A Call from Inside the House

• In Event: Lightning Talk: Diversity and the Experiences of Black and Brown Folk in Criminology and at ASC

Abstract

Calls and efforts to enhance the equity, diversity, and inclusion in the field of Criminology have
become a prominent mission of the American Society of Criminology (ASC). The scholars
leading these calls have set forth action-based efforts for scholars to expand the perspectives
within research, center marginalized communities, and address past harm. This commitment
has led to scholars challenging the traditions of the institution and has resulted in the
creation/recreation of divisions in the ASC to create “safe spaces” for scholars of color.
However, as efforts to cement this cultural shift in the ASC have become more bold, pushback,
in attempts to grasp onto the traditions and standards of merit, have persisted. This pushback
represents a resistance to change that sends a clear message to scholars of color - that their
identities, experiences, and contributions to the field are only valuable if they meet standards of
whiteness and merit. This reinforces a persistent social divide within the ASC. This lighting talk
will discuss how this divide occurs and provide suggestions on ways to establish and cement
safe spaces for faculty, attendees, and students of color.

Author

• LaQuana N. Askew, Old Dominion University