What's next for EDI in these turbulent times?
Co-sponsored by
AGU and JpGU
In the last couple of years, however, criticisms escalated and EDI values are being discredited by a growing scepticism, even from the general public and often also from highly organized orchestrated anti-EDI campaigns. In many cases, as a result of political pressure or recent government funding decisions, EDI programs are being significantly scaled back or even entirely dismantled. One of the arguments that was raised is that EDI has become overly ideological, rigid in its adherence to a doctrine. EDI is sometimes considered responsible for the introduction of the so-called positive bias, or a bias against categories that have been previously favoured. Other concerns have evolved around the meaning of gender differences, introducing at times ambiguity in the concepts of equality and diversity. Another reason of concern is given by actions that were considered limiting the human rights. Examples are the cases related to free speech, where speakers were uninvited or impeded to talk. In particular in science, it has been a reason of concern as the attitude of resisting to a diversity of opinions can be perceived as counter-productive for progress.
Some voices argue that instead of building on what people have in common, EDI culture focuses on their differences, often perceived as exclusionary. These positions have both played in favour of opposing political platforms and alienated people with more moderate views, or people less ’educated’ on EDI issues. Today, sadly, the EDI term has taken on a new and sometimes divisive meaning.
EDI movements need to regain ground in their defence for fairness and coalition building, concerned with all sorts of inequalities, backgrounds and views. The concept of inclusivity in EDI is crucial in preventing societal division. Re-thinking EDI is essential to science and society in these challenging times.
In this Great Debate we aim to discuss the criticisms to EDI and identify strategies to move forward with a constructive attitude, with the awareness of the benefits EDI has achieved, and a recognition of the values an inclusive science culture brings to science. Invited speakers will include influential members of the geosciences community and beyond.
10:45–10:50 Introduction by moderator, Claudia Jesus-Rydin
10:50–10:58 The Unintended Consequences of Identity Politics, DEI Baises and Backlashes, Dan Robertson, Global MD FAIRER Consulting (UK)
10:58–11:03 Keeping EDI, changing strategy: a new perspective for stimulating EDI diplomacy, Alberto Montanari, University of Bologna (IT)
11:03–11:08 Global partnership between developing and advanced countries in geoscience, Yukihiro Takahashi, Immediate Past President of JpGU (JP)
11:08–11:13 Advancing Inclusive Science Practices in STEM: Perspectives from the Front Line, Brandon Jones, American Geophysical Union (USA)
11:13–11:18 Embedding Equity and Inclusion in the Geoscience Ecosystem: From Funding to Publication, Marguerite Xenopoulos, Trent University (CA)
11:18–11:45 Panel discussion
11:45–12:20 Q&A session
12:20–12:30 Closing remarks by panellists and moderator
Session assets
10:45–10:50
Introduction by moderator, Claudia Jesus-Rydin
10:50–10:55
Advancing Inclusive Science Practices in STEM: Perspectives from the Front Line, Brandon Jones, American Geophysical Union (USA)
10:55–11:00
Embedding Equity and Inclusion in the Geoscience Ecosystem: From Funding to Publication, Marguerite Xenopoulos, Trent University (CA)
11:00–11:05
Global partnership between developing and advanced countries in geoscience, Yukihiro Takahashi, Immediate Past President of JpGU (JP)
11:05–11:10
Keeping EDI, changing strategy: a new perspective for stimulating EDI diplomacy, Alberto Montanari, University of Bologna (IT)
11:10–11:15
The Unintended Consequences of Identity Politics, DEI Baises and Backlashes, Dan Robertson, Global MD FAIRER Consulting (UK)
11:15–11:45
Panel discussion
11:45–12:20
Q&A session
12:20–12:30
Closing remarks by panelists and moderator
Speakers
- Dan Robertson, Fairer Consulting.com, United Kingdom
- Alberto Montanari, University of Bologna, Italy
- Yukihiro Takahashi, Hokkaido University, Japan
- Brandon Jones, American Geophysical Union, United States of America
- Marguerite Xenopoulos, Trent University, Canada