Washington, D.C. - The American Academy of Diplomacy unequivocally condemns recent online attacks seeking to discredit American diplomats based on their faith or identity. We strongly support the position of the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) that these attacks are an affront not only to the individuals who serve with honor and distinction, but also to the core American values of equality and religious freedom. Questioning the loyalty of public servants on such grounds is reprehensible. America’s diplomats, of every background and belief, represent our country with integrity and courage, often in some of the most dangerous parts of the world. The Academy stands firmly with our nation’s diplomats against any attempt to undermine their service or commitment to their work.
The Academy calls on Department of State leadership to convey their full support of its workforce and make clear that the Department’s leadership rejects any and all efforts to bully or intimidate dedicated public servants.
The American Academy of Diplomacy is a non-partisan and non-governmental organization of former senior career and non-career diplomats who have served multiple administrations of both parties. It is dedicated solely to strengthening American diplomacy.
Thomas A. Shannon, Jr. Alonzo Fulgham Ronald E. Neumann