Words yes, actions unlikely.

Abstract

Failure to diversify the United States scientific workforce has elicited statements and actions from federal funding agencies that are scrambling to correct inequities. Only last week, a new study showed that Black scientists are underrepresented among principal investigators who are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (at 1.8%). This is unacceptable. Science is a social endeavor where research only becomes knowledge when validated by the scientific community. A more diverse scientific community can average out individual biases, leading to more robust consensus. Meanwhile, conservative states are passing laws prohibiting higher education programs in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This is creating a collision course between state laws and federal funding policies and programs.