We call on MIT to immediately launch a thorough and impartial investigation into the conduct of Professor Rosalind Picard in light of the openly racist comments she made at the prestigious NeurIPS conference. As an institution renowned for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, MIT must demonstrate that such behavior has no place within its community.

At the NeurIPS conference, Professor Picard’s remarks were not only offensive but also indicative of deeply entrenched prejudices. When confronted by attendees, she doubled down on her stance, suggesting that these ideas may not be isolated but rather reflective of a broader pattern of discriminatory thinking. This raises serious concerns about whether her biases may influence her interactions with students, colleagues, and collaborators, as well as her teaching and research practices.

Racism in educational institutions severely impacts the mental health, academic performance, and professional development of victims. Allowing discriminatory attitudes to persist undermines the core mission of an academic institution: to provide an environment where all students and faculty can thrive equally.

MIT’s reputation as a leader in engineering and technology innovation is built upon its principles of inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives. Tolerating or failing to address such conduct risks eroding trust within the institution and tarnishing its global standing. The MIT Media Lab plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of engineering and innovation. Faculty members must exemplify integrity and impartiality, ensuring their conduct reflects the values of the institute. Any form of racism within such a prominent department can have far-reaching consequences, both within and beyond the academic community.

We demand that the MIT administration launch a prompt, unbiased, and transparent investigation into Professor Picard’s conduct, including her statements at NeurIPS and her professional behavior within MIT, and take appropriate action based on the findings.

The academic community cannot afford to turn a blind eye to racism. MIT must act decisively to uphold its values and demonstrate its commitment to fostering a safe and equitable environment for all.