As much as I love archaeology and Egyptology, we have to acknowledge-esp now- their deeply racist, colonialist, and nationalist roots- and ongoing practices. It is a field that has caused and continues to cause enormous harm (see DNA research) We all can do so much better.

We have to hire and pay more black archaeologists+ support deconstructing racism in academe. We have to provide ways to fund and support our colleagues in other countries- instead of helicoptering in and out+ benefiting and leaving nothing.

I’m committed to doing better+ learning. I’m very sorry for not doing more before now- there’s no excuse. I’m recommitting myself to this effort+ to being far more critical of our fields. I refuse to go back to “normal”. I want a new field with space for everyone.

We’re being disingenuous if we get excited about everything archaeology can teach us and we don’t acknowledge the major harm it represents to so many. Everyone in the field can do better.