Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in our Societies
As we take steps forward in improving our Societies – there is nothing more important than diversity, equity and inclusion. We know we must do more across our scientific community for strength, creativity, and innovation in science. We acknowledge a lack of diversity and representation across our Societies -- and we are taking additional actions. The information here provides background on past actions and current plans.
ASA, CSSA, and SSSA have taken action to improve to diversity and inclusion across our Societies (see below). We know these actions are not enough and we do not have all the answers. The door to change is open - we continue to invite you to help us double down on our efforts to end racism and inequality across our scientific community.
From a longer-term and systemic perspective - diversity, equity and inclusion is a central focus in the ASA, CSSA, and SSSA strategic plans and is critical to providing a safe, welcoming and innovative environment for everyone across our Societies.
Your engagement provides the foundation for our diversity, equity and inclusion action plan. Common themes under development within the plan include training, mentoring, enhanced scholarships,review of policies/processes, regular reporting and improved transparency. With your engagement providing the foundation for our action plan, we will be reaching out to members for assistance with this important work.
In March 2021, the three Boards of Directors approved and unanimously supported a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement that affirms our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our Societies and our sciences.
Assessing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in ASA, CSSA, and SSSA
In the spring of 2021, a cross-Society DEI survey was developed and conducted. This survey was an opportunity to provide a roadmap for the next phase of the initiative to bring long-term actions to support DEI in our science community. The full report, background of survey preparation and methods, and analyses can be found at:
View the Full DEI Survey Report
Key take-aways were:
- 73% agree that the DEI initiative should be a top priority
- The Societies are not strongly viewed as providing programs/resources to foster the success of under-represented groups in our membership and our sciences
- Of the Societies’ programs and activities, there is no one category with a ranking of 46% or greater in which the Societies are doing well or very well in integrating DEI
- Implicit and gender bias was most prevalent for those experiencing discrimination within the Societies
- There is strong support for more action and support in program development and less on conversations/research
- There are both proponents and detractors for the DEI Initiative within the Societies along with a group that believe there are no DEI-related concerns within the Societies
Recommendations Report
Using survey information, member conversations, and research-based studies from literature, a DEI Recommendations Report was developed. The ASA, CSSA, and SSSA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (ACS 528) submitted the recommendations for consideration and the ASA, CSSA, and SSSA Boards of Directors approved the recommendations on February 28, 2022.
These recommendations are listed in priority order, with the first four viewed as most important by members. Many of these recommendations require thoughtful planning and development and will be accomplished through working groups initiated from the DEI committee. Working groups will be brought online in phases, with calls for membership participation following the initial organizational stages for each working group. A brief summary of each recommendation is highlighted below.
- Professional Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policies Development
- DEI Education/Training
- Mentoring
- Support and Collaborations
- Leadership, Governance, and Policies
- Communication
- Measuring Success
- Alliance of Crop, Soil and Environmental Science Societies (ACSESS staff)
Timeline
It is imperative that we prioritize to ensure success given the robust set of recommendations. The full report details the timelines for accomplishing the components of this significant initiative. It will take tremendous work to implement all of the above recommendations. However, given the energy and commitment of our committee and membership, we believe we will be successful, thus ensuring a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive Societies.
View the Complete Recommendations Report
Join the discussion on the DEI Discussion Board at: ASA | CSSA | SSSA
Demographics
As Science Societies, we have demographic data on approximately 60% of our 9,000 members. Of these members, 84% are white, 72% are male and roughly 66% are at Universities. These statistics do not mirror the diversity across our global populations – nor the strength it provides.
Previous Actions
- View the 2020 recording of our dedicated Town Hall Webinar on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hosted by our Diversity Committee, Women in Science Committee, LGBTQ+ and Allies Specialty Group, and SSSA Representation & Recognition Task Force. The webinar is available as a recording and is posted in the discussion board. Thank you to all participants for your candid, thoughtful and uplifting contributions – together we will move forward.
- Specialty Groups form to connect members through human interest areas-beyond our technical science. We’re expanding to enhance the social connections of members to speak to the social fabric across our agronomy, crop science, and soil science communities. These include Scientists and Students of Chinese Origin, Scientists and Students of Indian Origin, Military Veterans of Agriculture, LGBTQ+ Scientists and Allies, and more.
- Our Diversity in Agronomy, Crops, Soils, and Environmental Sciences Committee held the inaugural panel presentation at the Annual Meeting, "Diversity in ACS: What Gains Have We Made, What Is the Outlook for the Future?" featuring a panel of speakers with diverse backgrounds from underrepresented groups
- The SSSA Representation and Recognition Task Force provided a report on recommendations for enhanced gender recognition and representation in the Society. They are now expanding their focus from gender equity, to highlight inclusion and diversity review and recommendations and a gender webpage with information has been developed..
- The ASA Representation and Recognition Task Force provided a report on recommendations for enhanced gender recognition and representation in the Society.