Dear colleagues and friends,
In the past weeks, we have witnessed unprecedented and very disturbing changes in how the US government treats science and scientists. A brutal dismantling of science and education is underway in Argentina. On a more global scale, many countries face threats to the scientific enterprise and the diverse people and communities that make it possible.
We wish to stand with all impacted fellow paleobotanists and scientists to acknowledge the critical consequences of these events on their professional and personal lives.
We reaffirm here our belief in the importance of academic freedom and of science-informed decisions, actions, and education, without arbitrary interference from governmental or private entities. We also believe that paleobotany and science, in general, benefit from including people with diverse backgrounds and identities. We strongly support the rights of all our colleagues to be safe and respected as they conduct science and live their daily lives, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability status, religion -or lack thereof, socio-economic status, and all the other attributes that make us who we are. We remain committed to fostering a space for collaboration, respectful exchanges of ideas, and support among paleobotanists and scientists worldwide.
Best wishes to all.