Symposium

SYMP 8 - Unpacking the ecosystem of systemic racism experienced by Black Ecologists

Organizer(s)

• NH

  Nyeema Harris, PhD

  Yale University
  New Haven, CT, United States

Moderator(s)

• CS

  Christopher Schell, PhD

  University of California - Berkeley, United States

Ecology is a complex discipline of great societal relevance with intersections across numerous fields of study that occur at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Diverse participation is essential for the success and advancement of the discipline; yet, ecology remains composed of one of the most homogenous scholar pools among STEM fields. Diversity initiatives and performative allyship have improved participation of women and other marginalized identities, but representation of Black ecologists remains low. We assert that low diversity among ecologists limits the field’s capacity to meet disciplinary objectives and societal needs, as global ecological crises associated with climate change and biodiversity loss exacerbate global social inequities. As Blackologists, we emphasize the necessity of unpacking racial barriers that dissuade recruitment of Black people and hinder the retention and advancement of Black scholars and professionals who persist in ecology despite extreme disadvantages, trauma, and injustice. Not discounting challenges and biases experienced by other marginalized groups, we focus explicitly on the unique experience of Black ecologists whose cultural tax is pervasive, where societal brutality interacts with professional performance, and whose mere presence threatens. Lack of diverse participation in ecology traces back to colonial conquests and continues to be perpetuated by institutional structures that advantage whiteness to the exclusion of other identities. Beginning with the historical positioning of nature as devoid of human activities and the resulting dehumanizing of many people of non-Western cultures through the study of ecology, we underscore the inherent fusion between identity and ecology. These couplings broadly manifest throughout domains of: 1) infrastructure, which refers to setting disciplinary standards and assessment, research support, and research communication; 2) community, which refers to the distinct experiences of ecologists at different career stages; and 3) activities, which refers to engagement, training, and research responsibilities. Unifying themes in this presentation are the inextricable relationship between identity and inquiry, and that between societal biases and scientific practice. We emphasize that only by confronting the racial biases that permeate ecological inquiry and practice can diversity be improved, and inclusive excellence achieved. We offer strategies to de-center majority narratives and interrogate the racism and prejudice embedded within ecology at every level. In this way, ecology can transform into an equitable and just discipline poised to meet global needs.

Presentations:

• 3:30 PM – 3:50 PM EDT

  Legacy and building a inclusive future for Black scholars in Ecology
  

  Presenting Author: Nyeema C. Harris, PhD – Yale University
• 3:50 PM – 4:10 PM EDT

  Promoting community within and across professional stages
  

  Presenting Author: Zakiya H. Leggett, PhD – North Carolina State University

  Co-author: Nyeema C. Harris, PhD – Yale University

  Co-author: Alexandra Harmon-Threatt – University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign

  Co-author: Alex Moore – University of British Columbia

  Co-author: Samniqueka Halsey – University of Missouri

  Co-author: Karen Bailey, PhD – University of Colorado Boulder

  Co-author: Jasmine Childress – University of California Santa Barbara

  Co-author: Kwasi Wrensford – University of California, Berkeley

  Co-author: Swanne Gordon, PhD – Washington University in St. Louis

  Co-author: Nana Kusi – Washington University in St Louis

  Co-author: Maria N. Miriti, PhD – The Ohio State University
• 4:10 PM – 4:30 PM EDT

  Scrutinizing biases within the professional infrastructure of Ecology
  

  Presenting Author: Karen Bailey, PhD – University of Colorado Boulder

  Co-author: Nyeema C. Harris, PhD – Yale University

  Co-author: Alexandra Harmon-Threatt – University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign

  Co-author: Alex Moore – University of British Columbia

  Co-author: Samniqueka Halsey – University of Missouri

  Co-author: Zakiya Holmes-Leggett – Forestry and Environmental Resources, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University

  Co-author: Jasmine Childress – University of California Santa Barbara

  Co-author: Kwasi Wrensford – University of California, Berkeley

  Co-author: Swanne Gordon, PhD – Washington University in St. Louis

  Co-author: Nana Kusi – Washington University in St Louis

  Co-author: Maria N. Miriti, PhD – The Ohio State University
• 4:30 PM – 4:50 PM EDT

  Challenging the work and workplace in Ecology
  

  Presenting Author: Swanne Gordon, PhD – Washington University in St. Louis

  Co-author: Nyeema C. Harris, PhD – Yale University

  Co-author: Maria N. Miriti, PhD – The Ohio State University

  Co-author: Karen Bailey, PhD – University of Colorado Boulder

  Co-author: Samniqueka Halsey – University of Missouri

  Co-author: Alexandra Harmon-Threatt – University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign

  Co-author: Zakiya Holmes-Leggett – Forestry and Environmental Resources, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University

  Co-author: Jasmine Childress – University of California Santa Barbara

  Co-author: Gabriel Gadsden – Yale University

  Co-author: Nana Kusi – Washington University in St Louis

  Co-author: Alex Moore – University of British Columbia

  Co-author: Kwasi Wrensford – University of California, Berkeley
• 4:50 PM – 5:00 PM EDT

  Discussion