We are devastated and outraged over the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis last week, and of the countless inhumane injustices that preceded it and continue to this day. We condemn the continued police brutality against black, brown, and indigenous people of color (BIPOC).
The ASP leadership stands in strong support and solidarity with our BIPOC members and their families, and especially with those who have been affected by police brutality and other structural violence. Drawing from the Union of Concerned Scientists, we are committed to working for racial equity “because we are human beings who believe in justice, and we want our work to reflect that belief”.
As scientists, we are called to our work to cure diseases, to understand the biology and chemistry of life, and ultimately, to improve the lives and environment of everyone on this planet. As leaders, we are called to recognize institutional and structural racism, systemic violence, and the vast inequities that enable continued exploitation and oppression. We recognize that marginalized groups do not always have the privilege of separating their science from their life outside the laboratory and are committed to changing this reality. Individuals from these communities are often unfairly imprisoned and continue to lack equitable access to healthcare, housing, and education. The responsibility to address these inequities lies with all of us.
The work ahead requires more than words of comfort and platitudes. It is at times uncomfortable and requires not only a commitment from our society, but also from each of us as individuals to take action in many different ways, using our myriad talents, resources and positions of leadership and privilege. In the coming weeks, the ASP Diversity Committee will be sharing suggestions for concrete actions and available resources to become better informed. We ask for your energy and creativity to strive for racial justice in both our personal and professional lives.
Let us work together to ensure human rights for People of Color. The time is now.