Reports and Resources

Advancing Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEMM
What can STEMM organizations do to promote a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in STEMM and actively work to dismantle policies and practices that disadvantage people from minoritized groups?
Source: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

White Fragility by Robin D'Angelo
 A 14-page article that inspired a book of the same name. The author tackles issues regarding discomfort and defensiveness in white people while having discussion about race and privilege.
 Source: The International Journal of Critical Pedagogy

How Medical Education Is Missing the Bull’s-eye
Questions the standard representation of white and male in medical education.
Source: The New England Journal of Medicine

The Asset Value of Whiteness: Understanding the Racial Wealth Gap
2017 article outlining income and wealth disparities in American households versus race.
Source: Demos

Gender, race and parenthood impact academic productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic: from survey to action
Findings revealed that male academics - especially childless ones - were the least affected group, whereas female academics, especially Black women and mothers, were the most impacted group.
Source: bioRxiv Preprints

Too many senior white academics still resist recognizing racism
Discusses what is an appropriate response to racism and how we should tackle racism.
Source: Nature

The impact of racism on clinician cognition, behavior and clinical decision making
Research paper with evidence of effects of racism on the quality of healthcare that Black people receive.
Source: Du Bois Review: Social Science Research on Race

Science reflects history as society influences science: brief history of “race,” “race correction,” and the spirometer
A discussion of how society reflects itself in science, through the story of the spirometer.
Source: Advances in Physiology Education

Role of Academia in Combatting Structural Racism in the United States
Description of the problem and call to action from a public health perspective.
Source: Association for Prevention Teaching and Research

Ten simple rules for building an anti-racist lab
Succinct advice for fostering an anti-racist lab.
Source: EcoEvoRxiv Preprints

Implicit Bias and Structural Racialization
Article with reflections on the ways implicit bias reinforces structural inequities via normalization of otherness and exclusion.
Source: National Equity Project

White Academia: Do Better
Higher education has a problem. It’s called White supremacy. Ten tangible actions a Black professor at Ohio State encourages white colleagues to take.
Source: Medium

What Black scientists want from colleagues and their institutions
Frustrated and exhausted by systemic racism in the science community, Black researchers outline steps for action.
Source: Nature

Tips for Creating Effective White Caucus Groups
Caucuses are our group-level work (building upon our individual self work) so that we individually and collectively can be effective partners for change.
Source: www.drcraigelliott.com

The Performance of “Antiracism” Curricula
Examining what hides in the shadow of “antiracism” curricula and statements.
Source: The New England Journal of Medicine

A Dual Degree From Oxford. A Medical Degree From Harvard. Neither Protected Me From Racism
An interview with a Black person in our community and his experiences.
Source: NPR

Structural racism is the real pandemic
Short article discussing racial disparities of Covid-19 impact in Boston.
Source: CommonWealth

Asian Americans Are Still Caught in the Trap of the ‘Model Minority’ Stereotype. And It Creates Inequality for All
Article reflecting on the concept of a "model minority" stereotype and the different types of racism that are associated with different races.
Source: Time

The Coronavirus Was an Emergency Until Trump Found Out Who Was Dying
The pandemic has exposed the bitter terms of our racial contract, which deems certain lives of greater value than others.
Source: The Atlantic

Who Gets to Be Afraid in America?
Americans don’t see me, or Ahmaud Arbery, running down the road—they see their fear.
Source: The Atlantic

Gravestone dedicated to the first Black female medical doctor in the US
Rebecca and Arthur Crumpler lay side by side in unmarked graves in Hyde Park for more than a century, a wife and husband buried 15 years apart at the fringes of Fairview Cemetery near their home on Mother Brook.
Source: The Boston Globe

The 1619 Project
The 1619 Project examines the legacy of slavery in America.
Source: The New York Times

How Racism Creeps Into Medicine
The history of a medical instrument reveals the dubious science of racial difference.
Source: The Atlantic

Science Under the Scope - putting science in perspective - a comic
A hand drawn comic by a scientist and how she discovered the connections between science and social justice.
Source: FreeRads.org

The Police Tried to Make Me Medically Examine a Man Against His Will
Powerful ethical breakdown of the intersection of patients' ethical rights, police involvement in emergency healthcare, racial disparity in treatment, and the role of MDs in navigating these situations.
Source: zora.medium.com

