Change the genus name of a dinosaur called "Nigersaurus".

Change the genus name of a dinosaur called "Nigersaurus".

The Issue

As a Black student attending university, I was incredibly hurt and appalled when a colleague suggested I searched up "dinosaur with 500 teeth" as a joke. I could not believe my eyes. It is disgusting to see that this has managed to remain in educational material as a legitimate genus name for a dinosaur. This name only serves the purpose of making fun of and discriminating against melanated individuals because it carries an obvious racist undertone. A child nor adult should not search for characteristics of a fossil only to find such uncouth material, especially if she or he is black. This only solidifies and proves that there is much systemic racism to deal with in both the educational institution and society at large. I am asking everyone who is able to. To help me improve society, if even by a small amount. I know it may seem "silly" or "not that big of a deal", but I assure you; there are those who are hurt by these forms of hidden discrimination and i believe it is our duty as a society to change what we can for the betterment of all of humanity.

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The Issue

As a Black student attending university, I was incredibly hurt and appalled when a colleague suggested I searched up "dinosaur with 500 teeth" as a joke. I could not believe my eyes. It is disgusting to see that this has managed to remain in educational material as a legitimate genus name for a dinosaur. This name only serves the purpose of making fun of and discriminating against melanated individuals because it carries an obvious racist undertone. A child nor adult should not search for characteristics of a fossil only to find such uncouth material, especially if she or he is black. This only solidifies and proves that there is much systemic racism to deal with in both the educational institution and society at large. I am asking everyone who is able to. To help me improve society, if even by a small amount. I know it may seem "silly" or "not that big of a deal", but I assure you; there are those who are hurt by these forms of hidden discrimination and i believe it is our duty as a society to change what we can for the betterment of all of humanity.

The Decision Makers

Ontario Archaeological Society
Ontario Archaeological Society
National Geographics
National Geographics

Supporter Voices

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Petition created on November 11, 2020