I’m a proud member of the @IchsAndHerps since I joined as an undergraduate over 20 years ago. Recently, I found out that our journal Copeia’s namesake, Edward Drinker Cope, is a racist. The society is currently voting to replace the journal name, and I voted yes. Here’s why.

As an undergraduate, I published my first paper in Copeia. I was so excited and proud.

I found “my people” in this society. The camaraderie and support were major things that made me want to become a scientist. I have rarely missed annual ASIH meetings.

The ASIH, like many other scientific societies, has recently been trying to fix problems with diversity that go way back. Just how far back I did not know.

Here are some writings by Cope that sealed my decision to vote for the name change. Thanks to Luis Rocha for finding these.

Despicable Edward Drinker Cope Quote #1:

Despicable Edward Drinker Cope Quote #2:

Despicable Edward Drinker Cope Quote #3:

Despicable Edward Drinker Cope Quote #4:

Despicable Edward Drinker Cope Quote #5:

Despicable Edward Drinker Cope Quote #6:

Despicable Edward Drinker Cope Quote #7:

Despicable Edward Drinker Cope Quote #8:

Despicable Edward Drinker Cope Quote #9:

Despicable Edward Drinker Cope Quote #10:

The list goes on and on. I am no longer as proud of my first publication. But I am proud of @IchsAndHerps for changing its Twitter handle to get rid of Cope’s name. I *hope* to be able to report soon that I am proud of the society voting to change the journal name, too.

@CoralReefFish is posting more quotes right now in the ASIH Facebook group! There is an interesting discussion going on there, too. Head on over.