This article by Dr. Robin Bell and Dr. Lisa White was published in "Diverse - Issues in Higher Education" on November 19, 2020.

We have seen recent discussions, like #BlackInIvory and #BlackInTheIvory, speak truth to power about the systemic discrimination and racism that exists in academia and science. Within the sciences, geoscience is among the least diverse fields in the U.S. Only 15% of geoscience doctorates are awarded to people of color, and women of color are particularly underrepresented. Over 43 years, from 1973 to 2016, only 20 Native American and 69 Black women received doctorates in the geosciences. [...]

As a first step, organizations, institutions, departments and individuals should sign on to No Time for Silence, the Geoscientists of Color statement. This powerful call to action outlines what we each can do to enact change. AGU took this call to action, along with in-depth conversations within our community, to identify eight immediate action areas to move forward. Combating systemic racism in the geosciences involves addressing how we invest our money; how we select our leaders; how we share our science; what work we do, honor and reward; and how we foster the next generation of scientists and leaders.

But more needs to be done. We must encourage students of color to pursue geoscience and mentor them throughout their education and careers; hire more diverse faculty and staff; be better and more present allies when microaggressions occur on campus or in the workplace; and eliminate the barriers to entry, such as standardized tests like the Graduate Record Examinations and fieldwork requirements.