Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Chemistry as a discipline is not pursued in isolation. Our coworkers, classmates and colleagues are human beings first, and chemists second. We must acknowledge and take action to address the challenges faced by our Black colleagues, our Indigenous colleagues, and our colleagues of color.
The St. Louis Section of the American Chemical Society (STL ACS) condemns the systemic racism and inequality that persists across the chemical and other sciences and in our day to day lives. We stand in solidarity with Black chemists and chemical engineers, and the communities in which they live and work. We share the grief, dismay, and disappointment felt by our fellow Black chemists and chemical engineering members, and acknowledge their trauma, anger, and the lasting damage to their careers.
We embrace all facets of diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect for all individuals, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, political affiliation, country of origin, ability status or educational background. In line with these values, STL ACS rejects and condemns any act of discrimination. We are inspired by the video statement issued by ACS President Luis Echegoyen reaffirming our Society’s commitment to these core values and our commitment to working to bring an end to systemic racism.
The St. Louis Section of ACS has activities planned in consultation with our Committee on Minority Affairs, including listening discussions (“Let’s Talk Race and Racism”), and discussions amongst our members in governance about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As a professional organization of chemists and chemical engineers, we stand in unity with the Black community.
