MME Stands for Racial Equality

June 12, 2020

Dear MME members and friends,

We stand with our partner organizations in science education to put an end to racism and to support actions that will ensure equitable access to learning. We feel anger, shock, and sorrow for the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless other Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color who have been senselessly murdered, injured, or harassed, often at the hands of law enforcement. This has gone on for far too long, and it is time for real change. Black lives matter.

Massachusetts Marine Educators, along with the National Marine Educators Association and all of its chapters, is committed to anti-racist science education. We know that racism is ingrained in many of the policies and practices of our government, institutions, schools, and cultural organizations. We must do whatever we can to identify, confront, and change these policies and practices to just and equitable ones.

We ask that you, our members and friends, join us in pledging to:

  • Identify racial prejudices within ourselves and our educational practices

  • Call out racism in our schools and learning environments

  • Create safe spaces for all students, especially Black students and students of color

  • Support one another in our quest for a more just and equitable world

  • Encourage and support minority students who are interested in careers in science

  • Investigate ways to include Indigenous scientific knowledge into our teaching practices 

As scientists and educators, we know that strong biological systems depend on diversity. Evolution drives our world toward beautiful complexity. We will strive to recognize and enshrine this diversity as an essential element of the human condition and critical to our survival.

In peace and friendship,

MME Executive Committee