ASN Statement on Racism and Peaceful Protest

The Association for the Study of Nationalities (ASN) condemns the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota. Floyd’s murder is but one of a long list of cases that highlight the structural racism profoundly undermining equity in opportunities and social relations in the United States and around the world. The Association strongly supports the peaceful protests organized to draw attention to these challenges and seek societal transformation. 

We are an organization devoted to the promotion of knowledge and understanding of ethnicity, ethnic conflict, and nationalism. Our members are all too aware of the pernicious societal effects of stigmatization, exclusion and violence against marginalized communities. As a body, we are dedicated to expanding awareness, through our scholarship and teaching, of how hierarchies of power harm those who, by virtue of their identity, are most vulnerable. We are thus horrified and saddened by the instances of excessive use of force and violence by law enforcement agencies whose responsibility is to serve and protect citizens, not perpetuate structural discrimination. 

The power hierarchies enacted in our societies further harm equity in — and therefore the accuracy of — our science. ASN is a U.S.-based organization with a diverse and extensive international reach. We will continue to examine our own work and policies to achieve a more inclusive scholarly community. We can only achieve this goal when equality of opportunity is granted to all people regardless of their identity status. 

The ASN Board of Directors