The hierarchical, male-dominated environment of academia must change, or it will continue to exclude the contribution and representation of black women, write Cameron John Sabet , Simar Singh Bajaj , and Fatima Cody Stanford
The academic landscape in the United States, much like in other parts of the world, is a hierarchical environment with male gatekeepers often determining advancement to higher levels of seniority. This situation can perpetuate a lack of diversity in decision making and a lower likelihood of women, especially black women, being awarded tenure.1 In 2020, just 2.3% of US medical school faculty were black women, with most in entry level positions.2 Diversifying tenure committees can elevate the voices of minority scholars, catalyse innovative scholarship, and stimulate a more inclusive academic climate.
Diversity in academic leadership is key, and when it is lacking it can stunt the expansion of …