Prof. Anima Anandkumar

This will be a long thread. It represents my views solely. Many are puzzled by why I feel it possible to support both @JeffDean and @timnitGebru so I’d like to explain. I will start by saying that this in no way denies any current or past injustices. 1/n

It is also clear that mistakes have been made and these need to be fixed. It is also legitimate for many to be angry, and this by no way is a sameness argument. Like many Googlers I too am shocked and saddened. 2/n

I had the privilege of working alongside both Timnit and Jeff at the @DeepIndaba. I learned a lot from Timnit at the CIFAR ethics workshop, and worked again with Jeff at @Khipu_AI trying to improve AI in Latin America. 3/n

I support Jeff because throughout those outreach events he was a true champion of making science and tech more diverse. He has put his time and his own money behind many diversity efforts. He is a remarkable individuals, but even remarkable individuals make mistakes. 4/n

I have to support both Jeff an Timnit because I admire what they stand for. Because I know they are both suffering. But of course this must be investigated and with reflection and dialogue we need to change for the better 5/n