BMES CONDEMNS ATTACK ON DEMOCRACY ON THE U.S. CAPITOL

The Biomedical Engineering Society condemns the violence and deadly chaos that occurred at the United States Capitol — and the assault on our American democratic processes designed to ensure a peaceful transition of power. January 6, 2021 was a day of shock, fear, and heartbreak.

Despite the efforts of the president and those who support his fraudulent claims, our democracy prevailed as Congress carried out its duty to certify the election. As a Society, we must join the American people in rebuilding our civic structures and advocating for the resources we need to advance biomedical engineering and the betterment of society in general.

Reflecting on these events, it is important to acknowledge the racist systems and policies that drove our government's aggressive responses to peaceful social justice protests in the summer, followed by a deferential response to an armed insurrection aimed at the heart of our democracy. We must do better than this. 

BMES will continue our work to create a more fair profession and a more just society. Our Society's priority remains to serve and support our members as they work to advance human health and well-being, and as such, this event strengthens our commitment to our BMES community and to advance the aims of diversity, inclusion, and equity.