Diversity and Inclusion are core values of ESA and have been recognized in ESA’s Diversity Statement as revised in 2014 (https://www.esa.org/about/esa-diversity-statement/). Creating an inclusive environment (where everyone feels valued and has a sense of belonging to the group) can ensure that all scientists contribute to advancing science. A National Academies report in 2018 highlighted the damage done by continuing cultures of sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment) in many research settings. In early 2019, over 100 scientific societies, including ESA, created a Consortium to address sexual harassment. One of the top recommendations is to strengthen codes of conduct and create anonymous reporting mechanisms for incidents.
Results/Conclusions
The demographics of ESA members in 2018 continue to show a shift in gender of ecologists across age groups. The majority of ESA members under age 40 are female and those over age 40 are male. ESA has committed to the participation of all scientists in programs and at annual meetings. The first ESA Code of Ethics was established in 1975 which forbids harassment in any form. In 2015, a more detailed code of conduct for meetings was adopted and later amended in 2018 to strengthen the code and explicitly state behaviors that are not tolerated (https://www.esa.org/events/code-of-conduct-for-esa-events/). ESA has also adopted social media guidelines to prevent harassment and has established formal procedures for anonymous reporting of misconduct that are prominently displayed at meetings. At its Annual Meeting, ESA has increased support for broad participation and has moved towards creating a safe environment. Efforts include providing subsidized childcare, pronoun stickers and ribbons, gender-neutral bathrooms, diversity and inclusion travel scholarships, and bystander training for staff and meeting participants. More can be done, but through these efforts ESA is expanding awareness of unacceptable behaviors, the code of conduct, and reporting mechanisms among members and meeting attendees.