ASCB leadership condemns attacks on Asian-American community

Attacks on Asian-Americans have increased all across the United States. On March 16, a gunman in the Atlanta-area shot and killed eight people, including six women of Asian descent. This incident is the most recent example of increasing racial hatred and violence in the United States.

For months, the news reported more attacks on members of the Asian American community, including women and vulnerable senior citizens. We are distressed that Asian Americans in cities all over the United States walk and live in fear. Many have resorted to being escorted whenever they leave their homes. Members and leadership of ASCB find these attacks abhorrent and intolerable.

The American biomedical research community is a diverse community, and ASCB and others are working to make it more so. Science benefits from the richness of thought and experience shared by our many different colleagues, including those from Asia and those of Asian ancestry. These partnerships also enrich us as individuals. ASCB as a Society is committed to increasing diversity in the scientific workforce and to providing a safe and welcoming space for all scientists. For the last year, we have been working as an organization to make sure our actions match our words.

ASCB will continue to grow the diversity of our community and promote equity and inclusivity. We hope that in the weeks and months to come, our fellow citizens will recognize that in science and in everyday life, diversity should be welcomed, not feared.  And that these attacks are against us all.