What is Black August?
For Black revolutionaries and communities, the month of August is a month marked with the struggles, sacrifices, and resistance of Black people in the United States. In the midst of one of the biggest uprisings against racist and police violence in recent decades, Black August takes on new meaning.
Source: LeftVoice.com

Black August - A Celebration of Freedom Fighters Past and Present
More history about Black revolutionaries and the significance of Black August.
Source: Center for Constitutional Rights

White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack
"White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack" first appeared in Peace and Freedom Magazine, July/August, 1989. This article dives into the text and offers notes for facilitators.
Source: National Seed Project

The Intersectionality Wars
When Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term 30 years ago, it was a relatively obscure legal concept. Then it went viral.
Source: Vox.com

The Case for Reparations
Two hundred fifty years of slavery. Ninety years of Jim Crow. Sixty years of separate but equal. Thirty-five years of racist housing policy. Until we reckon with our compounding moral debts, America will never be whole.
Source: The Atlantic

Making Anti-Racism A Core Value In Academic Medicine
Racism, and not race, is a social determinant of health. Acknowledging this is a foundation for structural and systemic change. Indeed, academic medical centers and health care organizations not acting to eliminate racism are perpetuating its proliferation. Within and outside our walls, we must build a culture of health that empowers populations that have historically been made vulnerable and uproots the manifestations of racism that appear in health care.
Source: Health Affairs Blog

Medical Schools Have Historically Been Wrong on Race
While the blatant horrors of the past are gone, the ideas that fueled race-based medicine stubbornly linger. We can change.
Source: The New York Times

Structural Solutions for the Rarest of the Rare — Underrepresented-Minority Faculty in Medical Subspecialties
The fact that medical subspecialties continue to have extremely low numbers of URM faculty decades after national workforce-diversity efforts began indicates the extent of resistance to diversification in these fields. The challenges created by this resistance are faced by URM subspecialists and can impede academic success.
Source: The New England Journal of Medicine

Medical schools need to do much more to protect students of color from racism
As an interviewee, she endured racist comments. In courses, she saw patients of color omitted from lessons. Here's what medical schools need to do to address these ills — and create a culture that makes Black students feel truly welcome.
Source: AAMC

The Race Gap: How U.S. systemic racism plays out in Black lives
An interactive presentation that demonstrates how, from birth to death, Black people face systemic disadvantages in American life more than 150 years after slavery was abolished.
Source: Reuters Graphics

The not-so-silent killer missing in medical-training curricula: racism
Racism is a social determinant of health and negatively affects health outcomes. This Comment describes steps to take toward achieving equity and racial justice in medical training and addressing racism in clinical settings.
Source: Nature: Medicine

On Racism: A New Standard For Publishing On Racial Health Inequities
Despite racism’s alarming impact on health and the wealth of scholarship that outlines its ill effects, preeminent scholars and the journals that publish them, including Health Affairs, routinely fail to interrogate racism as a critical driver of racial health inequities.
Source: Health Affairs Blog

ER doctors: We're no strangers to violence but we try to de-escalate without anyone dying
An op-ed stating the our goal in managing agitated patients is clear: Use verbal de-escalation primarily and, if needed, physical restraint that avoids unsafe positions.
Source: USA Today

Stolen Breaths
A 'Perspectives' piece that examines how in Minnesota, where black Americans account for 6% of the population but 14% of Covid-19 cases and 33% of Covid-19 deaths, George Floyd died at the hands of police.
Source: The New England Journal of Medicine

Academic medical leaders and learners reflect on police brutality, racism, and the path forward
Students, physicians, and academic medical centers have a role to play not only in recognizing structural racism, but in addressing health disparities that disproportionately affect communities of color.
Source: AAMC

The Problem with Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity
A guest post from a physics education researcher investigating strategies for modifying physics curricula to support students underprepared in math and ways to broaden participation in physics. Includes organization-wide inclusion/climate assessments.
Source: The Scholarly Kitchen

'Superior: The return of race science' by Angela Saini
History of scientific racism and its resurrection in the 21st century - for longer term goals, it might be important to understand how and why certain racist approaches were allowed to continue in scientific research. Also important to understand how scientific research can prop up racism if not held accountable.

Diversifying STEM: Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Race and Gender
A book of essays from Black people in different areas of STEM and their views on current situation in STEM and ideas for the future for researchers, institutions, etc.

'Fatal Invention: How science, politics and big business re-create race in the 21st century' by Dorothy Roberts
A book that discusses the complexities of race-based research and how it is enforced by the systems we have in place.

