Equity statement
2 June 2020
The Western Division of the American Fisheries Society acknowledges the historical lack of diversity in fisheries science and conservation. The Division has been working diligently to improve diversity, inclusion, and equity but realizes that this work is far from complete. The recent horrific killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor have further highlighted the need to reaffirm and increase our commitment to denouncing discrimination and harassment of any kind. The Western Division stands in solidarity with the Black community in the fight against systemic racism and injustice. We challenge our members and ourselves as an organization to take action to create a socially-just, safe, and welcoming fisheries community and world at large.
For information on current Western Division diversity, inclusiveness, and equity initiatives, please visit https://wdafs.org/about-us/committees/diversity-and-inclusion-committee/. If you have any suggestions on how the Division or fisheries community could improve its diversity, inclusiveness, and equity, please reach out to the Division officers (contacts at www.wdafs.org) or our Diversity and Inclusion Committee at: [email protected].
-WDAFS Officers