SIGPLAN Statement on Inclusivity


ACM SIGPLAN Stands with Those Who Promote Inclusivity

June 5, 2020 by Jens Palsberg

In the United States, and throughout many regions around the world, current events have brought attention to the urgent need for equality and respect for all individuals. ACM SIGPLAN reaffirms its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the global computer science community together with the bigger ACM family.

As an international organization of nearly 100,000 professionals, ACM respects the essential worth of all people and firmly believes that diversity strengthens the scientific enterprise and society as a whole. ACM’s Code of Professional Ethics embodies these principles, and our Diversity and Inclusion Council works to translate them into effective action.

ACM SIGPLAN is committed to creating an environment that welcomes new ideas and perspectives, and where hostility or other harmful behaviors are not tolerated. As an organization, we stand with those who promote inclusivity.

This year, ACM SIGPLAN created CARES, an organization to listen to and help people who experience discrimination in our field. Recent events highlight why such organizations matter more than ever.

Computing, including our corner of it, already suffers from radical and deeply problematic disparities of representation. We unequivocally support the right of individuals to speak up about their suffering and for their rights, and condemn systemic racism and discrimination of any kind. We’re eager to work to educate ourselves and help others make at least this little corner of the world a better place.

If you are a scholar who’d like to talk, please get in touch: we’re here for you.