Excerpt from my latest for The Humanist:
Here is where the March for Science, like so many other science activities, fell short.
In failing to take responsibility for diversity in a methodical and transparent manner, the March for Science leadership made four major errors. First, the organizers attempted to set up the march as “apolitical” without having thought about equity, inclusion, and accessibility. The organizers failed to connect with diversity experts and activist groups. Their diversity statement was first released due to criticism from underrepresented scientists (using the hashtag #marginsci, started by Dr. Stephani Page). In reaction to growing critique, the initial diversity statement would be revised another three times.
Second, the march organizers did not proactively manage the anti-diversity discourse that their supporters engaged in. My analysis of the public responses to the March for Science diversity statement shows that the most vocal opposition framed diversity as “politicizing” science. People additionally said that diversity causes “division” amongst science lovers and that diversity “depreciates” the inherent value of science. Others claimed that diversity was “distracting” from the goals of the March for Science.
Third, the march used an ineffective communications strategy that exacerbated poor diversity practices. The organizers were forced to issue a dozen apologies for their problematic social media posts and interviews.
Fourth, the organization was not welcoming of diversity. Several women publicly left over dysfunctional dynamics and lack of support for diversity. Women of color were especially made to feel unwelcome at their local marches. Disabled scholars and LGBTQIA scientists were ignored.
In short, rather than learning from similar problems of exclusion that emerged from the Women’s March, the March for Science replicated them, particularly by marginalizing people of color and community activists.
A march that should have united instead separated issues of human rights from the long tradition of scientists who have worked to enhance their societies.
The DC march and satellite marches drew sizeable crowds—some 5,000 people in Paris; 11,000 in Berlin; up to 12,000 in London; and 40,000 in Washington DC. Yet the DC March did not appear to draw a diverse crowd. Moreover, the turnout was nothing compared to other protests this year. In DC alone, the Women’s March brought together 500,000 people. In Australia 10,000 marched around the country for science, but three months earlier, in January, 50,000 marched in the city of Melbourne for Indigenous rights, along with another 11,000 people in other states.
Imagine if the March for Science organizers had worked closely with these activists, drawing on their leadership and connecting with more diverse community groups to maximize their scientific engagement.
There are lessons here for the humanist movement, which has historically struggled to address issues of diversity. A vision for social change that eliminates existing inequalities must incorporate the leadership, professional expertise, and lived experiences of minorities from diverse backgrounds. Without decision-making power to shape the strategy and planning of any event, program, or organization, minorities remain on the margins. Subsequently, lacking the active representation of humanity, the full benefits of science and social justice endeavors will be limited in influence and impact.
Science will never reach its full potential if large segments of the population are locked out from participating in, and shaping, its future.
Read more on The Humanist.
The Other Sociologist 