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Focusing on Ethics, Diversity, and Inclusion

Ethics, diversity, and inclusion are funda- • Culture Task Force. GSA invited mem- exhibited, and/or presented sessions at the
mental to GSA’s vision. As a premier geo- bers to participate in a culture task force National Association of Black Geoscientists
logical society, GSA plays a vital role— charged with identifying practical steps to (NABG), Society for the Advancement of
and has a responsibility—to build a more promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans
diverse, respectful, and inclusive space for culture at our meetings. We plan to imple- in Science (SACNAS), and American
all geoscientists to thrive. That is why we ment several recommendations in connec- Indian and Science and Engineering
continue to focus on new ways to promote tion with GSA 2020 Connects Online, Society (AISES) national conferences.
high ethical standards and implement strate- including proactively inviting presenters
gies to increase diversity and engagement in with disabilities to request reasonable CHALLENGES AND FUTURE
the geosciences that we believe will lead to accommodations, sending a letter to all OUTLOOK
stronger and more innovative science. exhibitors to remind them to comply with We recognize that more work needs to be
GSA’s Events Code of Conduct, offering done to address the systemic barriers that
SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS training to session chairs on their roles in prevent the full participation of everyone in
Over the past year, we have taken several promoting safe and respectful sessions, and our field. We are taking progressive actions
steps to advance ethics, diversity, and stepping up our communications of diver- and reviewing our activities (https://www
inclusion: sity commitments and actions. In August .geosociety.org/documents/gsa/diversity/
• Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct. 2020, the culture task force submitted a full dei-action-202006.pdf) in order to make
GSA launched this new enforceable eth- report with recommendations to GSA’s improvements within our own organization
ics policy to set a positive example for the president. The task force is led by the past and develop an actionable path forward. On
geosciences profession and hold GSA chair of the Diversity in the Geosciences 1 June, GSA issued a statement affirming
members accountable for adhering to Committee and includes 13 members, with our solidarity with our fellow BIPOC col-
high ethical standards in all of their pro- 61% from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and leagues and their families in facing injus-
fessional activities. An ethics committee People of Color) groups. tice. A follow-up statement was issued by
ensures that all complaints are processed • Grants to Support Ethics, Diversity, and GSA’s president and president-elect on
in a fair, consistent manner. As the final Inclusion. GSA was awarded a three-year 25 June that communicated the support for
arbiter of all ethics cases, GSA Council grant from the National Science Foundation the recommendations, petitions, and letters
has the authority to discipline or termi- (NSF) to increase the diversity of students offering changes and initiatives for the
nate GSA members who violate the Code who apply for and receive research grants. geoscience community. GSA leadership
of Ethics. To achieve this goal, GSA is altering its began this work by holding an Executive
• Respectful, Inclusive Scientific Events recruiting, application, and evaluation pro- Committee retreat in August 2020 to
(RISE). GSA established RISE in 2016 cedures. GSA also partnered with universi- develop action plans. Both statements are
as a way to reinforce the Society’s Events ties and our Associated Societies to pursue online at https://www.geosociety.org/GSA/
Code of Conduct. During the last fiscal NSF funding to advance and accelerate About/Diversity/GSA/About/Diversity.aspx.
year, we made several improvements, cultural change in the geosciences in order We will keep you informed about the
including policy changes to guard against to broaden participation. outcome of this retreat and our ongoing
excessive drinking, eliminating alcohol • Investing in Diversity-Focused Scientific efforts to ensure that GSA is positively
service during poster presentations, roll- Conferences. GSA is invested at diversity- supporting the ideals of ethics, diversity,
ing out a new training program for RISE focused conferences and partners with and inclusion that will ultimately drive our
liaisons, and strengthening the proce- other earth-science organizations to pro- science forward. We encourage all mem-
dures used to ensure that conduct con- mote opportunities and careers in the bers to continue to challenge us to make a
cerns are handled appropriately. geosciences. This year, we advertised, real difference.

Diversity Makes Our Science Better and RISE Marks

GSA developed the Diversity Makes Our Science Better mark at the request of
Makes Our RISE the Diversity Committee and the ad hoc Culture Task Force as a way for individual
Diversity
members to show support for the ideals embodied in the GSA position statements on
Science diversity. The RISE mark was updated to adhere to GSA's brand standards. Please read
Better the usage guidelines for GSA RISE & Diversity marks at https://www.geosociety.org/
documents/gsa/about/ethics/rise-usage-guidelines.pdf.

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