February 2023
On February 14, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) released a consensus report, Advancing Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEMM Organizations. A NASEM committee undertook this report in response to growing interest in addressing structural racism after the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and amid renewed federal agency and congressional interest, including a formal request from former representative and chairwoman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX). The committee producing this report was co-chaired by Gilda A. Barabino (Olin College of Engineering) and Susan T. Fiske (Princeton University).
The report covers several themes, noted in the committee’s charge:
The NASEM committee reviewed the historical and cultural context leading to systemic, structural, and institutional racism; population demographics; lived experiences; consequences of and responses to racial bias in STEMMM, the role of STEMM “gatekeepers”; and the roles of diverse teams and leadership in developing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
From this there followed several key recommendations for action:
The recommendations also highlight specific areas of practice that leaders and gatekeepers in STEMM organizations can take to improve minoritized people’s individual and interpersonal experiences in STEMM educational and professional environments and to create climates that promote inclusion, dignity, and belonging.
The report also includes a research agenda proposed by the NASEM committee, focused on:
AERA will be featuring a session on this report as part of the Research and Science Policy Forum during the 2023 AERA Annual Meeting. Additional details are forthcoming.