The Washington Association of Black Journalists (WABJ) and the D.C. chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association condemn the Washington Post’s unjust firing of Karen Attiah.

The Post said that Attiah, a longtime opinion columnist and member of the WABJ, was fired for “gross misconduct” relating to her social media posts. She was also accused of endangering the physical safety of colleagues. Both claims are without merit, and the Post’s decision to fire her violates the journalistic values the paper claims to champion.

We want to reaffirm our support for Attiah as she files a grievance with the Washington Post.

As an opinion columnist, Attiah has the right to free speech and a duty to speak her mind, make people think and provide analysis on current events. By firing her, the Washington Post has sent a chilling message to the public — one of the most powerful newspapers in the world is willing to silence voices with which it disagrees. If the space for open expression narrows and diverse voices are lost, the stories our communities most need risk being diminished.

The Washington Association of Black Journalists and the D.C. chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association stand in support of Attiah and will continue to fight for freedom of the press.