Statements
The AACA does not provide formal statements, comments, or perspectives on political views unless the topic is directly pertinent to the primary mission or function of the organization. To maintain good standing as a non-profit 501c3 organization, it requires that the AACA refrain from engaging in political rhetoric.
The AACA was founded to support, promote, and advance anatomically and clinically based scholarship in research, teaching, and curricular matters within the health science professions. Our Association is proud to have members from over 30 countries worldwide and we continually welcome new members to our community.
March 5th, 2022
Statement on Ukraine
The invasion of Ukraine is an unprovoked violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and of fundamental international principles, which endangers the health and safety of the Ukrainian people especially given that we are still in the midst of a global pandemic. As an association of scientists with a fundamental purpose of improving the quality of life of all humanity through education and scientific research, it is deeply distressing to many in the AACA.
Our heartfelt sympathies are with members of our community with ties to Ukraine. We send our support to all who are suffering from the war, including individuals displaced from their homes, those who are providing assistance and care to the Ukrainian people, and the Ukrainian nationals within our community.
The AACA can help by encouraging our members to donate to reputable organizations — such as the International Committee of the Red Cross — that are on the ground and responding to this humanitarian emergency.
June, 9th 2020
Statement on Racial Injustice
The American Association of Clinical Anatomists was founded to support, promote and advance anatomically and clinically-based scholarship in research, teaching, and curricular matters within the health science professions. We believe that Associations such as ours thrive when all people in our membership and leadership have an equal opportunity to contribute their talents and share their passion for the anatomical sciences.
The AACA strongly condemns racism – both personal and systemic - as well as bigotry. Such attitudes are antithetical to our mission and have no place in our Association. Progress in the Anatomical sciences is made possible by the selfless gifts made by human body donors all over the world. Their kindness, generosity, and bravery are attributes that are shared by all peoples and demonstrate the common humanity underlying our surface differences. Their willing gift to the improvement of society is in stark contrast to the lives tragically lost to the brutality of racial inequity.
AACA’s 500+ members and leadership stand against racism and practices that marginalize any individual based upon their race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, religious belief, sexual orientation, age, or economic status. We can honor these individuals, and the many that fell before them, by propelling the movement of inclusivity forward, and denouncing any practice that prohibits fair treatment of an individual. AACA believes that no individual deserves to be marginalized in any area of their lives and we will make every effort to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and dignity. The AACA commits to embracing persons of color in our membership and within the leadership of our association.
Supporting Articles
Open letter advocating for an anti-racist public health response to demonstrations against systemic injustice occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Jyfn4Wd2i6bRi12ePghMHtX3ys1b7K1A/view
Stolen Breaths – NEJM
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2021072?query=featured_home
'Protest Is a Profound Public Health Intervention': Why So Many Doctors Are Supporting Protests In the Middle of the COVID-19 Pandemic – TIME Magazine
https://time.com/5848212/doctors-supporting-protests/
Article written for Psychiatric News in relation to health disparities & COVID-19. Psychiatric News is the news service of the American Psychiatric Association.
https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2020.6b39
January 12th, 2020
Statement on Recent Events
The American Association of Clinical Anatomists and the Board of Directors are saddened by the recent events that took place at the U.S. Capitol. Attacks on congressional members, staff, and police, especially on such historic and powerful grounds, have shaken many of us. The American democracy is being tested and the AACA urges everyone to guard the integrity of the American dream of peace, prosperity, and freedom. The AACA has always been a place of community and will continue promoting the discipline of clinical anatomy and equal opportunities within the field. Now is the time for members, educators, and students to stand arm in arm against the violence and hatred seen in recent events. The AACA encourages its members to work together against the spread of negativity to promote unity and peace among all you are involved with.
The AACA was founded to support, promote, and advance anatomically and clinically based scholarship in research, teaching, and curricular matters within the health science professions. Our Association is proud to have members from over 30 countries worldwide and we continually welcome new members to our community.
