JSM 2026 in Boston included a wide range of sessions and programming focused on the JEDI themes of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
advocacy
ASA Recommends Five Policy Actions to White House AI Panel
In response to the White House’s Request for Information on the Development of an Artificial Intelligence Action Plan, the ASA’s Scientific and Public Affairs Advisory Committee and the Committee on Data Science and Artificial Intelligence orchestrated the ASA’s submission highlighting the essential role of statistical science in developing, optimizing, and evaluating AI systems.
Scholars at Risk Fights Threats to Higher Education
Scholars at Risk was established to respond to threats to higher education around the world. Because of member institutions such as the American Statistical Association, the organization has helped thousands of scholars and documented many hundreds of attacks on higher education in more than 100 countries.
ASA Committee Protects Rights, Freedom of Scientists Around the World
The ASA’s Committee on Scientific Freedom and Human Rights supports, directs, and organizes the defense of scientists through a variety of channels and actions.
Quantifying Diversity: Calculating the Gini-Simpson Diversity Index
How do we measure diversity in a meaningful way? The Gini-Simpson Diversity Index, used by the US Census Bureau, provides a powerful tool to quantify diversity across populations.
Getting Started in Government, Agency, and Legislative Advocacy
Since 2024 is an election year, US state legislatures are focusing on goals the public will notice. Statistics and data will play a vital role in identifying those goals, delivering beneficial results, and measuring impact, so columnist David Corliss provides tips for getting started in advocacy.
Member Feedback Sparks Initiatives
The ASA Committee on Membership Retention and Recruitment is working to understand the current membership experience, provide networking opportunities, and reinstate a fun tradition at the Joint Statistical Meetings.
Data Science and Literacy Education Bill Gets Bipartisan Introduction
Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI), Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN), Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), and Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) introduced the Data Science and Literacy Act in the House of Representatives February 14, following advocacy by the ASA and its members that formally kicked off at the Joint Statistical Meetings.
Finding Your Voice in Data for Good
David Corliss uncovers how science is not enough. Data for Good needs directors just as much as data, advocates as well as algorithms, and socializing the work in addition to the science.
What Is COSSA Doing for You?
The Consortium of Social Science Associations serves as a bridge between research and government and lobbies Congress directly to translate scientific information and findings into sound policy and increased funding.