On its first day, the Trump administration released several executive orders terminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, calling them “illegal,” “immoral,” and “discriminatory” (1, 2). DEI programs include racial affinity groups, which counter the systemic barriers to inclusion and advancement that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) face in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines (3, 4). These organizations provide a welcoming space for underrepresented scientists to give and receive culturally aware mentorship (5). Given that diverse teams produce more innovative science (6), racial affinity groups benefit not only BIPOC scientists but also their employers and the public. Racial affinity groups do not violate US antisegregation or antidiscrimination laws; they enable equitable access to resources that support academic advancement for all. To protect scientists and scientific output, US stakeholders must work to protect affinity groups from government interference. On its first day, the Trump administration released several executive orders terminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, calling them “illegal,” “immoral,” and “discriminatory” (1, 2). DEI programs include racial affinity groups, which counter the systemic barriers to inclusion and advancement that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) face in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines (3, 4). These organizations provide a welcoming space for underrepresented scientists to give and receive culturally aware mentorship (5). Given that diverse teams produce more innovative science (6), racial affinity groups benefit not only BIPOC scientists but also their employers and the public. Racial affinity groups do not violate US antisegregation or antidiscrimination laws; they enable equitable access to resources that support academic advancement for all. To protect scientists and scientific output, US stakeholders must work to protect affinity groups from government interference. Science
Protect US racial affinity groups | Science
