By Fritz Scheuren

(From October 2002 Amstat News)

This year, for the first time in its history, the Social Statistics Section gave special service awards. These awards were presented at the Joint Statistical Meetings in New York to Patrick Ball and Jana Asher -- both in large part because of their work on human rights. The citations read as follows:

Patrick Ball. For practicing our profession with an unfailing devotion to the cause of human rights in all parts of the globe -- in Central America, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the Balkans. The work he led analyzing Kosovar killings and refugee flows is already a classic in human rights research.

Jana Asher. For bringing energy and expertise to all she does for our profession, especially for working tirelessly to turn statistics into a tool to combat injustice wherever it is found. Her intellectual force and passion lift all those who know her to a higher level.

The American Statistical Association (ASA) Mission statement states, in part, that its members are to "use our [statistical] discipline to enhance human welfare." The Social Statistics Section takes this phrase particularly to heart in the area of human rights. Jana Asher and Patrick Ball richly deserve this recognition and honor us by their acceptance.

ASA's Committee on Scientific Freedom and Human Rights also must be recognized for its achievements in this area. ASA records indicate there have been eight chairs of that Committee, several of who were present at the award ceremony. The present and past chairs are Edward W. Barankin (1980-1981), Tom Jabine (1982-1984), Douglas A. Samuelson (1985-1988), Fred C. Leone (1989), Herbert F. Spirer (1990-1993), David L. Banks (1994-1995), Demisse Alemayehu (1996-1998) and Francoise M. Seillier-Moiseiwitsch (1999-present).

To coincide with the two special awards the Social Statistics Section compiled all the Socail Statistics Proceedings papers on human rights that were presented at the Joint Statistical Meetings, from 1958 to 2001. These are available at http://www.amstat.org/sections/ssoc/SSS_Human_Rights_Papers.pdf.

It is the hope that this award and web compilation will further the good work and dedicated service of those who follow in the footsteps of Patrick Ball and Jana Asher.