[ATMoB-discuss] Re: ATMoB-Science Club for Girls star party

[Tinkler, James B (CSC) (US SSA)]

Of course public outreach does don't trump ethics, but come on guys,
common sense does.  Let's keep politics out of our outreach.  We're here
to promote our hobby of astronomy to any interested group especially to
those where children are encouragement to see astronomy, science,
mathematics, and engineering as an interesting and achievable future.
This is a tangible and long lasting direct effect we can have on these
children and our country.

I hate to add to this discussion because it is truly pointless.  What
would be useful is to discuss how we could best present ourselves, how
we could improve what happens at a star party, how we could follow up to
make star parties more than just a once a year event.  THAT would be a
discussion worth having.  I hope everyone discussing this IS a star
party volunteer.  If not, why not?  Don't tear down efforts others are
making that you are not even participating in.

My two cents...

Bruce Tinkler

-----Original Message-----

Subject: Re: [ATMoB-discuss] Re: ATMoB-Science Club for Girls star party

At 12:52 AM 2/28/2007, A. Joseph Ross wrote:
>On 27 Feb 2007 at 14:58, Virginia Renehan wrote:
>
> > Even if the event was just for girls (or boys) it should not be
> > misconstrued as discriminatory or exclusive.  That is not the point.
> > We participate in events for many diverse groups.  We should not be
> > fearful of participating in events for all-boys or all-girls clubs,
> > schools, and/or scouting groups. Let's keep our eyes on the
astronomy
> > education star here folks. Non-discriminatory education and public
> > outreach is what we're about as a club.
>
>OK, what if it were an event restricted to all Caucasians or all
>African-Americans?  What then?

Some organization can't be co-ed because of facilities issues, like a 
all-girls camping group or an all-boys sports club. Parents frown on 
co-ed sleeping or shower arrangements. ;-) But a science club doesn't 
have those issues so I'd be slightly uncomfortable doing a star party 
at the girls-only science group.

To take Joseph's question even further, what if the organization 
running the event discriminates against group(s) of people and also 
made derogatory remarks about them, like "(group X) cannot be good 
citizens"?  Does "public outreach" trump ethics?


                  Scott