Two New Resources for Addressing Racism

Two new resource documents for addressing racism through research, increased understanding, and support of the targets of racism are now available through the SIOP website. SIOP member Mindi Thompson recently forwarded a policy brief for supporting Black interns suffering vicarious racial trauma, which she authored with her colleagues at the Center for Research on College Workforce Transitions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Lewis-Burke Associates LLC has published “Federal Efforts and Opportunities to Address Racism and Support Equity in Research and Education.”

Racial trauma, as an unwarranted yet contingent reality of the Black experience, has detrimental implications for the daily functioning of Black undergraduate student interns. This includes but is not limited to their accessibility to support and prosperity as future leaders. Acknowledging that systemic racism requires an aggregated and incessant effort to deconstruct, “Supporting Black Interns through Vicarious Racial Trauma: Policy Recommendations for Employers and Postsecondary Institutions” describes racism Black student interns may be susceptible to and provide insights on efforts that can be immediately adopted within organizations to bolster Black student intern’s resilience and fortify an anti-racist work setting. This brief also seeks to stimulate further conversation and analysis of racial disparities within internship programs and areas where internships may fall short in supporting the development of Black student interns.

Universities, scientific societies, and research funding organizations around the world are working to address the problem of systemic racism across the scientific community.  Congressional interest and support for diversity efforts has increased this Congress and is likely to see further increased support if there is a new Administration next year.

In “Federal Efforts and Opportunities to Address Racism and Support Equity in Research and Education,” Lewis-Burke provides updates on recent activities at various federal agencies to address discrimination and disparities across the research and education community.  The document also presents examples of new and/or restated funding opportunities at agencies to support broadening participation.  Please note that this document does not provide a comprehensive list of all programs available to advance broadening participation.  As agencies review their practices to address systemic racism, organizations and institutions with effective initiatives in place or under development are encouraged to reach out to agencies to share best practices and explore opportunities for engagement.