AAS Town Hall on Racism

229th AAS Meeting - Town Hall on Racism

Sponsored by the Committee on the Status of Minorities in Astronomy

Wednesday, 4 January 2017, 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm, Texas A Hall

Fellow astronomers,

   You are cordially invited to join us at the AAS Town Hall on Racism. The goal of this meeting is to address racism, defined as racial prejudice plus power, and discuss ways to combat it in our community. Systemic racism is the primary reason behind the lack of racial diversity in astronomy. As such, it is important to understand its historical roots, its evolution, and the ways it now pervades our institutions and our culture. Confronting racism is essential to make our field more equitable, and to improve opportunities for our colleagues, especially for our students. In light of our current political climate, having these discussions is more important than ever. We look forward to having you join us, so you can learn more about this problem, and meet other astronomers committed to fighting racism in our field.

We ask all prospective participants to RSVP so we can plan accordingly: RSVP Link

Discussion leaders:
Dr. Nicole Estefania Cabrera Salazar

Prof. John Asher Johnson

Prof. Adam Burgasser

Prof. Jorge Moreno (Chair)

Town Hall Axiom:

We operate under the assumption that all people are created equal. If given the same choices and opportunities, all people will make choices that lead to beneficial life outcomes. Thus, any disparate and insidious outcome (e.g. astro demographics) is not natural/intrinsic, but created/extrinsic.

Suggested prior readings:
Astronomy In Color Vocabulary Primer
Why it's so hard to talk to white people about race in America?
Defining Racism
American Anthropological Association's Statement on Race

Suggested Viewing:
Race - The Power of an Illusion

Follow-up activities: To be announced.

Questions: Prof. Jorge Moreno, CSMA Chair (jorgemoreno AT cpp.edu)