A Win For Feminists

This May, the Northeast Conference on Science and Skepticism (NECSS) will host its annual event.

Some of you may know that Richard Dawkins was scheduled to participate. However, he retweeted a really tasteless video with a very despicable comment.

The video can be viewed here.

I am pleased to inform you all that the NECSS team did not take kindly to this and sent the following announcement out:

A Statement Concerning Richard Dawkins
The Northeast Conference on Science & Skepticism has withdrawn its invitation to Richard Dawkins to participate at NECSS 2016. We have taken this action in response to Dr. Dawkins’ approving re-tweet of a highly offensive video.

We believe strongly in freedom of speech and freedom to express unpopular, and even offensive, views. However, unnecessarily divisive, counterproductive, and even hateful speech runs contrary to our mission and the environment we wish to foster at NECSS. The sentiments expressed in the video do not represent the values of NECSS or its sponsoring organizations.

We will issue a full refund to any NECSS attendee who wishes to cancel their registration due to this announcement.

The NECSS Team

This may be the first time our secular community has taken such a bold action in support of feminism and against hate speech. The canceling of Richard Dawkins rates to cost them a great deal of money that they desperately need to hold these conferences in the first place. And I can tell you that NECSS is a wonderful weekend filled with fantastic panels and speakers.

This year you can hear from Richard Wiseman, Bill Nye, and my favorite, Carol Tavris! Plus many many more wonderful speakers.

I urge all of you to support this action by attending this conference. Early Bird Registration is now available. Not only will you have a great time, you will be making a statement of support for a very very important organization.

NECSS is produced by two 501(c)3 educational not-for-profit organizations: New York City Skeptics and the New England Skeptical Society. The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe and The Society for Science-Based Medicine are also major sponsors.

The New York City Skeptics is a member (as are we) of the Reasonable New York Coalition.

Let’s show them we appreciate what they have done!

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