As an organization that promotes research on gender and marginalized groups in Russia, the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia, AWSS supports work that will create a more equitable and humane world through our scholarship, teaching, service, and ways of life. It is in this spirit that we have issued a series of letters in response to developments in our field and beyond that concern not only the scholars we represent, but also our students, colleagues, and institutions. Around the world, the social conditions for those who identify as women or LGBTQIA are inextricably tied with race, socioeconomic status, and social location. Thus, we have an interest in making a commitment to challenging sexist, homophobic, transphobic, racist, classist, and ableist structures that reproduce injustice. On this page you will find our statements on these issues in response to current events or developments in our field.
Statement From the Board in Response to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Russia and its authoritarian government, led by Russian President Vladimir Putin, launched an unprovoked invasion of the democratic and sovereign state of Ukraine. This invasion violates international law and the principles articulated in the United Nations charter. The members of the Association for Women in Slavic Studies (AWSS) are diverse and comprised of scholars from North America, Europe, and Eurasia--including many members hailing from and/or pursuing scholarship in Ukraine and Russia. AWSS categorically condemns this invasion and rejects any attempt on the part of the Russian government to justify their actions by misinterpreting and distorting Russian and Ukrainian history. We stand in solidarity with our colleagues across the region who seek to support or establish open societies that protect the rights of their citizens and are committed to challenging sexist, homophobic, transphobic, racist, classist, ableist, and ageist structures that reproduce injustice.
Past advocacy statements from the AWSS President and Board can be found at the below links: