Recent events, especially the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and all too many others, have left us outraged. Black Lives Matter protests against racism and police brutality continue and are gaining strength. Yet institutional racism not only exists in law enforcement but also in science.
The IGB values equality and respect for every member of our community. Investigators, students and staff from diverse backgrounds bring their lived experiences and unique perspectives together. This diversity improves our ability to solve problems and be responsive to societal needs. We are proud of our ongoing efforts to create programs to diversify science and increase participation from members of minority groups in genomics, including Pollen Power, SING and our partnership with Fisk University. Still, at this moment, we realize we can and should do more to diminish racism, other inequities and where they intersect.
We are bolstering our efforts in this crucial area and are dedicated to creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all members and visitors of the IGB. To do so, we will be intensifying efforts to:
- Continue and develop additional programs to diversify the practice and practitioners of science
- Create change internally by centering efforts on diversity, equity and inclusion in science and increasing dialogues through workshops, panels and hiring practices
- Fund new initiatives to help eliminate institutional racism and other inequities at the IGB
- Create change externally by working with campus units in strengthening intercultural relationships focused on diversity, equity and inclusion
If you have ideas for events, programs, or actions the IGB can take to create a more inclusive environment please share them with us here.