Fighting Racism and Bias

Ask A Biologist stands in support of Black Lives and people of color (POC). As a scientific and academic entity, we have benefitted from the progress made by Black people and other POC, and have learned from the viewpoints of people with a diverse range of backgrounds. Despite the benefits of supporting diversity in science, racism is inherent in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematical (STEM) fields, and across all of academia.

The lasting effects of inequality and systemic racism can be seen in education, public health, police brutality, the prison system, housing, hiring practices, and beyond. Addressing racism in the educational system and in general is an active process that requires us to identify our own assumptions and thought processes we can improve, and to find ways to help improve the systems in which we are involved. 

In line with Arizona State University's charter, Ask A Biologist is "measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed." Additionally, as a part of ASU's goals, we continually strive to find better ways to support equality for all people, in and out of STEM and academia. 

Race Inequity in Science

We want to share a variety of resources that cover subjects of race, how to discuss racism, how race and genetics relate, and more. These are helpful for students, for teachers who need help addressing racism or genetics in biology class, or for other curious minds on the journey of improvement. If you have any resources you would like to suggest we add to the list, please let us know. 

Race-related Resources 

Toolkits and resources for addressing and fighting racism:

• Black Lives Matter resource toolkits
• NPR's books, films, and podcasts about racism

Teaching or talking about racism and bias:

• Black Lives Matter at School curriculum
• Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture's Talking About Race
• 5 things educators can do to address bias in their school

Teaching or learning about race and genetics:

• Avoiding unrecognized racist implications arising from teaching genetics
• Race is real, but it's not genetic
• Towards a more humane genetics education
• Race ≠ DNA
• What is genetic discrimination?
• Are different races subspecies?