Mercer Gary
@mercgary.bsky.social
asst prof of philosophy / feminist philosophy and bioethics / she, her
Reposted by Mercer Gary
New on the International Journal of Feminist Approached to Bioethics:
Blog co-editor @mercgary.bsky.social interviews @rebeccakelliher.bsky.social about her new book, Just Pills, the history and present of medication abortion, and the feminist politics making it possible.
Blog co-editor @mercgary.bsky.social interviews @rebeccakelliher.bsky.social about her new book, Just Pills, the history and present of medication abortion, and the feminist politics making it possible.
Interview with Rebecca Kelliher, author of Just Pills:
Mercer Gary: Hi there, this is Mercer Gary, and I'm here with Rebecca Kelliher, the author of Just Pills: the Extraordinary Story of a Revolution in Abortion Care. Hi, Rebecca. Rebecca Kelliher: Hi, t...
www.fabnet.org
December 22, 2025 at 6:04 PM
New on the International Journal of Feminist Approached to Bioethics:
Blog co-editor @mercgary.bsky.social interviews @rebeccakelliher.bsky.social about her new book, Just Pills, the history and present of medication abortion, and the feminist politics making it possible.
Blog co-editor @mercgary.bsky.social interviews @rebeccakelliher.bsky.social about her new book, Just Pills, the history and present of medication abortion, and the feminist politics making it possible.
Reposted by Mercer Gary
Families who need help due to a preemptive closure or who are doing contingency planning should the rules take effect, can contact the Trans Youth Emergency Project for navigation and travel grants (if need be) at:
transyouthemergencyproject.org or
Transfamilysos.org
transyouthemergencyproject.org or
Transfamilysos.org
Trans Youth Emergency Project: Supporting Families of Trans Youth
Supporting families of trans youth nationwide through the logistical and financial burdens of navigating bans on gender-affirming care.
transyouthemergencyproject.org
December 18, 2025 at 11:44 PM
Families who need help due to a preemptive closure or who are doing contingency planning should the rules take effect, can contact the Trans Youth Emergency Project for navigation and travel grants (if need be) at:
transyouthemergencyproject.org or
Transfamilysos.org
transyouthemergencyproject.org or
Transfamilysos.org
Reposted by Mercer Gary
If you are a health care worker and have concerns or are looking for additional support and strategies around not complying in advance, and resisting criminalization and harm in your role as a provider of care, you can also reach out to our Beyond Do No Harm Health Care Strategy Consult:
Beyond Do No Harm Health Care Strategy Consult Desk — Interrupting Criminalization
www.interruptingcriminalization.com
December 18, 2025 at 11:43 PM
If you are a health care worker and have concerns or are looking for additional support and strategies around not complying in advance, and resisting criminalization and harm in your role as a provider of care, you can also reach out to our Beyond Do No Harm Health Care Strategy Consult:
Reposted by Mercer Gary
If you're a provider of gender-affirming care, please check out The Good Health Project's Know Your Rights update/memo. Trans health care care is still lawful under federal law. static1.squarespace.com/static/686eb...
December 18, 2025 at 11:42 PM
If you're a provider of gender-affirming care, please check out The Good Health Project's Know Your Rights update/memo. Trans health care care is still lawful under federal law. static1.squarespace.com/static/686eb...
Reposted by Mercer Gary
Here are some actions you can take to defend gender-affirming care in your hospital system.
CMS EMAIL TEMPLATE TO SEND TO HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP
EMAIL TEMPLATE FOR RFA FAMILIES AND ALLIES TO SEND TO HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP TEAMS ABOUT CMS RULES (ADDRESSES FOR LEADERSHIP GROUPS ON PAGE 2) (Please personalize with whatever you have time for) Su...
docs.google.com
December 18, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Here are some actions you can take to defend gender-affirming care in your hospital system.
