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To president@mit.edu
RE: Concern Regarding Implicit Bias towards Chinese Scholars in Keynote Speech by MIT Faculty Member
Dear President Sally Kornbluth,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my concern regarding remarks made by Professor Rosalind Picard, a faculty member at the MIT Media Lab, during her keynote speech at the NeurIPS conference on December 13, 2024, in Vancouver, Canada.
In her presentation, Professor Picard displayed a slide featuring the quote: "I did it to make my paper results look better. Nobody at my school taught us morals or values" and attributed it explicitly to a Chinese student who had been expelled from a top university. By unnecessarily emphasizing the student’s nationality in this context, the presentation perpetuated harmful stereotypes and reinforced implicit biases against Chinese scholars. Such a generalization is not only inaccurate but also counterproductive to fostering an inclusive and equitable academic environment.
MIT has long been regarded as a leader in diversity, inclusion, and the pursuit of excellence in global research. The words and actions of its faculty members reflect on the institution as a whole. By singling out a nationality in an example of academic misconduct, Professor Picard’s remarks risk alienating a significant portion of the international academic community, particularly the many Chinese scholars who contribute immensely to MIT and the broader scientific landscape.
It is crucial to recognize that academic misconduct is not confined to any one nationality or demographic. Highlighting nationality in this instance serves no educational purpose and instead reinforces divisive and prejudicial perceptions. Such comments can perpetuate feelings of exclusion among international scholars, contradicting the values of respect and mutual understanding that are foundational to academic collaboration.
I urge MIT to address this incident and reaffirm its commitment to

email continued:
I urge MIT to address this incident and reaffirm its commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment. Specific actions might include:
Issuing a statement that underscores MIT’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect for all scholars, regardless of nationality.
Providing guidance and training to faculty on avoiding implicit bias in public speaking and teaching.
Engaging directly with affected communities to rebuild trust and ensure their voices are heard.
As one of the world’s leading institutions, MIT has the opportunity to set an example in promoting fairness, inclusivity, and respect in academia. I trust that under your leadership, MIT will take proactive steps to address this matter and uphold its values.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue. I am confident that MIT will continue to lead the way in creating a supportive and inclusive academic community for scholars of all backgrounds.
Sincerely,
ppplu