An open letter from women of science
(original pledge published in Scientific American on November 17, 2016, updated November 2024)
Science is the foundation of progressive society: it fuels innovation and touches the lives of every person on this planet. Science shapes and is shaped by culture and how we understand the world around us. The xenophobic, anti-immigrant, racist, misogynistic, anti-trans, and anti-science sentiments expressed repeatedly during the recent U.S. presidential campaign are not unique to this moment; they are symptoms of the rapid spread of disinformation-fueled fascism across the world that threatens the foundations of democracy and society with already evident ramifications for global peace and planetary health. Our work as scientists and our values as humans are under attack. We fear for the safety and liberty of our communities, families, friends, and colleagues. Many of us are personally threatened by this divisive and destructive rhetoric. We are members of racial, ethnic, and religious minority groups. We are immigrants. We are people with disabilities. We are LGBTQIA+. We are parents. We are women. We are scientists.
500 Women Scientists formed in 2016 and over the last 8 years, we have organized within our scientific communities, learned from other organizers, evolved together, and today recommit ourselves to our collective mission to serve society by making science open, inclusive, and accessible, and to transform society by fighting racism, patriarchy, and oppressive societal norms. To confront the continued rise of fascism, anti-science sentiments, misogyny, and disinformation, we, as 500 Women Scientists, reaffirm our commitment to build a more inclusive society and scientific enterprise. We continue to reject the hateful rhetoric that has permeated our society. We remain committed to fighting against the continued marginalization and vilification of minority groups, women, LGBTQIA+, immigrants, and people with disabilities.
Together, we pledge to:
Stand united in our values and vision of a multicultural, inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Commit to protecting the most vulnerable among us.
Use our voice and speak up for truth and science - we will not retreat from holding public institutions accountable!
Remain steady in our commitment to work towards a better future.
Elevate the voices of activists before us and continue to learn from movements against authoritarianism and for justice, in the U.S. and across the world.
Recognize that healthy discourse requires respectful debate as well as focus on shared values.
We will hold space for disagreements without being disagreeable.
Continue the community organizing work we started in 2016 to demand equity and justice in science.
Strengthen support for marginalized and/or traditionally under-represented groups to participate in and become leaders in STEMM.
Demonstrate to young girls, women, gender diverse persons, and the broader LGBTQIA+ community that they are welcome and needed in science.
Lead through mentorship, fostering an atmosphere of inclusion, encouragement and collaboration.
Use science to enhance global diplomacy.
Maintain joy in our work, even in dark times.
Our movement brings together scientists and advocates from all over the world. As a global organization, 500 Women Scientists knows that the spread of authoritarianism, anti-science rhetoric, and threats to equity and justice reach far beyond any one nation. We stand in solidarity with our global community, committed to taking action both locally and globally. By using science to bridge divides, we support marginalized communities everywhere. From peacebuilding efforts in war-torn regions to containing threats to public health and understanding the risks and harms of novel technological developments, our work crosses borders, as we strive to uphold justice and inclusion in science wherever they are under threat.
Today, we call on all scientists to join us in declaring unwavering support for evidence-based policy-making, human rights, advocacy for the scientific enterprise, for one another, and for all people who are vilified and targeted by hateful rhetoric, including immigrants, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQIA+. While our work has a global reach, we commit to taking meaningful action within our own communities. We will continue to work together towards an inclusive society, where ideals of science are embraced and everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a brighter, more equitable, and peaceful future.