In April of last year, the American Environmental Society awarded Priyanga Amarasekare one of the highest honors in the field of environment: the Robert H. MacArthur Award. More than two months later, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), suspended Amarasekare for a year without pay or benefits, barred her from accessing her laboratory, retaining her insect colonies, managing her grants, or communicating with students. Now, scientists from around the world, who consider Amarasekare a “highly esteemed ecologist,” a “committed teacher and distinguished mentor,” and a “tireless advocate for underrepresented groups,” are calling for her reinstatement.
The American Environmental Society Awards The Robert H. MacArthur Award to Priyanga Amarasekare
In April of last year, the American Environmental Society awarded Priyanga Amarasekare one of the highest honors in the field of environment, the Robert H. MacArthur Award. This award is a significant tribute to her contributions in the field of environmental science and research.
Priyanga Amarasekare’s Suspension by the University of California, Los Angeles
More than two months after receiving the Robert H. MacArthur Award, the University of California, Los Angeles suspended Priyanga Amarasekare for a year without pay or benefits. She was barred from accessing her laboratory, retaining her insect colonies, managing her grants, and communicating with students. This decision sparked outrage among many scientists who see it as a reaction to her stances against discrimination.
Scientists Call for the Reinstatement of Priyanga Amarasekare
Scientists from around the world regard Priyanga Amarasekare as a highly esteemed ecologist, a committed teacher, a distinguished mentor, and a tireless advocate for underrepresented groups. They are demanding her reinstatement at the University of California, Los Angeles, viewing the sanctions against her as a reaction to her stances against discrimination, which they consider unjustified.
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