Gender Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Reading Circle
Gender Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Reading Circle
The DEI-Reading Circle meets regularly to learn about gender inequity, as well as related and intersecting topics in academic settings and STEM fields. Through readings discussions, and learning activities, we want to improve gender equity and counteract sexism in our immediate work and study environments.
We welcome everyone who is interested to participate. The more diverse the participants, the more interesting the discussions will be. Students of all levels are especially welcome! A WoBio membership is not required for participation.
This outreach activity is organized by the WoBio Working Group: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Reading Circle.
SS 2025 - Sexgender diversity in biology
The topic for the SS 2025 reading circle will be "Sexgender diversity in biology".
We will explore new frameworks of how to conceptualize sex in biology, different ways of how sex can be operationalized as a variable in biological research, and how to incorporate sex-diverse and gender -inclusive perspective in biology teaching.
These events are in collaboration with the WoBio Inclusivity group.
We are planning 4 meetings for the summer semester 2025, and will update this page soon with more information about dates and time.
We will meet in the hUBB mensa area on the ground floor of the UBB. Meetings last ~60 minutes, and are held in person.
Before participating, please make sure you have read the ground rules so the meetings will be a respectful and safe experience for everyone.
For access to all the readings, other resources, and information for the meetings, please contact Caro Deimel. We will send you a link to a shared folder.
The goals of the Reading Circle are to
Raise awareness for gender inequity and solutions to persistent problems
- Empower participants to confront and counteract sexism and inequities
- Initiate changes in practice and decision making on individual and institutional levels
You will learn
- to recognize the causes and consequences of gender inequities.
- to be aware of our own biases and problematic behaviors, and to change them.
- the language to name the issues and problems.
- facts and arguments for discussing gender inequities.
- about possible solutions to existing problems.
- to create/become allies within privileged groups and in positions of power.
We will do this by
- discussing readings
- using worksheets for reflection and perspective taking
- voluntary/anonymous sharing of experiences
- activities
- creating resources
Ground rules for participation
The following ground rules are taken from a course taught by Dr. Corrie Moreau at Cornell University: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEM: The Science Behind Bias seminar (Cornell ENTOM 4040).
Information on this course, associated peer-reviewed papers, and the slides the following content is based on, can be found on her website: https://www.moreaulab.entomology.cornell.edu/science-behind-bias-seminar-course/
Ground Rules
We are all coming from different levels of understanding around these topics.
Some of these topics can be triggering, so take care of yourself.
Use the list below as a guide for your actions in this course.
- Listen often.
- Stories stay, lessons leave
- Use “I” statements
- Take Space, Make Space
- Be both teachers and learners
- Accept that things may remain unresolved
- Embrace discomfort, but take a moment if you need
- If you feel yourself getting angry or defensive, ask yourself why.
- You will make mistakes and apologize if you do
- It is not about your intent it is about your impact.
- With apologies, take ownership of your words and actions. Be specific what you apologize for.(NO: I am sorry you were hurt.)