Science Groups Oppose Executive Order Banning Federal Diversity Training

AIBS has endorsed a community letter urging the Trump Administration to rescind its elimination of federal employee training programs related to diversity, equity and inclusion as specified in the September 4, 2020 Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies and the September 22 Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping. According to the Executive Order, “Instructors and materials teaching that men and members of certain races, as well as our most venerable institutions, are inherently sexist and racist are appearing in workplace diversity trainings across the country, even in components of the Federal Government and among Federal contractors.” The order directs federal agencies, the uniformed services, and government contractors to end “divisive” racial sensitivity trainings. The order also prohibits federal grant funds to be used to promote “race or sex stereotyping or scapegoating.” Opposing the directive, the science groups argue, in part, “Federal employees are an important part of the scientific community and play a crucial role in creating a diverse scientific workforce. Sensitivity training helps employees become more aware of barriers to increased diversity, motivates positive behaviors and attitudes, and improves cognitive skills. Increased diversity within the scientific workforce accelerates innovation and increases productivity, leading to greater scientific progress that provides the fou...
Source: Public Policy Reports - Category: Biology Authors: Source Type: news