Reposted by Mercer Gary
Next was a great talk by Anna Wexler on the ethical dimensions of implanted brain-computer interface research at Penn Medical Ethics and Health Policy www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC65... (5/10)
Research Ethics and Policy Series (REPS): Anna Wexler, PhD
YouTube video by UPENN Div of Med Ethics & Health Policy
www.youtube.com
December 17, 2025 at 3:52 AM
Next was a great talk by Anna Wexler on the ethical dimensions of implanted brain-computer interface research at Penn Medical Ethics and Health Policy www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC65... (5/10)
Reposted by Mercer Gary
Next was an amazing talk by Alice Crary on the historical and philosophical roots of techno-fascism and its deep connection to academic and industry development of AI at @ucdphilosophy.bsky.social. Highly recommend www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3s7... (3/10)
Alice Crary, Royal Institute of Philosophy School of Philosophy Annual Lecture 2026
YouTube video by UCD School of Philosophy
www.youtube.com
December 17, 2025 at 3:52 AM
Next was an amazing talk by Alice Crary on the historical and philosophical roots of techno-fascism and its deep connection to academic and industry development of AI at @ucdphilosophy.bsky.social. Highly recommend www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3s7... (3/10)
Reposted by Mercer Gary
I know many things are awful but here is one genuinely useful and helpful thing you can do. No matter their party, your representative needs to hear that trans people and our families are not alone and this bill is an unjustifiable and extreme threat to criminalize the health care we need to live.
Tomorrow, the House of Representatives will vote on a bill that bans gender-affirming medical care for any transgender person under 18, and threatens any medical professional providing this care to youth with 10 years in prison.
Tell Congress to protect trans youth and vote NO.
Tell Congress to protect trans youth and vote NO.
Protect Trans Care Now
As wave after wave of extreme measures to criminalize and strip trans people of rights and safety continue, tell Congress to act.
action.aclu.org
December 16, 2025 at 9:40 PM
I know many things are awful but here is one genuinely useful and helpful thing you can do. No matter their party, your representative needs to hear that trans people and our families are not alone and this bill is an unjustifiable and extreme threat to criminalize the health care we need to live.
Reposted by Mercer Gary
more brilliant supporters of critical thought in the world & at The New School who u can sign with! @katforrester.bsky.social @reproutopia.bsky.social @gabrielwinant.bsky.social @mayjeong.bsky.social @catherinelacey.bsky.social @vickyacab.bsky.social +! 🥰 what a crew! docs.google.com/document/d/1...
TNS Community and Supporters Demand: Stop The Cuts!
To President Towers and The New School Board of Trustees: We, the undersigned members of The New School community and supporters, write to demand you put an immediate halt to planned downsizing, layo...
docs.google.com
December 12, 2025 at 4:05 AM
more brilliant supporters of critical thought in the world & at The New School who u can sign with! @katforrester.bsky.social @reproutopia.bsky.social @gabrielwinant.bsky.social @mayjeong.bsky.social @catherinelacey.bsky.social @vickyacab.bsky.social +! 🥰 what a crew! docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Reposted by Mercer Gary
Thrilled with this one-off I commissioned featuring a quote from @reproutopia.bsky.social and painted by Lev Bratishenko, alias Misanthropocene on Insta.
December 10, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Thrilled with this one-off I commissioned featuring a quote from @reproutopia.bsky.social and painted by Lev Bratishenko, alias Misanthropocene on Insta.
Reposted by Mercer Gary
UNCC's Philosophy Department is hiring a Distinguished Professor of Healthcare Ethics (Associate or Full rank). Specialization in bioethics, broadly construed, w/ interests in areas not limited to the ethics of: medicine/healthcare, public health, disability, reproduction, the environment, & so on…
Distinguished Professor (Associate or Full), University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- PhilJobs:JFP
Distinguished Professor (Associate or Full), University of North Carolina at Charlotte
An international database of jobs for philosophers
philjobs.org
October 31, 2025 at 6:39 PM
UNCC's Philosophy Department is hiring a Distinguished Professor of Healthcare Ethics (Associate or Full rank). Specialization in bioethics, broadly construed, w/ interests in areas not limited to the ethics of: medicine/healthcare, public health, disability, reproduction, the environment, & so on…
Reposted by Mercer Gary
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!!
