The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee works to equip society members with the resources to understand, recognize, and mitigate bias and discrimination within ICRS and the local and global communities that are impacted by our work. As scientists pushing for positive change, we advocate for marginalized identities by increasing their visibility and promoting a safe space among the students and early career professionals of the coral reef science community.
Photo credit: Violeta Martínez Castillo
Philosophy Statement
Privilege, gatekeeping, and perpetuating stereotypes within STEM and academia have made career growth substantially inaccessible for people of diversity within coral reef science. Some of us have seen and experienced bias, micro-aggressions, and discrimination based on marginalized identities including but not limited to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, country of origin, age, religion, socioecomic status, spoken language, career stage, or idea proposed. Many who experience this can face risk or ridicule when voices are raised, especially during their early career journey. This needs to change. As ICRS members we are coming to you collectively:
to work with and be a voice for early career researchers/scientists within coral reef exploration/studies
to foster a cohesive and safe environment within the field of coral reef science and conservation
to support people of marginalized identities by:
educating others where bias comes from
exploring how bias manifests within the fields of coral reef science and conservation
facilitating opportunities to break through social barriers that have historically excluded them from career growth and recognition within the field
Others have come before us to create this space where we engage with the ecosystem that brings us together: coral reefs. In this we recognize our common purpose, interests and even humanity. However, our commonalities are just the beginning. As an international organization we will work toward bridging the gap between science and historically marginalized groups. Our differences are our strengths and need to be acknowledged to widen our perspectives and promote collaborative growth. Our unique identities each bring a special quality which needs to be recognized, utilized and prioritized as we do our individual and collective work.