Centering Ethical Placed-Based Scientific Practices through the Lenses of Communities of Color

Abstract:

Ethics is more than a checklist laid alongside scientific inquiry. Ethical values are part of the obligation to contextualize and situate studies and inquiry in ways that make sense to affected communities. This interactive session will examine good place-based ethical research in communities of color and will explain how ethics sits within a broader discussion on decolonization, and more specifically--decolonizing science. By using film clips from the documentary film in progress, Decolonizing Science, by Dr. Kendall Moore, this session will explore the origins, creation, and evolution of western science as a western European enterprise, one that sublimated, marginalized and re-narrativized the practices, procedures, ethics, and contributions of the racially marginalized, underrepresented people of color in science, today. The clips will consist of thoughts and perspectives from various representatives who reflect a non-dominant, and historically undervalued perspective, concerning Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). As a mode of, and commentary on, decolonization, the film will illustrate how to practice better, more ethical science in communities of color, in our/their neighborhoods, on our/their lands, and within our/their nations. This film brings various perspectives and cultures into one broad conversation, and the scientists they work with, to navigate contemporary social tensions through research that can value diverse perspectives, promote more inclusive practices and result in better place-based science.