Questioning ASBH's Commitment to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion
The American Society for Bioethics and Humanities (ASBH) is hosting its annual meeting this week, but concerns about accessibility and inclusivity have been raised.
The high cost of registration for the event, priced at $695 for non-members, has been a point of contention. This price point prevents many individuals with limited discretionary budgets or those who work outside academia from attending. ASBH should consider offering complimentary registration to first-time conference goers and waiving registration fees for presenters. Additionally, day passes at reduced rates could be offered.
Engaging in widespread and difficult conversations about accessibility is necessary for the bioethics community to be inclusive and serve as an impetus for change in medicine and society. It is important to critically examine how the range of conference activities might be made more accessible to underrepresented communities in bioethics.
Large networking events may be inaccessible to some people with disabilities due to anxiety or speech impediments in large crowds or noisy settings. ASBH should expand the variety of personalized mentoring opportunities it offers to cater to these individuals' needs. Making a subset of event recordings publicly available could improve accessibility further.
Early career scholars and those from underrepresented populations in academia and less resourced institutions face challenges navigating the complex ASBH conference. To address this issue, ASBH should institutionalize "listening sessions" that foster a safe space for identifying issues, root causes, and paths forward. The initiative to establish "Listening Sessions" is typically organized by bioethics scholars and community advocates within the Society, though specific individuals or organizations behind this initiative are not explicitly named.
ASBH's strategic initiative includes fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in bioethics. To further this goal, ASBH might consider expanding the length of all panels to 90 minutes and holding smaller regional events in addition to the national conference. This would provide more opportunities for underrepresented voices to be heard and for meaningful discussions to take place.
The ASBH annual meeting offers complimentary registration to members for invited speaker sessions. However, no financial accommodations are provided for those unable to attend due to exorbitant costs. Addressing this gap would help make the conference more accessible and inclusive.
In conclusion, expanding accessibility and diversity at ASBH's annual meeting is crucial for fostering a more inclusive bioethics community. By making thoughtful adjustments to conference activities and offering financial accommodations, ASBH can ensure that its annual meeting serves as a platform for meaningful discussions and change in medicine and society.
