AAG Statement on President Trump’s Executive Order
The following is a Statement by the AAG Council on the recent Trump Executive Order limiting travel to the US from several countries.
The AAG is committed to supporting all AAG members who are impacted by this executive order.
We also are taking action in concert with several other organizations in Washington, DC., to attempt roll back the restrictions of this Executive Order. The AAG Council and Central Office are actively working with determination in this effort and will share regular updates with you. We also encourage all of our members to engage at the local and state levels with your own Congressional representatives, to express to them your own perspectives on this issue.
President Glen MacDonald and the governing Council of the American Association of Geographers (AAG) today issued the following statement:
We are deeply concerned by the recent executive order that restricts the ability of AAG members and the broader geography community from certain countries from being able to enter or return to the United States.
This executive order is contrary to the values we hold dear in geography, which is an inherently open and international discipline. Diversity and international interactions in the field of geography are essential to addressing global issues including security, peace, economic well-being, and health, as well as to achieving global understanding of our world and understanding in our world.
The AAG community, like universities and other associations across the United States, has long been deeply enriched by researchers, scholars, and students from around the world, including the affected countries, coming to study, teach, share knowledge, and learn. It is critical that the United States continues to welcome geographers and others of all backgrounds and nationalities. This is not only just and ethical, but our nation’s ability to remain a global leader in innovation, science, research, and education depends on it.
The AAG welcomes all of our members and the international scientific community to participate in our association’s activities, including at our Annual Meetings which provide the world’s largest forum for international exchange of scholarship, research, and applications in geography, to over 9,000 attendees annually. This year an extraordinary special session will discuss the challenges we now face and draw upon the insight and help of our membership.
We are committed to supporting all AAG members who are impacted by this executive action. The Council and Executive Director are actively working with determination in this effort and will provide regular updates.
Glen MacDonald
President
Douglas Richardson
Executive Director
Bravo!
Great, the AAG is officially political. Please stay out of politics. You’ve just given Trumpsters ammunition to question valid research on climate change and an array of other important issues. The last thing we need to do is give these buffoons yet another reason to eschew science.
I agree with the statement fully. You have my support.
It’s not as though these ‘buffoons’ need more or less evidence. Their rationales and logic don’t really align with scientific reason or method in the first place. I think staying out of politics has rather run it’s course, don’t you? I think it’s time research associations and organisations started to make a stand. Up with this, we will not put.
Re the comment immediately below. Surely not to declare a position on the openness of and international stance of the AAG meeting in the context of what has transpired would be a political act too?
James D Sidaway
http://profile.nus.edu.sg/fass/geojds/
Good luck. You are dealing with a very hard headed individual who seems to see “geography” as simply a matter of “us/US, and them”. But don’t give up – he won’t be around for ever.
Wow! Amazing how certain so many “scientists” are regarding the causes, possible impacts, and actions that must be taken to combat global warming. Geographers must lead the charge to ensure alternative facts and responses to this issue are considered and weighed. Too often geography has been used to endorse political ideologies. Let’s vow to leave politics out of our scientific pursuits to the extent we can. Fortunately, it is becoming apparent just how intolerant academia has become to all but a leftist agenda. Let’s break away from that dogma. Let’s not be used by the ideological left any longer. I’m not saying the AAG should go right either. I am simply trying to find reasonable scholars open minded enough to consider alternative world views and legitimate life-worlds far removed from the shelter of academic group think. Let’s rise to this challenge and put the AAG in the vanguard of a new era of enlightenment!
You do not sound like you have any scientific curiosity. Not the least bit interested in dissent to prevailing thought within you community? Far from staying out of politics, do you realize your words express a desire to keep the AAG overtly political? Welcome the debate. Beat the “baffoons” if you can.
Why would geographers be scared of someone defining the borders of a country?
You mean agreement with your sordid, limited, bigoted, ignorant and narrow political ideology equates with scientific curiosity? Like all Trumpster bullies, you want agreement. You factually have no curiosity at all. Definitely none that would classify as “scientific.” Understanding the world, and our field, means being open to all ideas that promote the advance of knowledge. Being bigoted and closed to all other ideas is a dead end.