The University of Texas-Austin is beginning a process to eliminate the Black Studies, Latino Studies, and Gender Studies departments in the College of Liberal Arts. This is a grave threat to the educational liberty of students, faculty, staff, and the people of Texas. 1/
The University of Texas-Austin is beginning a process to eliminate the Black Studies, Latino Studies, and Gender Studies departments in the College of Liberal Arts. This is a grave threat to the educational liberty of students, faculty, staff, and the people of Texas. 1/
October 13, 2025 at 4:37 PM
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!!
The University of Texas-Austin is beginning a process to eliminate the Black Studies, Latino Studies, and Gender Studies departments in the College of Liberal Arts. This is a grave threat to the educational liberty of students, faculty, staff, and the people of Texas. 1/
The University of Texas-Austin is beginning a process to eliminate the Black Studies, Latino Studies, and Gender Studies departments in the College of Liberal Arts. This is a grave threat to the educational liberty of students, faculty, staff, and the people of Texas. 1/
Reposted by Mercer Gary
🗳️ Pennsylvania’s general election is Nov. 4.
For details on important dates and who’s on your ballot, from Philadelphia district attorney to the state Supreme Court, check out our Voters Guide 👇
For details on important dates and who’s on your ballot, from Philadelphia district attorney to the state Supreme Court, check out our Voters Guide 👇
Your guide to the 2025 general election in Philadelphia, from district attorney to Pa. Supreme Court
From important dates to who’s on your ballot.
www.inquirer.com
October 14, 2025 at 12:31 PM
🗳️ Pennsylvania’s general election is Nov. 4.
For details on important dates and who’s on your ballot, from Philadelphia district attorney to the state Supreme Court, check out our Voters Guide 👇
For details on important dates and who’s on your ballot, from Philadelphia district attorney to the state Supreme Court, check out our Voters Guide 👇
Reposted by Mercer Gary
The media coverage does not reflect this AT ALL.
A majority of adults oppose Trump’s use of the National Guard in America cities www.gelliottmorris.com/p/a-majority...
A majority of Americans oppose Trump sending the National Guard to Democratic-run cities
The president is defying the will of the people, federal judges, and the Constitution
www.gelliottmorris.com
October 10, 2025 at 12:22 PM
The media coverage does not reflect this AT ALL.
Reposted by Mercer Gary
"American civil society has more than enough financial and organizational muscle to stop this authoritarian offensive. But it requires collective resolve. And it requires leadership, which has been in painfully short supply."
www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
Harvard Must Take a Stand Against Trump’s Compact | Opinion | The Harvard Crimson
Harvard, rather than quietly pursuing its own appeasement strategy, should lead the way to preserve academic freedom and democracy.
www.thecrimson.com
October 9, 2025 at 12:13 PM
"American civil society has more than enough financial and organizational muscle to stop this authoritarian offensive. But it requires collective resolve. And it requires leadership, which has been in painfully short supply."
www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
Reposted by Mercer Gary
Generative AI, in both form and content, and whether looked on favourably or critically, seems to embody a collective hopelessness about the prospect of human learning and creativity, if not human knowledge altogether. It’s as if climate change had fans.
October 9, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Generative AI, in both form and content, and whether looked on favourably or critically, seems to embody a collective hopelessness about the prospect of human learning and creativity, if not human knowledge altogether. It’s as if climate change had fans.
