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Building an Inclusive Botany - Structuring in Class Discussions

Author(s): Makenzie Mabry1, Nuala Caomhanach2, Richard Abrahams3, Shelly Gaynor1, Kasey Khanh Pham1, Tanisha Williams4, Kate Murphy5, Vassiliki Betty Smocovitis1, Douglas Soltis1, Pamela Soltis1

1. University of Florida 2. American Museum of Natural History 3. Yale University 4. Bucknell University 5. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

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Summary:
Driven by the national conversation on systemic racism, ongoing inequities, appeals to decolonize science, and the many recent calls for diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion, we use stories of plants to discuss the history of bias and…

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Driven by the national conversation on systemic racism, ongoing inequities, appeals to decolonize science, and the many recent calls for diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion, we use stories of plants to discuss the history of bias and exclusionary practices in scientific botany, particularly regarding access to scientific spaces, and the exploitation of marginalized peoples. We discuss the many opportunities and challenges presented by the age of information technology as we seek to create a more inclusive botany that recognizes and acknowledges the contributions of historically marginalized groups, including Black and Indigenous communities. We hope this article can be used as a conversation starter to raise awareness, encourage reflection, and promote action toward creating a more equitable and just scientific practice.