A Statement of Solidarity

The American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy is the primary professional organization for the development of genetic and cellular therapies to treat human disease. As our mission has always been to improve the human condition, we cannot remain immobile in the face of disturbing injustice perpetuating within our country and society.

The abhorrent killings of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Breonna Taylor in Louisville, and Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, the false accusation of violence leveled at Christian Cooper in New York and countless other examples have ignited protests around the world to express outrage at police brutality, lack of justice, and systemic anti-Black racism that has been evident for centuries. This racism perpetuates social and economic inequalities and oppresses people of color,especially Black Americans. We demand equitable community policing policies, increased transparency, and accountability, particularly in cases of police-involved murders and uses of deadly force.

Systemic racism is also evident in research and healthcare systems. It is resounding in the COVID-19 crisis where people of color are disproportionately killed. As scientists and physicians, we must advocate for positive and effective change.  

We commit ourselves to justice and recognize the need to abolish systemic racism in the community, research, and healthcare. To our Black colleagues and the Black community, we see you, we hear you, and we are listening. We are committed to supporting policies and practices that ensure laboratories, offices, and hospitals are safe spaces to work and innovate. As members of our society and our community, you deserve equal protection under the law and true social and economic equality.

Black Lives Matter.

In solidarity,
ASGCT

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