November 24, 2024
Hello, Good People! As Thanksgiving is upon us, you may be less inclined to read. Yet, it is because Turkey Day is upon us that this week is a good time to talk turkey. Today’s intersection of science and society topic is about an issue that receives a lot of negative press and likely will come up at gatherings. To that end, here are some considerations.
Remember when the President-Elect stated that he knew “nothing” about Project 2025? Millions of people believed him, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary showing the overlap between Project 2025 and Agenda 47. Well, an interesting thing happened recently: The President-Elect named at least 4 nominees to his cabinet who are contributors to Project 2025. This time, we draw our attention to the section of the Project that calls for the widespread elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and language.
Here’s an initial query: How much do you really know about DEI? Be honest. Talking heads have used DEI to create culture wars, those fabricated ideas to create conflicts between people. It makes one wonder if some person is sitting with a spinner wheel loaded with a list of terms used to identify the next target for hate.
To frame our discussion, take this 3-question True (T) or False (F) quiz. Nobody but you will know how you answered.
- T or F: DEI is really a part of our every-day lives.
- T or F: DEI is a consideration in science teaching and textbook writing.
- T or F: College professors, including those teaching in medical schools, are on watch lists for explaining human biology?
The answers to each of these questions is True. Now it’s time to talk turkey, as in, let’s honestly discuss DEI, topic by topic.
D = Diversity. Diversity explores the richness of being a member of the human race. It examines differences and commonalities in human identity, race as a social construct, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ethnic backgrounds, genders, intellectual and physical abilities, biases, history, and other topics of humanity.
E = Equity. Equity involves the fair distribution of resources, access to resources and information, and opportunities so every person has what they need to succeed. It addresses principles of fairness and justice.
I = Inclusion. Inclusion is the intentional effort to ensure that diverse individuals are welcomed, supported, and valued. This oftentimes extends to accessibility, which ensures that all people – regardless of ability – can interact with information and services.
In science, DEI plays important roles, because understanding the past informs the present. Imagine being decades into adulthood before learning about:
• The Tuskegee Syphilis Study. This study was a medical research project whose purpose was to observe the effects of untreated syphilis in a population of Black men. The atrocity is that treatment was available and withheld, causing people to die of a treatable disease.
• Using poor Puerto Rican women as test subjects for oral contraceptives (the Pill).
• Putting real people on display as exhibits in Human Zoos or in circuses as “Freak Shows”.
The list goes on. However, teaching about such topics is now being censored and banned. Currently, more than 30 states have introduced, passed, or enacted anti-DEI bills.
I’ll end with some examples in my science textbook writing to show real-life experience and to illustrate the necessity of DEI when trying to live in a kind world with human decency at the fore. Here are some overarching considerations to be sure readers themselves are represented across the pages:
• Skin Tone: Portraying a cross-section of individuals found across the globe.
• Physical Attributes: Making sure that all people are represented. Are common medical devices shown? Are people from birth to very old age found within the pages of narrative and imagery?
• Depersonalization: Realizing that not everyone has the same capabilities. For example, when explaining a muscle’s action, do so from a functional perspective. This point really hit home years ago while lecturing on the sartorius muscle, and I said, “When you cross your legs, the sartorius muscle is responsible for that action.” No sooner had those words left my mouth when I looked straight at a student in a wheelchair, who had no lower limb mobility. I felt horrible; and it still sticks with me. Now, this phrase is flipped to “The sartorius muscle flexes the knee and hip, abducts and laterally rotates the thigh, and enables leg crossing.”
• Language: Considering that all readers are not native English speakers or familiar with regional idioms. This actually has allowed for more precise, universal language. For example, “A blow to the head caused a concussion” is now “A collision or hit to the head caused a concussion.” Again, students brought this to my attention, as in “How could air cause a concussion?”
• Sensitivity: Rephrasing so the person is not the disease. This involves changing from “the diabetic person” to “the person with diabetes.” People are so much more than their affliction or pain.
• Sources: Ensuring that information and images are obtained from reputable sources, ethically obtained, and scientifically accurate. This was not always the case. An infamous historical case involves a 7-volume anatomical work known simply as the Pernkopf Atlas. The original work, titled in German, is Topographische Anatomie des Menschen. Eduard Pernkopf was an Austrian anatomy professor who worked with medical illustrators over 20 years creating the atlases. The color plates are considered classics in the field, are painstakingly accurate, and have been reprinted and used in textbooks. However, there is a colossal ethical problem here: Pernkopf and his illustrators were all Nazis who used executed political prisoners as their subjects. The book is still in use, causing ethical dilemmas on many fronts.
In a nutshell, DEI is a framework that ensures fair treatment and consideration everyone. It’s a system that reminds us to check ourselves within the complexities of society. It helps us to be moral, empathic, and compassionate people. It encourages us to treat others as we ourselves want to be treated.
Happy Thanksgiving to those that celebrate!
References
Creepiest Circus Performers You Need to See to Believe
DEI Legislative Tracker
The History of Eduard Pernkopf/s Topographische Anatomie des Menschen
Human Zoos: America’s Forgotten History of Scientific Racism
Puerto Rico Pill Trials
School Friends
Author: woodleywonderworks
Tuskegee Syphilis Studyhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tuskegee-syphilis-study_subjects-talking-to-nurse-