The document discusses challenges to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and intersectionality in the planning and promotion of the March for Science in 2017. It notes that equity and diversity were afterthoughts in the initial planning which was done primarily on social media without experience in social movement organization. This led to undermining of women and people of color, ignoring of disabled researchers, and erasing of LGBTQIA scientists. It provides questions to guide more inclusive event planning by embracing diversity in leadership, decision-making, communication, and addressing the specific barriers faced by marginalized groups.

1. Challenging the March for Science
Dr Zuleyka Zevallos
@OtherSociology
OtherSociologist.com
Intersectionality at the Coal Face

2. Overview
• Background to the March
• Diversity
• Equity
• Inclusion
• Access
• Intersectionality
• Discourses
• Science
• Anti-diversity in the march

3. Background
• Announced 24 January 2017
• Protest on 22 April 2017
• Created and largely
promoted on social media
• No social movement
leadership experience
• Equity and diversity were
afterthoughts

4. Equity
• Equity: barriers, issues &
solutions to structural
disadvantage
• Undermining women’s
contributions
• Flamed racism towards
people of colour
• Ignored disabled researchers
• Erased LGBTQIA scientists

5. Challenging equity issues
Ask ourselves: who should lead?
• Indigenous leadership
• Other people of colour
• Disability experts
• LGBTQIA representatives
• Social movement organisers
• Equity & diversity practitioners
• Specialist members

6. Inclusion
• Inclusion: actively seeking out,
valuing and respecting
differences
• Indigenous Science Declaration
• Predates Western models
• Memories, wisdom & deep
knowledges
• Cultural frameworks of respect,
reciprocity, responsibility, healing
• Communities abused as research
subjects & still suffer
• Symbiosis of collaboration Drafted by Native Amercian scientists, Robin Kimmerer (Potawatomi), Ph.D., Rosalyn LaPier
(Blackfeet/Métis), Ph.D., Melissa Nelson (Anishinaabe), Ph.D. and Kyle Whyte (Potawatomi), Ph.D
(2017) ”Indigenous Science Statement for the March for Science.” Last accessed 14 April 2018:
http://www.esf.edu/indigenous-science-letter/

7. Challenging inclusion issues
How can I remove barriers?
• Embrace inclusion in event
coordination
• Publicise equity & diversity statement
• Clear anti-harassment policies
• Address safety
• Form partnerships with experienced
social movement organisers
• Promote event with minority
communities in mind
• Seek feedback from vulnerable groups
• Craft a communication strategy

8. Access
• Access: opportunities to
enhance participation
• “Forgot” disabled people in
first diversity statement
• Delayed accessibility strategy
• Refused leadership of
disabled scientists
• No accessibility plan
• Lacked disabled speakers

9. Challenging access issues
When can I help enhance
participation?
• Demonstrate active commitment
• Decision-making by disabled experts
• Accessibility planning from Day 1
• Test venue or protest path
• Consult diverse minority groups
• Accessible promotion materials
• Hearing loops, closed captions, sign
interpreters
• Schedule disabled speakers
• Consider timing, rest, quiet areas

10. Intersectionality
• Intersectionality: gender
and racial inequalities are
interconnected & compound
other forms of disadvantage
• Abused leadership of Black,
Indigenous and other women of
colour
• Demanded emotional labour
• Centred Whiteness

11. Challenging issues of intersectionality
Where do race & gender interconnect?
• Active management
• Leaders address structural inequities
• Use visuals & language that reflect
diversity
• Reward the work of volunteers
• Consider training
• Moderate online discussions
• Reduce emotional labour for minorities
• Apologise & reflect for mistakes
• Address underrepresented scientists
• Use White privilege constructively

12. Discourses of science
• Discourse: use of language to
establish & justify dominance
• Reinforces status quo
• Normalises existing power
• E.g. Stories we tell about
science focus on White men
• Organisers said the march is:
• “Not political;” &
• “Not about scientists, but
about science”

13. Anti-diversity discourse in the March for
Science
Discouraging diversity (N=188) Example comments
Politicising
(N=88)
57 men, 90 women, 1 gender unknown
“Stick to the science.”
“Identity politics.”
“This is what we are marching against.”
Dividing
N=49
(30 men, 19 women)
“Diversity is divisive.”
“Stop pandering.”
“This happened with Women’s March….”
Depreciating
N=27
(10 men, 17 women)
“Science is already diverse!”
“Science is equal and inclusive by nature.”
“Science is neutral. It doesn’t discriminate.”
Distracting
N=24
(10 men, 14 women)
“Diversity is important but don't let it derail your message.”
“Please don't put diversity over merit.”
“All are welcome but don’t let it fracture us.”
Z. Zevallos (2017) Analyzing the March for Science Diversity Discourse, DiverseScholar, 8:1

14. Anti-diversity discourse in the March for
Science
Encouraging diversity (N=148) Example comments
Informing
N=3
(3 women)
“Science is dominated by straight White men.”
“Science has been unwelcoming to many groups.”
“As a marginalised woman in science, thank you!”
Enhancing
N=145
(57 male, 87 women, 1 gender unknown)
“Diversity is making steps to be inclusive.”
“Intersectionality matters to the whole protest.”
“Diverse thinking needs diverse people.”
Z. Zevallos (2017) Analyzing the March for Science Diversity Discourse, DiverseScholar, 8:1

15. Challenging anti-diversity discourse
• Organised using social media
• Collective action
• Changed the discourse:
#marginsci (Dr Stephani Page)
• Public & private support
• Used science
• Discussed empirical data
• Documented discussions
• Published research
• Mainstream media
• Op eds
• Interviews

16. Challenging anti-diversity discourse
Peggy McIntosh (1989) 'White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack,' Peace and Freedom
Magazine, July/August, pp. 10-12.
Ijeoma Oluo [@ijeomaoluo] (2017) ‘Look for where your privilege intersects…' Twitter, 9 February.
Last accessed 14 April 2018: https://twitter.com/ijeomaoluo/status/829474539373359105

17. Questions for us
• Would I know true equity when I see it?
• How can I better support inclusion?
• How I can make my next event accessible?
• How can I begin to practice intersectionality in event planning?
• What discourse do I contribute to?
• What will I do to lesson racism inequity?
• Where does my privilege intersect with someone’s oppression?
Dr Zuleyka Zevallos/ @OtherSociology
OtherSociologist.com
Accessible version of handout: bit.ly/diversity-sci