It
is inevitable that I will face questions of conscience in my capacity as a
teacher about which I will necessarily have to make up my mind to act, or not
to act, and in so doing will define myself as a professional either for whom
integrity is plainly manifest or as one for whom it is inconstant or absent. I
will need to reflect on my whole lifetime’s learning to make tough decisions when
it is not clear which choice is the right one. I must be aware of social
inequities and how I am connected to, and living within, societal structures
that privilege some while depriving others of opportunity and resources, as well
as basic human dignity. I will do my best in all of those situations to take
direct action in defense of, or in solidarity with, those who are facing
injustice, whether it be the direct consequence of an individual’s actions or
the indirect and unintended consequence of all of our actions. My guidance will
come from both personal experience and all that I have learned from my own
study, as well as what I have learned from my peers, teachers, and mentors.
Although I have what I believe to be a large level of exposure to information
relevant to social justice I have no experience with combating injustice
firsthand at my own workplace. I have assisted others as an outsider offering
support but I have yet to put myself on the line in support of, or in criticism
of colleagues to whom I am familiar when I might be subject to obloquy and the
loss of my position. If I become established in an institution or in any one
academic field become a respected personage I may find it difficult to call
into question accepted practices that I consider to be unjust. My comfort
will likely need to be sacrificed for the sake of those people who are being
denied it. I may garner enemies and lose the support of long time friends and
colleagues if I comport myself with integrity that is unwavering and steadfast.
However, if I succeed in this undertaking my conscience will be sound and my
integrity, the wholeness of my beliefs as reflected by my actions, will remain
intact.
