Date: 12/04/2006

The American Anthropological Association has passed a measure, cosponsored by SJSU Associate Professor of Anthropology Roberto Gonzalez, condemning "the use of anthropological knowledge as an element of physical and psychological torture." The measure came on the heels of a recent magazine article and book highlighting links between anthropological knowledge and Abu Ghraib prison tactics. Gonzalez told the online magazine Inside Higher Ed that he knows of no American anthropologists assisting with such interrogations. However, he wants to discourage "covert involvement" and to push colleagues to consider the implications of their work. "We all need to think about how what we do may be sensitive," he said. Read more.