The American Phytopathological Society’s (APS) governing Council approved on April 2, 2021 the following statement.
The American Phytopathological Society (APS) strongly condemns the recent violent and hateful attacks toward Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders nationwide.
Anti-Asian racism is a deeply shameful blight on our nation’s history. But it has worsened in recent weeks and months with frequent outbreaks of horrendous violence, hateful acts, and harassment. These offenses are a grievous affront to all Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders as well as to our nation as a whole. No pandemic or other hardship can explain or excuse acts of violence and bias. The offenses we have witnessed in recent weeks are painful reminders – once again – that all of us are responsible for confronting and overcoming the persistent disgraces of racism, misogyny, and intolerance of people who are unlike ourselves.
We express our sympathy to the hundreds of APS members of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage, many of whom have been affected by this deplorable trend in our country. We deeply appreciate their profoundly valuable contributions to our science, as well as to the health of our profession and to APS. APS strives proactively to make all of our members, meeting attendees, and allied professionals feel welcomed, valued, and respected.
As the Presidential Team of APS, we stand with our colleagues in the U.S. and worldwide against discrimination of any type. We strongly urge all APS members and colleagues in the plant pathology world to show support for their colleagues of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage and to join us in ensuring safe and welcoming environments for all. If we act together, we can make real progress in finally erasing this national shame.
In solidarity,
Mark Gleason
| Amy Charkowski
| Ron Walcott
| Lindsey du Toit
|
APS President
| APS President-Elect
| APS Vice President
| APS Immediate Past President
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