The ASL Council approved the ASL Code of Conduct in March 2023.
The following statement on diversity and inclusiveness was approved by the ASL Council on October 24, 2020.
Preamble
Distressing events in the USA and in other countries have increased our awareness of systemic racism and pervasive discrimination against disadvantaged or marginalized groups. Racism and discrimination are expressed in many different areas of social life, including education and employment. The ASL Council has adopted the following statement, which addresses the main areas in which the Association for Symbolic Logic plays a role.
Statement on Diversity and Inclusiveness
The Association for Symbolic Logic (ASL) recognizes that in societies around the world there are vulnerable groups of people that are marginalized and discriminated against because of race, color, caste, religion, national origin, ethnicity, migrant or indigenous status, socioeconomic status, political beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and mental or physical disability. The ASL condemns, in the strongest possible terms, any form of marginalization and discrimination against individuals or groups of people based on such characteristics.
The ASL acknowledges that scholarly associations have sometimes played a gatekeeping role that has had the effect of limiting opportunities or creating an unwelcoming environment. Furthermore, the ASL acknowledges that, when it comes to logic, there are often unhelpful stereotypes of what a successful logician is or looks like.
The ASL pledges to work towards increasing diversity in its own membership, fostering a culture of inclusiveness in the community of professional logicians, and dismantling any prevailing stereotypes. To this effect, the ASL calls upon its members, committees, boards, and officers to not only avoid any words or deeds that may result in discrimination against an individual or a group of people, but also challenge such words or deeds by others.
The ASL is committed to promoting diversity and inclusiveness in all activities of the association. The ASL committees responsible for appointments or conference programs are urged to aim for broad and balanced representation, as logic benefits when it draws from the largest and most diverse pool. Education and access to ASL-sponsored events will be a key component towards achieving the goals of diversity and inclusiveness. Relevant actions include developing teaching material for making logic accessible to students from a variety of backgrounds, creating mentorship opportunities, providing financial support to students and young researchers from around the world to participate in ASL conferences, encouraging and supporting isolated researchers, and organizing schools and events in places where logic is currently under-represented.
Finally, the ASL invites all members to contribute additional ideas for ways in which the ASL can enhance diversity and inclusiveness in logic.
The following statement on women in logic was approved by the ASL Council in 2012.
Women in Logic
Logic benefits when it draws from the largest and most diverse pool of available talent. The ASL would therefore like to add its voice to the growing list of initiatives launched by the various science, technology, engineering, and mathematics organizations aimed at correcting the gender imbalance in their respective fields.
Female students and young researchers may be concerned about entering logic, where few senior women occupy visible roles. The atmosphere in classes and seminars can feel unwelcoming, and many young women have practical questions about managing a career and personal interests.
The ASL therefore states in the strongest possible terms that it welcomes the participation of women in logic and in particular in the activities of the Association. Accordingly, the ASL Council has adopted a statement urging those responsible for appointments and conference programs to support women in logic and to promote the balance of gender.