I-MRSEC Discussion Session on Racism in STEM

The I-MRSEC invites you to participate in a study group focusing on topics related to racism in STEM. The formation of this group stems from our discussions this summer in solidarity with the #ShutDownSTEM movement. This goal of the study group is to further each of our education and self-reflection, as well as to determine individual and collective next-steps.

Our first meeting will be a one-hour session in January (dates/times proposed in registration form). We will facilitate a discussion of the following recent article: Ebony McGee, "Interrogating structural racism in STEM higher education" Educational Researcher (2020) https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.3102/0013189X20972718

Those who register will be provided a document with some questions to help guide their reading of the article. At the session, a facilitator will lead the group in discussing the article, and we hope the group will create a document containing reflections or proposed actions.

Please register for the study group by January 13: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/896769048

Even if you can't join these discussions, I encourage you to read the article or watch a recent seminar by the author: https://gladstone.org/events/black-brown-bruised-how-racialized-stem-education-stifles-innovation

I'd also like to encourage you to consider joining the Grainger College of Engineering Institute for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA Institute), which is a great place to stay in the loop of what's happening in the college and beyond.