Dear Fly-Colleagues,

We are horrified by the recent killings of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery, and many others before them, and other racially-motivated incidents that have occurred across the country, not just this past few weeks but for many, many decades. We want to draw your attention to the excellent statement by Denise Montell, President of the Genetics Society of America and fellow fly-person:

Denise articulates eloquently what we feel. Importantly, she accepts the responsibility that many of us need to shoulder, when we recognize the privilege that some of us have as white scientists and when we witness happenings in our labs, universities and communities that reflect the deep roots of racism in America. As she states: “Racism is everyone’s problem...”.

As Presidents of the FlyBoard we fully endorse her statement and the sentiments that she expresses.

The Fly-Community is diverse and welcoming, but we all still have a long way to go. We must acknowledge that we are all prone to implicit bias regardless of background or color. Decision-makers must ensure inclusion and equal representation. We must speak up against racism and inequality regardless of whom it is directed to. We stand by, and with, all of our members, particularly our members of color who face such realities every day. What we have done so far is simply not enough. We need to do better. We pledge to listen and act.

Sincerely,
Mariana Wolfner (President, Drosophila Board)
Mark Peifer (Past-President, Drosophila Board)
Tin Tin Su (Incoming President, Drosophila Board)