Racism and Reaffirming Core Values of the MBL

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

The tragic circumstances surrounding the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and a number of other recent acts of racially motivated violence painfully remind us that for too long we have ignored the systemic discrimination and unjust bias that plagues our nation. We recognize the pain this brings to all in our community, particularly those who live with the knowledge that the color of their skin unjustly makes them a target of hate.

We are seeing the cumulative anguish and frustration from generations of racial disparity and systemic oppression in our country manifested in the solidarity of peaceful protest. At this moment in our history, it is essential that we reaffirm and embrace the core values of the MBL. Every individual on our campus must be treated with dignity and respect in a safe and comfortable work and learning environment. As a community we must not tolerate racism and social injustice.  We commit ourselves to combating these injustices by creating a climate focused on equity, civility, respect, and safety for all individuals in our MBL and Woods Hole community. These lofty ambitions take great effort. As an institution we are working to understand how best to make these changes, and welcome input from the members of the MBL community.

Despite our physical distance at this time, we ask you to support one another in a shared commitment to creating the most inclusive and diverse community that we possibly can – one that fosters trust and values and encourages the contributions and perspectives of every one of its members.

Thank you for your attention to this serious issue and for your commitment to our shared values.

Sincerely,

Nipam H. Patel, Director
Adam Carter, Director, Office of Sponsored Programs and Research Administration
Alison Crawford, Chief of Staff
Ann Egan, Director, Human Resources
Mary S. Harrington, Director, Finance
Gina Hebert, Director, Communications
Scott Koerner, Director, Information Technology
Sebastien Laye, Chief Advancement Officer
Linda Hyman, Burroughs Wellcome Director of Education
David Mark Welch, Director of Research; Co-Chair, MBL Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Jennifer Morgan, Director, Bell Center for Regenerative Biology & Tissue Engineering; Chair, MBL Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Marie Russell, Director, Facilities and Services
Paul Speer, Chief Operating Officer
Jennifer Walton, Director, Library Services; Co-Director, MBLWHOI Library