Statement
Peter Tuthill:
Karl and I are aware that many people were rightly upset by our use of a Kim Kardashian meme in our presentation on Tuesday. It is important that the ASA be a welcoming space for all people, and we agree with those who pointed out that this image had no place at the meeting. Karl has insisted this apology contain an admission that sole responsibility for the acquisition and incorporation of the image into the talk was his. Further to this, I (Peter) note that I share responsibility by the act of giving a joint talk that included this material. We both sincerely apologise for the distress and discomfort caused by the use of this image. In all online materials, recordings, and everywhere we are able to do so, the Kardashian meme has now been replaced with a different image. We regret our lapse in judgement, which has detracted from the whole ASA meeting.
John Lattanzio (ASA President):
The ASA does not condone the use of inappropriate images. The image in the presentation by Peter and Karl does not meet the standards required by the Society, or the Code of Conduct for ASA events or members. We aim for inclusivity in all our activities. We acknowledge that Peter and Karl promptly removed the image, and issued a public apology. The ASA Executive has discussed this incident with the authors and we have made our view quite clear.