Statement on Inclusivity and Fair Use

STATEMENT BY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CLASSICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE ATLANTIC STATES SUPPORTING INCLUSIVITY AND FAIR USE OF THE CLASSICAL TRADITION

The members of the Board of Directors of the Classical Association of the Atlantic States firmly assert our Association’s stated purpose and mission to “unite all persons in the Atlantic States who are interested in the study of the languages and literatures, the life and art of ancient Greece and ancient Rome and of the classical tradition…”  This organization takes pride in its longstanding traditions of collegiality and inclusivity, and the Association strives to represent and support all constituencies in its membership, governance, and programming.  Discrimination contradicts the purpose and mission of our organization.

 

Looking outward from our organization, we strongly oppose the appropriation of Classical literature, art, and ideas to legitimize or promote negative treatment or creed against any protected or marginalized group or individual, or appropriation that serves to further elevate groups who have historically enjoyed privilege above protected or marginalized groups.  The Classical Association of the Atlantic States endeavors to promote and support a wide array of teaching and study of the Classical world and to celebrate the diversity and nuance of life in the ancient world.

 

We, the leadership of the Classical Association of the Atlantic States, stand with the leadership of our fellow organizations, namely, the Society for Classical Studies , Classical Association of the Middle West and South , and the Women’s Classical Caucus  who have rightfully spoken out against attempts to misinterpret or misappropriate aspects of the ancient world in service to racist, sexist, or xenophobic ideologies.

The Officers and Board of Directors of the Classical Association of Atlantic States

 

And Previous Officers and Directors of CAAS

Frederick Booth – Past President, 2013-14

Ann Raia – Past President, 2007-2008

Timothy Renner – Past President, 1989-1990

Maria Marsilio – Past Second Vice President, 2014-2015

Andrew Scott – Past Regional Director, Philadelphia, 2012 – 2016

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