Comparing ACM’s Statements on Racism
June 4th - ACM Stands with Those who promote inclusivity.
In the United States, and throughout many regions around the world, current events have brought attention to the urgent need for equality and respect for all individuals. ACM reaffirms its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the global computer science community. As an international organization of nearly 100,000 professionals, ACM respects the essential worth of all people and firmly believes that diversity strengthens the scientific enterprise and society as a whole. ACM’s Code of Professional Ethics embodies these principles, and our Diversity and Inclusion Council works to translate them into effective action. ACM is committed to creating an environment that welcomes new ideas and perspectives, and where hostility or other harmful behaviors are not tolerated. As an organization, we stand with those who promote inclusivity.
This statement is 130 words. Based on its timing and opening reference, it is motivated by protests in the US and globally in response to police brutality and racist enforcement. Yet, the statement emphasizes that ACM is “international” and thus does not name or mention any particular events or issues that motivated this statement beyond an oblique mention to “current events.” It calls for equality, respect, diversity, inclusion-- wonderful buzzwords, but empty without context or reference. It ends by referring back to the protests, but again with vague and non-specific language, as it “stands with” those who promote “inclusivity,” whatever that means in this context.
The revision (below) is astutely presented as a statement from the Diversity and Inclusion Council (so not, actually a re-issue of the prior statement, but more of an expansion). What’s the difference? #SayTheirNames #racism #injustice #BlackLivesMatter Wow. Very specific to the events that motivated it, and the language use to communicate about protesters demands. It articulates support for a particular stance that is (un?)surprisingly contentious. The D&IC doesn’t “firmly believe,” but is “outraged” by the “plague” of violence against Black people. (another anti-racist reference, the simile of “racism is a pandemic”) But, they say, no promises. This, after all, is not on behalf of ACM, but the words of the council. As a council, they commit to review policies, and recommend and encourage meaningful actions to those who can actually take steps to address the injustice. The steps on the to-do list are primarily aimed at organizational leadership and look very familiar: a seat at the table, positions of influence, and the money to make it happen. So... the ball is back in ACM’s court. What will happen? What will change?
June 10 (Statement from ACM D&I Council) In the United States, and throughout many regions around the world, current events have brought attention to the urgent need for equality and respect for all individuals. We have witnessed racism and violence against Black people in the United States and in our communities. Most recently, the killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd have re-focused attention to the long-standing racism and injustice that plagues the United States and many other nations. In response, there are worldwide demonstrations and protests. ACM members are directly impacted by these events and we, the volunteer leadership of ACM, are outraged by this all-too familiar pattern of enduring injustice. Black Lives Matter.This is a hard problem, and we will continue to make change and actively seek ways to take meaningful action. The Diversity and Inclusion Council’s role is to serve as a convener and focal point for these issues within ACM and to serve as a resource for those seeking to effect positive change; the D&I Council does not set policy. We will continue to listen, to learn, to engage and to explore new ways to actively foster diversity and fight against racism. In the immediate aftermath of these most recent events, we commit to the following actions: Perform a systematic and complete review of ACM policies and practices that can be shared and communicated throughout ACM’s activities and programs to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion. Encourage ACM’s Boards/Councils and Committees to nominate and recruit black and underrepresented members of the community for positions within ACM. Recommend ACM fund travel grants to support conference attendance for students and scholars from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions. Encourage Special Interest Groups (SIGs) to include sessions and activities at conferences and workshops focused on combating implicit bias and other forms of bias, particularly as applicable to technological development and impacts on creating a more inclusive society. Encourage SIGs to further diversify conference organizing committees, persons serving in conference leadership roles, and those invited to serve as plenary/keynote speakers, and to report on their progress. Recommend expansion of funding for events that focus on amplifying the scholarship of Black and other groups underrepresented in computing and to broaden the participation of aspiring scholars from these communities in computing—undergraduate and graduate students, and junior researchers and faculty.
