With this statement, we, as chairpersons and former chairpersons of the Early Career Archaeologists (ECA) community, would like to express our solidarity with the volunteers attending the EAA Annual Meeting. We feel that an undue burden has been placed on their shoulders by the Association.
Over the past days, the EAA Executive Board has issued contradictory statements regarding the organisation of sessions and debates in relation to the Association’s response to recent events in Gaza. A statement issued on 2nd September 2025 by the EAA Executive Board (and later revoked) tasked volunteers with muting and removing speakers who spoke up about Israel’s war in Gaza, instructing them when and how to shut down sessions. On 3rd September, the Local Organising Committee in Belgrade issued a separate statement expressing concerns about volunteers being asked to restrict participants’ right to speak – a concern we fully share. Although we recognise the difficult context in which these decisions were made, the additional burden placed on volunteers created uncertainty about the handling of sessions and left some of them feeling vulnerable.
Volunteers, colleagues at the beginning of their careers, usually rely on volunteering to participate in conferences when they cannot afford to pay the fees. Because their academic and professional progress depends on networking, mentorship, and reputation, they are particularly exposed to perceived or actual institutional pressure. Requiring volunteers to police speech places them in a precarious position, risks conflict with senior colleagues, and undermines the inclusive and supportive environment the EAA strives to maintain.
The ECA community, in line with its mission to support early career archaeologists, stands with the volunteers at the Belgrade Annual Meeting. We appreciate the clarification and the reaffirmation of freedom of speech provided by the EAA Executive Board after their initial statement. Looking ahead and mindful of our representative responsibilities, we respectfully request that volunteers not be placed in policing roles at future events organised by the Association. Session moderation should rest with session organisers or people appointed by the EAA for this purpose. The responsibilities of volunteers should be limited to logistical and technical support.
Any volunteer or ECA volunteer who wishes to share concerns or experiences confidentially is welcome to contact us. We remain committed to academic freedom, respectful debate, and the well-being of all participants.
Signed,
Nicola Scheyhing, Florian Helmecke, Jason Cohen, and Maxime Brami
(current and former chairpersons of the ECA)
