The Forgotten Promise to Diversify: A Critical Examination of Diversity and Inclusion at Agricultural Conferences

• In Event: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Across Professions

Abstract

This study examines to what extent Ag+STEM conferences accepts, host, and engage in diversity and inclusion-related workshops, seminars, and poster and paper sessions at their annual conferences. The methodological approach is content analysis, informed by critical theory. Two major themes were found in the preliminary findings: (1) a low frequency of diversity and inclusion focused sessions, and (2) conference sessions with a diversity and inclusion focus only conducted surface-level analyses. The results from this study should encourage conference leaders and organizers to reexamine their policies and procedures around the acceptance and gatekeeping of diversity and inclusion related conference sessions.

Authors

• Torrie Cropps, Rice University

• Brandon C.M. Allen, Purdue University

• Levon T. Esters, Purdue University