It needs to be said, it needs to be understood, and it needs to be reflected in the way we choose to function as an organization.
Supporting early career researchers, empowering educators, and facilitating widespread early access to VR technology are all central to our mission at STEM-VRSE. It is impossible to disentangle race and class from the disparities that currently exist in the access to funding, mentorship, and other resources that are critical to the success of educators and researchers alike. If we hope to build a future that looks more equitable than our past we must pursue inclusion with the same purposeful enthusiasm that previous generations have pursued exclusivity.
As an organization, we are committed to dismantling the artificial barriers that have been constructed to keep research, technology, and higher education in the hands of the few. In doing so we hope to greatly improve future generations’ access to and experiences with reality, virtual and otherwise.
For further information on the BLM movement and how to give or get involved go to: blacklivesmatter.com
If you would like to give directly to the families of victims orsupport legal funds for protestors, the following article provide smany direct links to family fundraisers as well as some good guidance on how to avoid scams and make sure that you are donating effectively in general: www.thecut.com/article/george-floyd-protests-how-to-help-where-to-donate
If you are interested in supporting Black education and Black educators specifically, information on the National Alliance of Black School Educators can be found at theirwebpage: www.nabse.org