The following statement was released today from AAAS CEO Sudip Parikh, Chair of the Board Claire Fraser, President Susan Amara, and President-elect Gilda Barabino:
AAAS is disappointed to learn about a White House investigation that reportedly found Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Eric Lander is not conducting himself in a manner befitting a scientist or scientific leader – much less a cabinet-level leader in the administration.
Unfortunately, toxic behavioral issues still make their way into the STEM community where they stifle participation and innovation. OSTP should be a model for a respectful and positive workplace for the scientific community – not one that further exacerbates these issues.
AAAS takes its role as a representative voice of the scientific enterprise seriously. We hold ourselves and anyone affiliated with our organization to the highest standards of professional ethics and conduct. This extends to our Annual Meeting where we promote a respectful and safe environment, and equal opportunities for all participants that are free from harassment and discrimination. For that reason, we have decided to no longer feature Dr. Lander as a speaker at our meeting next week.