Wednesday, June 10, 2020: A Strike For Black Lives

#strike4blacklives     #strikeforblacklives     #shutdownstem

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is one day enough?

Taking action for one day isn’t enough. We urge participants to use at least part of the day to make a long term plan for sustained action in support of Black lives.

Why a global strike?

Anti-Black barriers in physics exist at all career stages, from undergrad to faculty, and every institution in the world has a responsibility to address them. As such, all institutions can either involve themselves in removing and dismantling anti-Blackness and white supremacy in our field, or instead render themselves participants in the justification for global subjugation of Black people. Black people face discrimination and structural anti-Blackness throughout the world. As such, it is a global problem.

What about contingent faculty?

We understand that contingent faculty who are especially precarious may feel their participation is a choice about their future employment. We understand that each person’s ability to participate is shaped by the kinds of institutional inequities produced by contingency.

What about exams?

It is our view that tenure-line faculty should strongly consider postponing or canceling exams. If canceling/postponing is not doable, we urge the faculty to offer flexibility to their Black students and teaching assistants so that they are free to take the day off. It is important to consider how your choices will disparately impact/benefit Black students vs. other students. We understand that each faculty member will make their own decisions. We hope whatever they decide centers the value that Black lives and Black minds matter.

Students who feel empowered to ask their instructors for an extension or a change of date should do so. However, in many instances students (especially Black students) have little power in an academic situation, and you should not do something that jeopardizes your grade or standing at your institution. You could take part in an alternate strike on a day when you don’t have exams.

What about the pandemic?

We are currently facing an unprecedented global pandemic, which in particular has disproportionately affected Black communities in the United States. Many academics are currently doing essential work to fight this pandemic. We appreciate the importance and urgency of this work; we encourage those doing it to take a moment when possible to reflect on how their work can contribute to these urgent calls for justice.

What happens after the strike?

The strike will provide a time to learn, reflect, critique, and chart a course of action. We hope that many new ideas and initiatives will emerge from the strike and the communities built around the day’s actions. We emphasize that any such follow-up activities should center Black lives and experiences, and be primarily for the benefit of Black people. It is also important to join, amplify, and support existing initiatives to effect change in our institutions and communities.

Can I participate if I am part of a union?

Yes. However, you may need to take a vacation day. Contact your union representative if you are unsure or have any questions. You may choose to take action in a different way, without formally declaring that you are on strike.

Where do I start in educating myself?

See our recommended resources page.