'Black Man in a White Coat' a memoir by Dr. Damon Tweedy
Discusses the question: Are all physicians and, more importantly, all patients, treated equally?" Topics include campus tensions being recipient of a diversity scholarship in the south, the treatment of black mothers, and socioeconomic challenges.

'White Fragility: Why it’s so hard for white people to talk about racism' by Robin DiAngelo
Best-selling book exploring the counterproductive reactions white people have when their assumptions about race are challenged, and how these reactions maintain racial inequality.

'How to Be An Antiracist' by Ibram X. Kendi
From the National Book Award-winning author of 'Stamped from the Beginning' comes a refreshing approach that will radically reorient America on the urgent issues of race, justice, and equality.

A Dual Degree From Oxford. A Medical Degree From Harvard. Neither Protected Me From Racism
An interview with a Black person in our community and his experiences.
Source: NPR

'Seeing White' a series on Season 2 of 'Scene On Radio'
Podcast by John Biewen at Duke University Center of Documentary Studies (14 episodes, each 30-40 minutes long)
A comprehensive history of race and racism. Explains how race is a result of racism and not the other way around. Addresses this from our meeting notes: Many Wellmanites are new to the US and aren’t familiar with the history and different aspects of racism in this country.

'1619' a New York Times podcast
Six 30-40 minute podcast episodes discuss eras throughout US history and key decisions made that have reinforced structural racism and inequities.

'Code Switch: Race. In Your Face.' an NPR podcast
Code Switch is the fearless conversations about race that you've been waiting for! Hosted by journalists of color, our podcast tackles the subject of race head-on. We explore how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, sports and everything in between. This podcast makes ALL OF US part of the conversation — because we're all part of the story.

'Small Doses' with Amanda Seales
Your favorite truth teller, comedian Amanda Seales, is dropping gems with, 'Small Doses,' a weekly podcast that brings you potent truths for everyday use.

Transgender Basics - Gender Identity Project
A 20-minute educational film on the concepts of gender and transgender people. Two providers from The Center's Gender Identity Project (GIP) discuss basic concepts of gender, sexual orientation, identity and gender roles. Three transgender community members share their personal experiences of being trans and genderqueer.

Community Conversations: Two Pandemics
A recorded panel discussion between members of the Harvard community discussing the push for greater racial justice in parallel with the disparate racial impact of COVID-19, including current and desired progress in Harvard community.

Culturally Aware Mentorship
Virtual panel facilitated by NIH NIGMS on the value of cultural awareness in mentorship, including results from a NASEM report describing difficulties between mentors-mentees in communicating about race-related topics.

The Problem with Race-based Medicine
The TED Talk by Dorothy Roberts on race-based medicine examines the effects of racial biases on medical decision making.

Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man
Emmanuel Acho, a former NFL linebacker, created this YouTube series as an introductory level resource, for people wanting to learn more about racism in America, provided by a Black man.

Experiences of Black STEM in the Ivory: A call to disruptive action
A recording from a two-day event that brought together students, faculty, staff, and deans from some academic institutions to share their views on racism in STEM.

How Studying Privilege Systems Can Strengthen Compassion
A TED Talk by Peggy McIntosh, an anti-racism activist, scholar, and Senior Research Scientist at the Wellesley Centers for Women. She is the founder of the National SEED Project (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity).

Let’s Get to the Root of Racial Injustice
In this inspiring and powerful TED Talk, Megan Ming Francis traces the root causes of our current racial climate to their core causes, debunking common misconceptions and calling out "fix-all" cures to a complex social problem.

How to Overcome Our Biases? Walk Boldly Towards Them
Our biases can be dangerous, even deadly — as we've seen in the cases of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and Eric Garner, in Staten Island, New York. In this TED Talk diversity advocate Vernā Myers looks closely at some of the subconscious attitudes we hold toward out-groups. She makes a plea to all people: Acknowledge your biases. Then move toward, not away from, the groups that make you uncomfortable. In a funny, impassioned, important talk, she shows us how.

Just Mercy
This 2019 film tells the powerful true story that follows young lawyer Bryan Stevenson and his battle for justice as he defends a man sentenced to death despite evidence proving his innocence.

I Am Not Your Negro
Director Raoul Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never finished, 'Remember This House' in this 2017 film. It is a journey into Black history that connects the Civil Rights movement to #BlackLivesMatter. It questions Black representation in Hollywood and beyond.

