Christofer Nelson, ASTC’s President and CEO released the following statement:
On January 6, we saw a frightening display of attempted mob rule at the United States Capitol Building. As Members of Congress were certifying the results of a free and fair election with an unambiguous outcome, violent extremists were engaged in an unprecedented attack on American democracy and intent on overturning the will of the people.
These extremists were motivated by lies told to them by people they trust. As we have seen all too plainly, misinformation can be a powerful weapon; not being constrained by facts and reality seemingly provides license to do anything.
We are an association of science and technology centers and museums who believe that all individuals must be empowered with the ability to evaluate sources, assess data, and make fact-based decisions. We uphold the principle that science is a way of knowing that depends upon a set of methods, observations, and experimentation. Although we are made up of individual institutions deeply rooted in their communities, we share a common vision of increased understanding of—and engagement with—science and technology among all people.
ASTC will continue to collaborate with our members and partners to ensure that facts and truth stand as pillars of our societies worldwide. We will redouble our efforts to build community capacity for solving problems using science, technology, and innovation and to work together with our communities to create the space for honest, evidence-based, constructive dialogue that breaks down barriers, builds trust, and helps us work together toward a more equitable future for all.
About ASTC
Founded in 1973, ASTC is a network of nearly 700 science and technology centers and museums, and allied organizations, engaging more than 110 million people annually across North America and in almost 50 countries. With its members and partners, ASTC works towards a vision of increased understanding of—and engagement with—science and technology among all people. Visit www.astc.org or follow ASTC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram @ScienceCenters.