Biology

Science is Objective, Isn't It?: Countering the Effects of Structural Racism in Citation Practices

Document Type

Book Chapter

Abstract

This chapter challenges the color-blind discourse that science should be objective versus the reality that social constructs like race affect knowledge generation. The antiracist action plan involved activities in a neuroscience course that guided students to explore how systemic and individual biases affect citation practices. In class, students discussed different readings that considered the racial and ethnic imbalances in citations in neuroscience, why citation equity matters, and how to broaden our exposure to scientists with minoritized identities. Then, students generated their own action plans for generating more inclusive citation lists. They also wrote papers reflecting on their key takeaways from the course activities on race and citation equity. Based on their written responses and action plans, students learned about the importance of citations and how racism affects citations and citation practices. Although this was a set of activities done in one science class, it provides a starting point for faculty in and outside of STEM to address systemic bias in their own disciplines, specifically in citation practices. © 2026 selection and editorial matter, Jie Y. Park and Laurie Ross; individual chapters, the contributors.

Publication Title

Towards a Community of Antiracist Praxis in Higher Education: Transformative Principles, Practices, and Resources for the Classroom

Publication Date

1-2025

First Page

70

Last Page

83

ISBN

9781040418444

DOI

10.4324/9781003472087-12

Keywords

antiracism, higher education, teaching, citations, science, action plans

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