Message from Rutgers University's Senior Vice President for Research and Economic Development on Today's #ShutDownSTEM and #ShutdownAcademia Events

Today, many members of the global academic and scientific community have pledged to #ShutDownSTEM and to #ShutdownAcademia – to pause their work for one day – to actively support the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement and efforts against racism in the scientific community and society at large.

Although we cannot erase the history of anti-Black violence and racism in this nation or across the globe, today’s initiative led by scientists and academics is intended to provide an opportunity to move closer towards a fresh or renewed commitment towards education, action and healing.

If you choose to participate – whether it is through exercising your first amendment right to march in solidarity with the BLM movement, pausing your teaching or research for the day, or canceling a meeting to show your support and using the time to learn about systemic racism, implicit bias and privilege – every action matters in your sphere of influence.

If you are not partaking in today’s events, I encourage you to show acceptance and understanding for those who choose to participate and support them in taking a stand for themselves and others.

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Please take these words to heart and do what you can to make positive change happen in our country, in our time.

S. David Kimball
Senior Vice President for Research and Economic Development