The Executive Committee of the Society has recently received the suggestion that the Society, as an applied science organization, ought to be willing to take a position on public affairs. In order to explore this matter, the following proposition is being offered the membership in order to ascertain the feeling of the members on this matter:
The Society for Applied Anthropology has a responsibility to take under consideration matters of importance that lie before the public. On many such issues there are studies and evidence that have direct relevance. As an organization devoted to the proper application of the behavioral sciences, and specifically anthropology, it has a responsibility to make an effort to disseminate information concerning such studies to the persons in positions ot decision.
It is not the role or desire of the Society to involve itself in partisan politics, nor to become involved in disputes over such matters. But the danger of this latter should not be allowed to stand in the way of a vigorous and integral stand on matters about which the results of scientific study are fairly clear.
It is therefore suggested that the Executive Committee undertake to develop some means by which issues may be examined, the evidence marshalled on those regarded as appropriate for action, the position presented to the society for its approval, and, finally, communication to the indicated persons.
Erased: ending faculty sexual misconduct in academia an open letter from women of public affairs education