Statement in support of Black Lives Matter and #ShutDownSTEM

UBC Science stands in solidarity with the Black community and with #ShutDownSTEM

UBC Science stands in solidarity with the Black community. We support our colleagues around the world participating in #ShutDownSTEM on June 10, 2020, and like-minded actions across academia.

Recent anti-Black, anti-Asian and anti-Indigenous violence and discrimination in communities across North America remind us that we have more work to do in order to stop racism and bias in science. We denounce violence and the systemic racism that continues to plague our society, and the bias embedded in academic life.

We recommit to accelerating our efforts to increase equity and inclusion across all parts of our UBC Science community, including faculty, staff and students.

The work of implementing change is our responsibility. We encourage members of the Faculty of Science to take advantage of Wednesday’s initiatives to reflect, engage and plan their own contributions that address and reduce discrimination and bias in their own workplaces.

  • Learn and listen to what anti-racist writers have to say
  • Hold a departmental discussion
  • Discuss racism with students in your classroom or research group

Let's join together as a community and renew our determination to create a just, equitable and inclusive world in STEM.

Meigan Aronson, Dean, UBC Science
Ninan Abraham, Associate Dean, Equity and Diversity, UBC Science

Useful Resources

Systemic Racism in Canada: In Partnership with Carl James

https://www.crrf-fcrr.ca/en/component/flexicontent/item/27115-learning-a...

#ShutDownSTEM Resources

https://www.shutdownstem.com/resources

TedTalks on Racism

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDToukXRDVMSkxrabFfSb5u6cE82huRpD...

UBC Ignite Bookclub: In Conversation with Eternity Martis

https://equity.ubc.ca/events/ignite-book-club-eternity-martis/?utm_sourc...

We encourage members of the Faculty of Science to take advantage of Wednesday’s initiatives to reflect, engage and plan.

Chris Balma
balma@science.ubc.ca
604.822.5082
c 604-202-5047