Reposted by Mercer Gary
Thank you, UPenn AAUP, for your powerful response to the administration's "invitation" (correctly renamed "threat") to join their academic compact. #academicfreedom #defendhighered @aaup-penn.bsky.social @aaup.org
October 2, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Thank you, UPenn AAUP, for your powerful response to the administration's "invitation" (correctly renamed "threat") to join their academic compact. #academicfreedom #defendhighered @aaup-penn.bsky.social @aaup.org
Reposted by Mercer Gary
Academic freedom will not survive by encouraging professors to censor themselves more.
“Too much of the response to the Trump admin’s repression has been driven by fear & cowardice. We need to fiercely support #academicfreedom as a fundamental right for all.”
— @johnkwilson.bsky.social
“Too much of the response to the Trump admin’s repression has been driven by fear & cowardice. We need to fiercely support #academicfreedom as a fundamental right for all.”
— @johnkwilson.bsky.social
Discretion Is Not the Better Part of Academic Freedom
In a free society, we strive to eliminate the punishments that make discretion a rational choice—and not glorify discretion as a virtue when it is actually a vice.
www.insidehighered.com
September 29, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Academic freedom will not survive by encouraging professors to censor themselves more.
“Too much of the response to the Trump admin’s repression has been driven by fear & cowardice. We need to fiercely support #academicfreedom as a fundamental right for all.”
— @johnkwilson.bsky.social
“Too much of the response to the Trump admin’s repression has been driven by fear & cowardice. We need to fiercely support #academicfreedom as a fundamental right for all.”
— @johnkwilson.bsky.social
Reposted by Mercer Gary
‚“Ode to Billie Joe” is known as a sad song. But its sadness lies in the absence of mourning. Death came and people shrugged. If they grieved, they grieved alone.‘
A culture of resistance should cultivate compassion, against the tyranny‘s insistence on cruelty and apathy, which normalizes horrors.
A culture of resistance should cultivate compassion, against the tyranny‘s insistence on cruelty and apathy, which normalizes horrors.
In other news, here is an article I wrote about Bobbie Gentry: sarahkendzior.substack.com/p/searching-...
Searching for Bobbie Gentry
America’s culture of cruelty and those who dare to notice.
sarahkendzior.substack.com
September 30, 2025 at 1:15 PM
‚“Ode to Billie Joe” is known as a sad song. But its sadness lies in the absence of mourning. Death came and people shrugged. If they grieved, they grieved alone.‘
A culture of resistance should cultivate compassion, against the tyranny‘s insistence on cruelty and apathy, which normalizes horrors.
A culture of resistance should cultivate compassion, against the tyranny‘s insistence on cruelty and apathy, which normalizes horrors.
Reposted by Mercer Gary
"Why would it bow to antidemocratic pressures by placing a professor on leave without their request, consent, or involvement? That any university would do this is beyond comprehension and is cause for alarm about the future of academic freedom in Canada."
What Happened to the University’s Commitment to Free Expression? Charley Kirk, uAlberta, and Me | Centre for Free Expression
I was shocked when the University of Alberta administration informed me, one of its law professors, that I was being placed on non-disciplinary leave for my social media comments in the wake of Charli...
cfe.torontomu.ca
September 29, 2025 at 2:54 PM
"Why would it bow to antidemocratic pressures by placing a professor on leave without their request, consent, or involvement? That any university would do this is beyond comprehension and is cause for alarm about the future of academic freedom in Canada."
Reposted by Mercer Gary
The rate of sepsis in Houston surged 63% after Texas banned abortion.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where hospital leaders empowered doctors to intervene before patients’ conditions worsened, it rose 29%.
(Published May)
In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where hospital leaders empowered doctors to intervene before patients’ conditions worsened, it rose 29%.
(Published May)
Why Hospital Policies Matter in States That Ban Abortion
Our first-of-its-kind data analysis found that a seismic split emerged in how medical institutions in Texas' two largest metro areas, Houston and Dallas, treated miscarrying patients — and in their ou...
www.propublica.org
September 30, 2025 at 1:00 AM
The rate of sepsis in Houston surged 63% after Texas banned abortion.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where hospital leaders empowered doctors to intervene before patients’ conditions worsened, it rose 29%.
