ASBMB Today Opinions ASBMB releases DEAI statement

Announcement

ASBMB releases DEAI statement

By Ciearra Smith

June 16, 2022

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is committed to enhancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion, or DEAI, throughout the society, and I am pleased to share its DEAI commitment statement.

It’s never too late to stand up for what’s right, especially when we are still seeing people killed due to racism. The ASBMB needs a DEAI commitment statement to show that it is serious about enhancing its DEAI efforts and establishing a culture that is diverse, equitable, accessible and inclusive.

The statement builds upon the good examples of other societies’ DEAI commitment statements, and some overlap exists, such as the understanding that diversity fosters innovation. However, the ASBMB’s statement stands out because it highlights the society’s commitment to each aspect of DEAI — all are equally important.

I hope our members know that the ASBMB is dedicated to DEAI. This statement will help the ASBMB community hold itself accountable. This firm and specific commitment to DEAI is the first step in a continuous journey of learning, understanding and integrating DEAI throughout the ASBMB and its membership.

Diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion commitment statement

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) recognizes that diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion (DEAI) are vital to the success of the scientific enterprise and therefore must be integrated throughout the organization, the fields of study it represents, and the broader STEM community. The ASBMB is committed to promoting a culture that values DEAI.

Diversity fosters excellence and innovation

Scientists who have varied life experiences provide different insights when faced with complex scientific questions. The ASBMB advocates for equity, accessibility and inclusion of historically excluded groups within BMB and strongly believes people from these groups are critical to advancing science. The society actively strives for both its membership and leadership to reflect the diversity of the global population. The ASBMB is committed to increasing the number of historically excluded scientists in the BMB fields and supporting them as they navigate their education and career.

Equity requires data collection, assessment, transparency and accountability

Opaqueness perpetuates inequity. The ASBMB is committed to evaluating its programs, policies and practices, making the results known to its members and the public, and maintaining a culture of accountability.

Access to opportunities requires stakeholder input, planning and investment

The ASBMB is committed to creating accessible programming and facilitating participation by people regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex assigned at birth, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, economic status, age or religion. The society seeks to identify and invest in solutions to eliminate barriers to access for all educational, professional, volunteer and leadership opportunities that it offers.

Inclusion is about understanding and respect

The ASBMB strives to make all its members feel understood, valued and accepted. The society seeks to establish and sustain a sense of belonging by soliciting input and feedback and using it to inform decision-making.

The society will uphold these core values of DEAI across all departments and committees — and support its members in their DEAI efforts at their respective institutions and out in the world. The organization will speak out and stand up against racism, discrimination, exclusion, prejudice, ableism and sexual harassment. The ASBMB is committed to being an agent of change.