Program for Cultural Competence in Research (PCCR)
This training module from the Harvard Catalyst program that seeks to improve cultural competency in research in the clinical and translational workforce.

A Proposal for Harvard Medical School’s Strategic Investment in Health Equity
Signable proposal encouraging Harvard Medical School to give more back to the community. It describes how HMS (as a largely tax-exempt entity) diminishes Boston's ability to raise revenue for community services. And anyone with an HMS affiliation can sign in support!

Global Disability Inclusion
A team of highly skilled disability inclusion experts with over 75 years of collective experience working with companies, foundations, non-profits, universities, and government agencies to help them realize the business benefits of disability inclusion.

500 Women Scientists
The mission of 500 Women Scientists is to serve society by making science open, inclusive, and accessible and transform society by fighting racism, patriarchy, and oppressive societal norms. The vision of 500 Women Scientists is to be the foremost organization for the transformation of leadership, diversity, and public engagement in science.

Request a Woman in STEMM
A project of 500 Women Scientists, Request a Woman in STEMM is a resource for journalists, educators, policy makers, scientists, and anyone needing scientific expertise.

The Women in Astronomy Forum
The WIAF is self-organized networking, mentoring and peer support group for women with access to research time at the Space Telescope Science Institute. Broadly, WIAF members share similar career challenges: balancing science and functional responsibilities, balancing work and family life, and career goals such as renewals, promotions, and for some, tenure. Recently, COVID is creating an additional layer of uncertainty and stress.

Catalyst: Workplaces that Work for Women
Catalyst is a global nonprofit working with some of the world’s most powerful CEOs and leading companies to build workplaces that work for women. Since 1962, our preeminent thought leadership—including unparalleled workplace expertise and actionable research— has helped accelerate progress for women through workplace inclusion. We provide holistic end-to-end solutions and equip companies with the strategy and tools they need to make change and measure impact at their organizations.

White Coats for Black Lives
The mission of WC4BL is to dismantle racism in medicine and promote the health, well-being, and self-determination of Black and Indigenous people, and other people of color.

Science for the People
Science for the People originally arose in 1969 out of the anti-war movement and lasted until 1989. With radical analysis and non-hierarchical governing structure, Science for the People tackled the militarization of scientific research, the corporate control of research agendas, the political implications of sociobiology and other scientific theories, the environmental consequences of energy policy, inequalities in health care, and many other issues. Since 2015, SftP veterans have collaborated with a new generation of SftP members to explore the history of radical science and to rebuild the organization for today. Science for the People organizes scientists, activists, students, and scholars to face these issues head-on in research institutions, universities, and communities.

Pride in STEM
Pride in STEM is a charitable trust run by an independent group of LGBT+ scientists and engineers from around the world. Proud of who we are and what we do. We aim to showcase and support all LGBT+ people in STEM fields. Organizers of LGBTQ+ STEM Day.

GLAAD
GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.

Disabled in STEM
This website/movement was inspired by looking through #DisabledInSTEM on Twitter and not seeing a lot of representation. The project aims to create a safe space for those with disabilities or chronic illness and for those who are neurodiverse to seek advice from each other and share resources to help each other succeed.

The National SEED Project
The National SEED Project (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) partners with schools, organizations, and communities to develop leaders who guide their peers in conversational communities to drive personal, organizational, and societal change toward social justice.

Anti-Racist Action Plan
A petition to create a 'Call for a Robust Anti-Racist Action Plan from All Professional Geoscience Societies and Organizations' which can be adapted by other organizations to create their own plan and path to work with other communities commited to anti-racism.

Anti-Racism Resources List
A well-curated list of anti-racism resources maintained by Harvard Medical School.

Scaffolded Anti-Racist Resources
This is a working document for scaffolding anti-racism resources. The goal is to facilitate growth for white folks to become allies, and eventually accomplices for anti-racist work. These resources have been ordered in an attempt to make them more accessible. Continually adding resources.

Frequently Asked Questions about Transgender People
Transgender people are your classmates, your coworkers, your neighbors, and your friends. This FAQ answers common questions about this community.
  Source: The National Center for Transgender Equality

Justice in June
This resource was compiled by Autumn Gupta with Bryanna Wallace’s oversight for the purpose of providing a starting place for individuals trying to become better allies.

A Reading List on Issues of Race
A reading list on issues of race. Harvard faculty recommend writers and subjects that promote context and understanding.
Source: The Harvard Gazette