(Published May)
In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where hospital leaders empowered doctors to intervene before patients’ conditions worsened, it rose 29%.
(Published May)
Reposted by Mercer Gary
was out for beers the other day and was trying to describe doing a vendor inventory and interlocutor said "oh if i wanted to do that i'd just point chatgpt at my work email and tell it to pull all the invoices"
ChatGPT is probably the biggest honey pot of willingly-turned over highly confidential information that has ever been created in human history.
also, so many of these people are just taking company confidential, proprietary data and dumping it into public iterations of ChatGPT, which is so incredibly problematic on so many levels. Even on our internal approved tools I have to tell people to turn them off when discussing certain legal stuff!
September 24, 2025 at 12:19 PM
was out for beers the other day and was trying to describe doing a vendor inventory and interlocutor said "oh if i wanted to do that i'd just point chatgpt at my work email and tell it to pull all the invoices"
Reposted by Mercer Gary
Getting close to 50k views and I'm wondering is it just everybody is scared to say this and pleased I did? Because if there's so many of us who agree, trust me I'd know if 1k people disagreed with me let alone 50k, why are we letting AI ruin our universities?
Together we can turn back the tide.
Together we can turn back the tide.
Finally! 🤩 Our position piece: Against the Uncritical Adoption of 'AI' Technologies in Academia:
doi.org/10.5281/zeno...
We unpick the tech industry’s marketing, hype, & harm; and we argue for safeguarding higher education, critical
thinking, expertise, academic freedom, & scientific integrity.
1/n
doi.org/10.5281/zeno...
We unpick the tech industry’s marketing, hype, & harm; and we argue for safeguarding higher education, critical
thinking, expertise, academic freedom, & scientific integrity.
1/n
September 21, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Getting close to 50k views and I'm wondering is it just everybody is scared to say this and pleased I did? Because if there's so many of us who agree, trust me I'd know if 1k people disagreed with me let alone 50k, why are we letting AI ruin our universities?
Together we can turn back the tide.
Together we can turn back the tide.
Reposted by Mercer Gary
"From December 2024 to the end of August, the number of people who spent at least a day in solitary increased by 41%."
"August was the peak, with over 1,100 placements in segregation that month."
#Louisiana #Florida #Arizona #Washington #USA #Incarceration #Deportation #EthnicCleansing
"August was the peak, with over 1,100 placements in segregation that month."
#Louisiana #Florida #Arizona #Washington #USA #Incarceration #Deportation #EthnicCleansing
‘Unbearable’: How ICE Is Locking More Immigrants in Solitary Under Trump
A mother of three said she hallucinated after weeks in an ICE segregation cell in Louisiana. She’s one of thousands now facing the psychological toll of isolation.
www.themarshallproject.org
September 17, 2025 at 6:45 PM
"From December 2024 to the end of August, the number of people who spent at least a day in solitary increased by 41%."
"August was the peak, with over 1,100 placements in segregation that month."
#Louisiana #Florida #Arizona #Washington #USA #Incarceration #Deportation #EthnicCleansing
"August was the peak, with over 1,100 placements in segregation that month."
#Louisiana #Florida #Arizona #Washington #USA #Incarceration #Deportation #EthnicCleansing
Reposted by Mercer Gary
I would definitely encourage educators to find a new LMS and move away from Canvas surveiling and stealing your work. Now that they have AI built into the LMS it's even worse.
It appears Instructure has removed the capacity to delete old courses in Canvas. In many cases (depending on institutional settings) those course are also uneditable.
But they definitely aren't stealing our IP and using it to train algorithms.
But they definitely aren't stealing our IP and using it to train algorithms.
September 18, 2025 at 1:39 PM
I would definitely encourage educators to find a new LMS and move away from Canvas surveiling and stealing your work. Now that they have AI built into the LMS it's even worse.