#SilencedVoices #RacialBias #AcademicDiscrimination #CNMI #SpeakUp #RepresentationMatters #ResearchIntegrity #UnmaskingBias #Hypocrisy #ScientificIntegrity #Accountability #TruthMatters #DiversityAndInclusion #MarianasVoices
APASEEM’s Inclusive Illusion Shattered: A Case Study in Scientific Suppression and Erasure
The Asian Pacific Academy of Sciences, Science Education, and Environmental Management (APASEEM) presents a carefully curated image of itself: a champion of local research, a platform for diverse voices, a bridge between science and the community. This carefully constructed façade, however, crumbles under scrutiny, revealing a disturbing pattern of exclusion and a blatant disregard for scientific integrity. The recent rejection of Afro-Latino-Native American researcher Zaji "Persona Non Grata" Zajradhara and his critical research serves as a stark example of APASEEM’s hypocrisy and its apparent mission to silence dissenting voices.
Mr. Zajradhara, who would have been the first Afro-Latino-Native American researcher to present at an APASEEM conference in the CNMI, submitted three manuscripts, each addressing crucial issues facing the Marianas:
The Monopolization of the Marianas: [https://www.cnmiga.org/post/the-monopolization-of-the-marianas] This work likely delves into the control of resources and power within the CNMI, a topic that may have ruffled feathers among those who benefit from the status quo. Why was such a critical analysis deemed unfit for presentation? What powerful interests might be threatened by an open discussion of these issues?
The CNMI Sinkhole: A Theoretical Examination of Lost Revenue and the American Taxpayer's Burden: [https://www.cnmiga.org/post/the-cnmi-sinkhole] This research likely exposes the financial mismanagement and potential corruption that has plagued the CNMI, a topic conveniently ignored by those in power. Was this research rejected because it hit too close to home for some influential figures within the CNMI or APASEEM itself?
Pacific Arc of Prosperity: A Free Trade Zone Strategy for the CNMI, Guam, American Samoa, and FSM: [https://www.cnmiga.org/post/a-comprehensive-proposal-for-the-establishment-of-a-free-trade-zone-ftz-in-the-commonwealth-of-the] This forward-thinking proposal likely offers solutions for economic growth and regional cooperation. Was it rejected because it challenged the existing economic power structures or presented a vision that conflicted with the interests of certain individuals or groups?
These manuscripts, directly relevant to the conference’s stated focus on the environment, Marianas culture, and economy, were dismissed by APASEEM President Roy Adsit as "polarized." In an email exchange dripping with condescension, Adsit questioned the very legitimacy of Zajradhara’s work, stating, "APASEEM is all about sharing research done in or about the Mariana Islands. I do not see any indication of research studies??" This dismissive statement raises serious questions about APASEEM’s understanding of research itself. Is policy analysis, a well-established field of academic inquiry, not considered "research" by APASEEM? Or is this simply a thinly veiled pretext for excluding research that challenges the established narrative? The historical exclusion of mainland American researchers of Black, Hispanic, or Native American descent further reinforces this suspicion. Why has APASEEM consistently failed to provide a platform for these voices?
The bias becomes even more blatant in Adsit's follow-up email: “Just looking at the PDFs, they seem very polarized… It is unclear how the PDF topics would fit in that schedule??” The vagueness of this critique, lacking any specific methodological or factual objections, suggests a deep-seated discomfort with the content itself. It appears certain truths are simply too inconvenient for APASEEM’s carefully curated platform. Is the organization truly interested in fostering dialogue, or merely in presenting a sanitized, "feel-good" version of reality? One must question the true motives behind this exclusion.
The irony is amplified by the inclusion of high school presentations on hydroponics and marine debris. While laudable student projects, their prominence on the APASEEM stage alongside the simultaneous exclusion of seasoned research like Zajradhara’s exposes a glaring double standard. While APASEEM President Adsit proclaims that “Science isn’t just for the experts… anyone can contribute valuable data,” this invitation is clearly conditional, excluding those whose research disrupts the preferred narrative. This raises the question: is APASEEM truly a platform for all voices, or just those that reinforce the status quo? This question becomes even more critical when considering the documented history of financial mismanagement and potential fraud within the CNMI, with funds allegedly diverted to the Philippines and China, while critical research on these issues is silenced.
