cross-posted from: https://mander.xyz/post/50581228

The mathematics community is in turmoil as over 2,100 mathematicians from more than 75 countries have signed a petition calling for the relocation of the 2026 International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) from Philadelphia, United States. Launched by University of Toronto mathematicians Ila Varma and Tarik Aougab, the petition argues that the U.S. is no longer a safe or suitable host due to recent geopolitical tensions and domestic security issues. Signatories include more than 100 former ICM speakers and seven invited speakers for the 2026 event, underscoring the depth of discontent within the field.

This collective action marks one of the most significant protests in modern mathematical history, highlighting how global politics is infiltrating even the most abstract academic disciplines. The petition's rapid growth—from a few hundred to over 2,000 signatures in weeks—reflects long-simmering frustrations among international scholars who view the ICM as a symbol of unity and collaboration.