Message to the Membership

I have been reflecting on the fact that we continue to see a growth in the number of incidences of hatred and violence directed against specific individuals in our hematology community. Anti-Semitism is one such painful example of a bias that continues to rise within and beyond the United States. Faith-based bias is not new and many refer to anti-Semitism as hatred that runs deep throughout world history.

Further, even as Pride Month has drawn to a close, we see evidence of a growing anti-transgender movement and increased violence, particularly directed at Black trans women.

As a Society, we believe that understanding and valuing our differences is what will make us better citizens of this richly diverse world. I want to state unequivocally that ASH believes that all members and patients should be free to be who they are and be treated equitably with their whole self present. We stand in solidarity with our members and patients in all communities that are targets of discrimination, harassment, and violence, and remain committed to combatting all forms of bigotry.

It is with this in mind that the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Committee on Promoting Diversity (CPD) has been considering how bias and hate targeting different aspects of identity impact the personal and professional lives of our members and patients. We identified what we believe is an important addition to our DEI statement: a clear articulation of the personal harm that hate, bigotry, and bias can have and what ASH is doing and will continue to do to combat that harm.

Please see the expanded statement below and visit the ASH Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Health Care webpage to learn more about the issues that are important to our diverse global community.

ASH Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The American Society of Hematology (ASH) is committed to building and nurturing a global hematology community and workforce inclusive of diverse perspectives, talents, and experiences as it works toward one collective goal: helping hematologists conquer blood diseases worldwide. ASH stands in solidarity with our members and patients in communities that are targets of discrimination, harassment, and violence, and remains committed to combatting all forms of bigotry. The four-pronged approach to fulfilling the Society’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is:

1. Inspiring, recruiting, and supporting researchers and clinicians from diverse backgrounds to pursue and succeed in careers in hematology and related fields.
2. Involving people with diverse perspectives, talents, and experiences in leadership, volunteer, and staff positions.
3. Advocating for policies and supporting programs that aim to eliminate health disparities in the care of hematology patients.
4. Providing resources and education to help build awareness of and seek to dismantle systemic racism and other forms of discrimination affecting our members and patients.

ASH welcomes and encourages engagement and participation of individuals in the Society regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ability, national origin, or other attributes.

I want to remind members of the ASH community to continue to share ideas, opportunities, and experiences with us to inform our work.

If you would like to be engaged in this important work of ASH or have an idea about how the Committee on Promoting Diversity can do more to support your community please send an email to [email protected].