A cursory search reveals a complete absence of Afro-Latino-Native American researchers at past APASEEM conferences in the CNMI. While the organization boasts of embracing “indigenous perspectives,” this clearly doesn't extend to an Afro-Latino-Native American researcher whose work directly addresses critical issues in the Marianas. This historical erasure raises profound questions about APASEEM's commitment to genuine inclusivity.
Adsit emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor, yet Mr. Zajradhara's research, which demonstrably meets these criteria, is rejected. This selective application of "scientific rigor" exposes the organization's hypocrisy. Why are certain forms of research, particularly those that challenge the established order, deemed unfit for presentation, while less rigorous work is readily embraced?
The celebratory articles surrounding the APASEEM conference create a false narrative of unity and shared knowledge. True unity, however, requires engaging with challenging perspectives, not suppressing them. By silencing Mr. Zajradhara’s voice, APASEEM fosters intellectual stagnation, hindering the very progress it claims to champion. This act of exclusion betrays the fundamental principles of scientific inquiry and raises serious doubts about the organization’s true motives and its commitment to the community it claims to serve. The exclusion of Mr. Zajradhara’s research is not merely an individual injustice; it is a disservice to the entire community, depriving it of crucial insights and perpetuating a culture of silence that obstructs progress and genuine understanding. Why is APASEEM so afraid of the truth?
Inclusion???, stop lying~!>>> https://www.cnmiga.org/post/behind-the-mask-exposing-the-cnmi-s-corrupt-media-machine
***** Emails from ASAPEEM to Mr Zajradhara
1: Hafa Adai
Thank you for your email.
But we are a bit confused....
Are you asking to present the attached pdf topics?
APASEEM is all about sharing research done in or about the Mariana Islands.
I do not see any indication of research studies??
APASEEM tries to provide a platform for sharing knowledge through a non-biased scientific approach.
Just looking at the pdf's they seem very polarized....
I see multiple names in the contacts. Who would be presenting?
We encourage team research, but the team picks 1-2 people to present.
At the APASEEM Conference, we schedule ~20 min presentations & 5-10 min Q&A after.
It is unclear how the pdf topics would fit in that schedule??
In short, there are many concerns.
Before we can put you on the schedule, can you please send a detailed abstract?
That shows how you will fit into the parameters of the APASEEM Conference.
As the conference starts this week, we understand it is short notice.
Thank you
roy adsit
APASEEM President
2#: Hafa adai
Thank you for the clarifications!
To address your concerns:
Much of the research presented is in progress or brand new. So the QA session after each talk is sometimes the first 'peer review' the work is receiving.
At APASEEM, we are very proud of that :)
Because much of the research is local, Mariana centered, so locally published. Unfortunately it is not often enough generally published...
We at APASEEM work to share research as much as we can....
APASEEM is totally funded by our dues, and does all our work with volunteers. All our people are volunteers.
We invest our time & energy because we believe that the scientific methods produce the most reliable & usable data to answer questions and provide insight .
As for demographics; we at APASEEM welcome all. We are proud to focus on sharing the research.
But of course all work has an origin. A bias, no matter how small.
We at APASEEM follow the scientific principle of recognizing inherent bias & working to mitigate its effect.
At APASEEM we celebrate all peoples.
Each year we strive to organize an enriching & broadranging conference.
We schedule so that everybody can attend; including the 'top of there speciality researcher', current learners and the general public.
One of the things already on the list of improvements for next year is get the word out sooner...
As we all continue to recover & move forward from the 'triple punch', (two cat 5 typhoons & covid).
The hope is that the APASEEM Conference will return as an annual community staple. Known & anticipated by all.
We look forward to receiving an Abstract from you in the future that better fits with the APASEEM Conference.
Thank you.
roy adsit
APASSEEM President
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