Ten simple rules for building an antiracist lab

PLoS Comput Biol. 2020 Oct 1;16(10):e1008210. doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008210. eCollection 2020 Oct.

Abstract

Demographics of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce and student body in the US and Europe continue to show severe underrepresentation of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). Among the documented causes of the persistent lack of diversity in STEM are bias, discrimination, and harassment of members of underrepresented minority groups (URMs). These issues persist due to continued marginalization, power imbalances, and lack of adequate policies against misconduct in academic and other scientific institutions. All scientists can play important roles in reversing this trend by shifting the culture of academic workplaces to intentionally implement equitable and inclusive policies, set norms for acceptable workplace conduct, and provide opportunities for mentorship and networking. As scientists are increasingly acknowledging the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in science, there is a need for clear direction on how to take antiracist action. Here we present 10 rules to help labs develop antiracists policies and action in an effort to promote racial and ethnic diversity, equity, and inclusion in science.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Black or African American
  • Communication
  • Engineering / organization & administration
  • Humans
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Laboratories / organization & administration*
  • Leadership
  • Mathematics / organization & administration
  • Mentors
  • Minority Groups*
  • Racism / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Racism / prevention & control*
  • Science / organization & administration*

Grants and funding

VBC and AAB are supported by the National Science Foundation (DEB-1844531 and HRD-1725650, respectively). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.