Pausing to reflect
Lo Que Pasa was not sent yesterday as scheduled in recognition of the nationwide #ShutDownSTEM grassroots movement to reflect on and address racism in STEM.
Faculty, staff and leaders across the University observed the day by taking a pause.
"This is a day for academia to reflect and identify actionable items to make Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) more equitable and inclusive of Black people," Elizabeth "Betsy" Cantwell, senior vice president for research and innovation, wrote in a letter to members of the Office for Research, Innovation & Impact. "Academia must reflect honestly on the ways that we continue to perpetuate oppression, barriers, and exclusion. The research enterprise at the University of Arizona values diversity in STEM and strives to one day achieve equity."
A message posted on the STEM Learning Center website stated, "This is a day for Black scholars to take a day to rest from systemic oppression and for others to reflect and identify actionable items to eliminate racism in STEM. Academia needs to reflect honestly on the ways that we continue to perpetuate oppression, barriers, and exclusion."
To learn more, visit STEM Learning Center.