Statement of Values
All humans have the same right to thrive and participate fully in our society, and, by extension, in all scientific and social activities in academia. In our eyes, this is self-evident and the most important pillar of a healthy and prosperous society. Within our society, individual personalities are shaped by our experiences in life within our respective, intersectional, socio-cultural backgrounds. Valuing this diversity is a moral and humanist imperative. Bringing this diversity together provides unique opportunities to unleash creativity which is central to research, learning and beyond.
While the power of diversity has always been a fact, traditions rooted in racism, patriarchy, heteronormativity and colonialism are characterized by intense and sustained efforts to discriminate, marginalize and exterminate "others". Racism and colonialism have led to enslavement and extermination of entire peoples and cultures, and patriarchy has continuously oppressed women in society, that is, half of all humans. Heteronormativity is the reason for discrimination and death of many people throughout the world. Yet, even in countries where open discrimination is becoming more and more unacceptable, these problems are so deeply engrained in our societies that they have often migrated from the open to the unconscious, from the explicit to the implicit. Unfortunately, systemic and implicit biases are perhaps more difficult to tackle than their explicit form because we are all subject to such biases, and elites have developed protective mechanisms that make it difficult to address privilege (Khan 2021) and to discuss implicit discrimination openly.
Especially in ecology and evolution, racism and discrimination are part of our field's history. Eugenics and the beginnings of population genetics are closely entangled (think of Galton's and Fisher's work) and both implicit biases and explicit racism have been exposed during the recent heated discussion of E. O. Wilson's legacy. Today, many publishers' move from subscription formats to APCs as an economic model systemically puts less well funded researchers, often located in the Global South, at a disadvantage for publishing. Gender equity is far from achieved and requires more deliberate actions in the future (Debarre et al. 2018).
With this complex and multifaceted situation in mind, we are currently trying to define ways forward because we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are working on the creation of more inclusive and safer environments via addressing biases and privilege. Continued education and discussion is especially relevant because solutions are not simple and the subject of ongoing discussions (see e.g., Smith & Livingston Smith 2023). We try to normalize the discussion of mental health issues. Overall, accountability is central (see e.g., D’Ignazio & Klein 2020), as is an ongoing questioning of oneself, especially if one does not belong to historically discriminated groups. We are trying to promote equity thinking and providing equitable opportunities despite socio-economic and gender differences. Role models that do not embody privilege are essential because they help to break glass ceilings and showcase potential. Leading by example is key.
Literature cited:
Débarre, F., Rode, N. O. & Ugelvig, L. V. (2018). Gender equity at scientific events. Evol. Lett., 2, 148-158.
D’Ignazio, C. & Klein, L. F. (2020). Data feminism. MIT Press.
Khan, S. (2021). Privilege: The making of an adolescent elite at St. Paul’s school. Princeton University Press.
Smith, S. E. & Livingston Smith, D. (2023) The Trouble With Race and Its Many Shades of Deceit. New Lines Magazine.
While the power of diversity has always been a fact, traditions rooted in racism, patriarchy, heteronormativity and colonialism are characterized by intense and sustained efforts to discriminate, marginalize and exterminate "others". Racism and colonialism have led to enslavement and extermination of entire peoples and cultures, and patriarchy has continuously oppressed women in society, that is, half of all humans. Heteronormativity is the reason for discrimination and death of many people throughout the world. Yet, even in countries where open discrimination is becoming more and more unacceptable, these problems are so deeply engrained in our societies that they have often migrated from the open to the unconscious, from the explicit to the implicit. Unfortunately, systemic and implicit biases are perhaps more difficult to tackle than their explicit form because we are all subject to such biases, and elites have developed protective mechanisms that make it difficult to address privilege (Khan 2021) and to discuss implicit discrimination openly.
Especially in ecology and evolution, racism and discrimination are part of our field's history. Eugenics and the beginnings of population genetics are closely entangled (think of Galton's and Fisher's work) and both implicit biases and explicit racism have been exposed during the recent heated discussion of E. O. Wilson's legacy. Today, many publishers' move from subscription formats to APCs as an economic model systemically puts less well funded researchers, often located in the Global South, at a disadvantage for publishing. Gender equity is far from achieved and requires more deliberate actions in the future (Debarre et al. 2018).
With this complex and multifaceted situation in mind, we are currently trying to define ways forward because we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are working on the creation of more inclusive and safer environments via addressing biases and privilege. Continued education and discussion is especially relevant because solutions are not simple and the subject of ongoing discussions (see e.g., Smith & Livingston Smith 2023). We try to normalize the discussion of mental health issues. Overall, accountability is central (see e.g., D’Ignazio & Klein 2020), as is an ongoing questioning of oneself, especially if one does not belong to historically discriminated groups. We are trying to promote equity thinking and providing equitable opportunities despite socio-economic and gender differences. Role models that do not embody privilege are essential because they help to break glass ceilings and showcase potential. Leading by example is key.
Literature cited:
Débarre, F., Rode, N. O. & Ugelvig, L. V. (2018). Gender equity at scientific events. Evol. Lett., 2, 148-158.
D’Ignazio, C. & Klein, L. F. (2020). Data feminism. MIT Press.
Khan, S. (2021). Privilege: The making of an adolescent elite at St. Paul’s school. Princeton University Press.
Smith, S. E. & Livingston Smith, D. (2023) The Trouble With Race and Its Many Shades of Deceit. New Lines Magazine.