[cobirds] CFO non-discrimination policy and statement now online

In response to recent events, the Colorado Field Ornithologists Board of Directors has adopted a non-descrimination policy (https://cobirds.org/CFO.aspx?id=30) and a position statement (https://cobirds.org/CFO/News.aspx?id=1196). These are on our website and also reproduced here, on behalf of the CFO Board of Directors. 

Colorado Field Ornithologists is an organization to bring people to birds and to bring birds to people. We do this by encouraging birding as a hobby, ornithology as a career, providing a journal, and hosting conventions and field trips. We also recognize that the freedom to go birding or to do field research without harassment is not one available to all. This awareness was highlighted with the recent events in Central Park in New York City and the forthright articles published by the National Audubon Society and written by Black researchers and birders. CFO wants to ensure that all current and future members know that Colorado Field Ornithologists welcomes the involvement of all, encourages participation by people of color, and values equity and inclusion. Some might say - and indeed have- that this topic is too political for CFO but when people of color are negatively affected, we must speak out against the injustice and ensure that we are addressing any issues in our own state. There is no place in this country where racism does not invade and CFO wants to ensure that we do our part to improve access to our majestic flora and fauna. Birders and ornithologists routinely see and honor the diversity in the bird world and CFO embraces the same honoring of the diversity of people. Our nation is at a point of reckoning with historic and current racism, a reckoning that is long overdue. Our nondiscrimination policy highlights this commitment. 

Colorado Field Ornithologists does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), ability status, citizenship, marital status, sexuality, or military status in any of its activities or operations including but not limited to the CFO website, journal, Facebook page, CObirds, annual convention, field trips, and the CFO Board of Directors. As an organization, we are dedicated to practicing inclusion, making our programs as widely accessible as possible to any and all in Colorado, and adopting organizational practices that actively promote inclusion and equity.

Colorado Field of Ornithologists Board of Directors 

Nick Komar

CFO President

Fort Collins, CO