ABPD Addresses Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Bioethics

August 7, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York, NY — August 7, 2024 — Columbia University’s Division of Ethics Chief Sandra Soo-Jin Lee, PhD is lead author of a new target article in The American Journal of Bioethics (AJOB), titled "Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Bioethics: Recommendations from the Association of Bioethics Program Directors Presidential Task Force." This pivotal work responds to urgent calls for addressing racism within bioethics, highlighting the field's historical neglect in centering racial justice.

As President of the Association of Bioethics Program Directors (ABPD), Dr. Lee led the ABPD Presidential Task Force on Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI), which collaborated on the landmark article.The REDI Task Force represents ABPD Directors and bioethics scholars from a range of disciplines and fields and career stages, across twelve institutions in North America. 

The article, based on the work of the REDI Task Force over two years, emphasizes the need for anti-racist practices within academic bioethics programs. It outlines specific recommendations to advance racial equity, diversity, and inclusion, urging bioethics organizations to integrate these principles into their scholarship, pedagogy, advocacy, and practice. 

Dr. Lee stated: "This article is a crucial step toward rectifying the historical neglect of racial justice in bioethics. It provides actionable recommendations to foster a more inclusive and equitable field."

Key Recommendations:

  • Encourage research that reflects diverse values and worldviews, focusing on REDI.

  • Develop sustainable funding sources that support REDI scholarship and the development of underrepresented scholars.

  • Embed REDI into the canon of bioethics education programs and education across various health fields.

  • Develop mentorship and leadership succession plans that center REDI scholars and values.

  • Establish a more equitable distribution of REDI service work among faculty and more equal valuation of faculty salaries.

  • Embed REDI into how bioethicists provide policy, advisory, and consulting services.

  • Build equitable partnerships with marginalized communities historically impacted by racism.

  • Ensure policies and plans reflect REDI goals that encourage accountability and discrete timelines.

  • Develop tools to assess and measure the progress of REDI goals.

The full article is published open access and available to read for free online in The American Journal of Bioethics. To read the full article, visit this link.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Prof. Sandra Soo-Jin Lee, please contact David Lamb at dl3580@cumc.columbia.edu.

About APBD The Association of Bioethics Program Directors (ABPD) represents the leadership of approximately 100 academic bioethics programs across North America. The ABPD exists to serve the needs of bioethics programs and their directors. The Association’s work helps to foster the development and success of bioethics programs housed in academic institutions, by creating information of use to program directors, acting as a clearinghouse for information, and hosting conversations among peers about issues that are important for those in leadership positions.

Media Contact: David Lamb
Communications Manager
dl3580@cumc.columbia.edu
631-953-7472
Division of Ethics,
Columbia University