It has recently come to light that Associate Professor Lawrence Mead's research on poverty and the socio-economic disparities experienced by Blacks and Latinx individuals in America espouses an ideology built on racial supremacy and genetic superiority. Cultural origin and lack of European genetics play absolutely no part in the economic hardships experienced by people of color in America. With the events that have occurred recently, as well as research that dates back several decades, there's a wealth of evidence that points to institutionalized, systemic racism as the culprit for the persistent lack of advancement those in Black and Latinx communities have experienced, as they strive to achieve socio-economic equality with their white counterparts. There should be no space for scientific racism at the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, a place committed to making a global impact in communities of need, as well as fostering professional advancement and thoughtful scholarly discussion in the field of public service. 

We in the Wagner community feel that given Professor Mead's insensitive and bigoted views on poverty and welfare in America, he should be removed from his professorship at the university. His ideals clearly run counter to our core beliefs, as well as the university's efforts to push forward equity, diversity and inclusion. Academia is where we are first exposed to different ideas and perspectives outside of our own. Racism is a virulent disease that must be eradicated in all institutions it calls home; the first part of that process begins within our institutions of learning and thought. There is no justifiable rationale for teaching our Black and Latinx students today, as well as the ones of tomorrow, that their opportunities for success are limited by their race and cultural upbringing.

As a first-generation graduate student of both Hispanic and Black descent, I take Professor Mead's comments about the need for our people to adopt a more "individualistic" mentality very personal. I am proud of the traditions and values my parents imbued in me as a young child; two foreign-born immigrants who came to this country without much and found a way to not only build success for themselves, but for their children as well. Strength of family and community are two of the core values I was raised on; I would not be a graduate student, or even in a position to write this petition, without the support and guidance of those close to me in my family, as well as my community. Emphasizing individualistic ambitions over the benefit of your community is selfishness to me, and the individuals that come from the communities my family and I hold dear to our heart. We don't believe that these values diminish our opportunities for success. We believe these values play an integral role in creating success for ourselves, as well as creating a platform to uplift those around us. 

Sign this petition if you believe that racism has no place in our institutions of learning, as well as in any of our scholarly discussions and research on race in America. Stand in solidarity with those in Black and Latinx communities facing this uphill battle, as well as those on the outside consistently working to facilitate progress and equality for these communities.