Statement on Racial Injustice

Cross-cultural understanding is at the heart of the JET experience. All JETs are cultural ambassadors. During our time in Japan, and after, it is our responsibility to foster understanding across cultural barriers. The recent protests against racial injustice in the United States remind us that while cross-cultural understanding lies at the core of what we do, there is still more work to be done.JETs who are currently in Japan will be having difficult conversations, explaining what is happening in the United States and why. We know these are important conversations to have, not just overseas, but in our own living rooms.

There are more than 36,000 JET alumni across the country living in areas experiencing unrest. As the protests continue across the nation, it is important to acknowledge that JETs and alumni of color experience discrimination and racism in their daily lives. We are listening to their voices.In solidarity, we want to make it clear that USJETAA opposes racism and discrimination of any kind. We continue to stand beside our colleagues, members, and community against all forms of racial injustice. We believe that Black lives matter.#BlackLivesMatter