP - OSPA Past-President & Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Member
Emma Sacha, Ed.S - OSPA President-Elect & Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Member
Selena M. Spencer - Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee Co-Chair
Liz Litzinger - Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee Co-Chair