Biogeochemistry statement on #ShutDownSTEM and Black Lives Matter

Abstract

Science, even our own field of biogeochemistry, is not immune to both conscious and unconscious bias, discrimination, silencing, and not hearing or choosing not to hear minority colleagues and voices. The history of these racist and discriminatory practices in science is discussed elsewhere, as the writers of this statement would not do justice to a discussion of this history. However, we recognize that we are part of the machine of science that has a publish or perish business model and that determines the voices that are heard, and published. We are part of the system by choosing editors, reviewers, and invited papers and issues. We both pledge our support to the Black Lives Matter movement while recognizing that pledging support is not enough. Like Springer, AAAS, AGU, and most science organizations, we acknowledge and support #ShutDownSTEM, a grassroots movement that aims to ''transition to a lifelong commitment of actions to eradicate anti-Black racism in academia and STEM.'' How can we do better? We need the help of our community at large. We need advice and suggestions from our readers on how to be more inclusive, and how to diversify our Editorial Board and our Board of Readers. The point of #ShutDownSTEM was to stop and take time to listen. All ideas are welcome-please

Leveraging Student–Faculty–Staff Partnerships to Implement Inclusive Curricular Reform in Chemistry Education

“…Mainstream acknowledgment of the impact of these factors is supported by the shift away from SAT, ACT, and other standardized exams as predictors of student collegiate success. − Harmful experiences for marginalized students, staff, and faculty also persist on our campuses, including experiences of tokenization, microaggressions, − race-lighting, , and other covert forms of racism. These individuals are susceptible to racial battle fatigue, ,− a condition characterized by the accumulation of stress over time from frequent overt and implicit forms of discrimination. Discrimination is embedded in every level of academia, and it is necessary to address the effects of marginalization at all levels. ,,,,, …”

“…From the beginning, CARAC was established as a space for students, staff, and faculty in the department to collaboratively advocate for the success of all community members, especially those with underrepresented or marginalized identities. ,,− The makeup of the committee has shifted over time, all the while maintaining an emphasis on grounding discussions in pedagogy and ongoing conversations about antiracism and education. One important change in the structure of the committee is that, starting in the Spring 2021 semester, a subset of student CARAC members are hired by the department as CARAC student interns each semester.…”

“…In response to the events of the summer of 2020, ,,− students, faculty, and staff within the Amherst College Chemistry department felt the need for an inclusive departmental space to host conversations regarding systemic discrimination in STEM. Alongside the creation of the Amherst College President’s Office’s Anti-Racism Action Plan, the department founded the Chemistry Anti-Racism Action Committee (CARAC), a student/staff/faculty-driven working group.…”

Work in Progress: A Novel Professional Development Program for Addressing Systemic Barriers to Computing Participation

“…Another limitation of this work is that participants self-selected into the program. The program was piloted following the summer of 2020, which saw international support for Black Lives Matter protests and university as well as STEM faculty commitments to anti-racism [28]- [30].…”

Work In Progress: A Novel Approach to Understanding Perceptions of Race among Computing Undergraduates

“…Shifting national conversations around race, racism, and anti-racism [5] have led departments to rethink strategies for increasing degree entry, retention, and completion among people from ethnoracial groups that are historically underrepresented in computing [6], [7]. For example, STEM departments across the globe participated in #ShutDownSTEM in support of the Movement for Black Lives [8], [9]. However, to the best of our knowledge, how computing undergraduates make sense of race and racial (under)representation (if at all) has not been studied.…”