Subject: Appalled by the decision to remove DEI content on the ASM website
Dear ASM Leadership,
For over 20 years, I have been a proud member of the ASM, a professional society that not only publishes outstanding microbiology research but also supports diversity, equity, and inclusion within our field.
I am deeply disappointed and angered by ASM’s recent decision to remove online content that highlighted and celebrated non-white, female, and LGBTQ+ scientists. Rather than unquestioningly complying with vague governmental directives to halt and delete inclusion efforts, ASM should have taken a principled stand and kept this content accessible.
Since ASM is not a federal agency and derives most of its funding from publishing and membership fees, this decision to remove content that so many of us support is both disheartening and perplexing.
I have read ASM’s statement following the recent STAT article, which claims that no content was deleted but is instead "under review." I must ask: under review for what purpose? Will the language be altered? Will key aspects be removed?
I urge ASM to demonstrate integrity and restore the content in its original form.
As BlueSky user Len Kurland worded it nicely, this is the perfect time for Microbial Resistance.
Kind regards,
Elisabeth Bik
I am appalled by the ASM's decision to remove DEI content from their website.
Here is my email to the American Society for Microbiology, @ASM.org asking them to put everything back as it was.
If you are an ASM member, please consider writing them.
