New guidelines developed to address racism in bioethics

Columbia University’s Division of Ethics Chief Sandra Soo-Jin Lee, Ph.D., is lead author of a new target article in The American Journal of Bioethics, 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 (APBD), Dr. Lee led the APBD 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.