Our Statement regarding Black Lives Matter.

We believe that Black lives matter. 

We believe that Black lives are valued. 

We believe that Black lives deserve better.

The unjust treatment of Black people is a human rights issue. The discrimination of Black individuals and communities has always been a human rights issue. The systemic oppression and widespread violence that target Black people have historic roots that cross geographic and socioeconomic boundaries. For centuries, voices have decried against hate and racism and violence. Now, as every state in the country unites and those voices are amplified, we must stand in solidarity and take action.

We at the Meitnerium Chapter of Iota Sigma Pi stand against hate, violence, and racism. As an organization dedicated to the advancement of one underrepresented group in the sciences, we must use our voice in solidarity with other underrepresented groups who are fighting for their lives, more than just their jobs and education. However, we acknowledge that the discrimination of Black people in the sciences is rampant, and must be addressed.

We condemn violence directed at Black individuals and communities. We stand beside the families and friends of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Aubrey, and the countless others who have been unjustly killed. This violence is inhumane, and this brutality demands action. We stand to champion and hold up this community that deserves better. 

We believe that everyone has the right to a good education, to be exposed to sciences. As such, we commit to coordinate with communities where a quality chemistry education is less accessible. With recent technological advancements, we will include outreach to groups beyond our geographical region to inspire interest in chemistry and the sciences.

We believe that everyone belongs in chemistry. As such, we commit to advocate for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the sciences. We also commit to invite prospective members from Black communities, from undergraduate to professional levels. We further commit to creating a more inclusive space, through participation in professional development programs, including topics such as identifying bias and racism, addressing anti-blackness, being a workplace ally, and civic engagement.

We believe that everyone has the right to succeed. As such, we commit to establish a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee. This committee will curate opportunities for our members who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, internships, and awards. 

We believe that we, as with all others, should be held accountable. As such, we commit to include a section about our DEI efforts in each annual report, to be submitted to our National Chapter.  We believe that this action must extend beyond this media cycle, and we commit to giving an update at the triennial conference, to share our progress and inspire other chapters within our organization. We make a call to action to all schools, organizations, companies, and non-profits from which our members come to identify their own systemic bias and to implement action to remove unjust barriers which Black, Indigenous, and People of Color face within their own institutions.