Board of Directors Statement on AIP’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion in the Physical Sciences
The Supreme Court ruled in a case involving the use of racial preferences in undergraduate admissions.
We as leaders of the American Institute of Physics (AIP) are disappointed by the recent Supreme Court ruling in the cases involving Students for Fair Admissions and Harvard College and the University of North Carolina that was announced earlier today. While the specifics of those cases focused on undergraduate admissions to universities, we understand the ruling has altered the legal landscape within which AIP and other organizations are working to foster the most effective scientific workforce and culture of discovery by assuring a truly diverse and inclusive scientific enterprise.
Nothing in the Court’s decision will change who we are as the American Institute of Physics and what we are here to do. Our mission calls on us to “to advance, promote, and serve the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity,” and to achieve that goal we must expand the diversity and inclusiveness of the physical sciences enterprise. This effort is critical to the vitality of our community and to the work we do.
As scientists, we are driven by evidence. Empirical evidence demonstrates that diverse perspectives increase creativity and innovation in addressing science’s most challenging problems. Removing barriers to the full participation of minoritized communities in the physical sciences, advancing initiatives that support a diverse and inclusive scientific workforce, and creating welcoming and supportive environments for all will remain priorities for AIP.
We will not be dissuaded or diverted from this bedrock purpose. And we will continue to value and welcome every person interested in our science, recognizing that not all individuals or institutions are currently afforded equal access to resources, support, and opportunities.
Read AIP’s previous statement on diversity .
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ABOUT AIP
The mission of AIP (American Institute of Physics ) is to advance, promote, and serve the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity. AIP is a federation that advances the success of our 10 Member Societies and an institute that operates as a center of excellence supporting the physical sciences enterprise. In its role as an institute, AIP uses policy analysis, social science, and historical research to promote future progress in the physical sciences. AIP is a 501(c)(3) membership corporation of scientific societies. Please contact AIP’s media line with any questions or concerns: media@aip.org .
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