The College of American Pathologists abhors mob violence at any time and at any place. As a pathology and laboratory community, we stand with the nation in condemning what took place in Washington D.C. The actions that occurred on Jan. 6 at the U.S. Capitol were an assault on the constitutional process and on our values as a nation. The CAP supports the Constitution of the United States and our democratic process.
We are proud of the diversity, equity, and inclusion work that has and is taking place at the CAP. We will continue our efforts to eliminate bias. We have and will move toward the kind of society we want to be. Our country faces many serious challenges, including the battle to control a deadly pandemic and the fight against racial and all other injustice.
We regularly have members conducting business at the Capitol, walking those halls to lobby on behalf of pathologists and patients. Lack of access to the Capitol would be a detriment to our ability to serve them. Also, we have a CAP staff office near the Capitol building. Our personal connection to the people’s house makes this assault on it even more impactful.
The action at the Capitol building does not represent the best of us. As physicians and pathologists, we are committed to healing. At a time when our country is deeply divided and broken, we must do our part to respect each other, to listen, and to seek understanding.
During these difficult times, let's support each other as we live our values and continue to improve the health of our patients.
Patrick Godbey, MD, FCAP
President
College of American Pathologists