Human Diversity

Chair

Members

  • R. P. Anderson
  • L. D’Acunto 
  • N. de la Sancha
  • L. Dizney
  • T. Giarla
  • G. Hurtado
  • K. Mabry
  • H. Mutascio
  • A. Romero
  • K.C. Rowe
  • C. Welch

History and Mission

The Human Diversity Committee was originally established as the ad hoc Committee on Women and Minority Issues (1992-1996), and underwent a name change to better reflect its goals (ad hoc Committee on Human Diversity in Mammalogy, 1996-1998).  In 1998, as an indication of the importance of the committee’s goals to the ASM, it was elevated to a standing committee (first as the Committee on Human Diversity in Mammalogy) and finally attained its current name in 1999.  Its mission is to ensure the opportunity for active participation in the ASM by all members, regardless of gender, race, ethnic background, age, physical disabilities, or sexual orientation.

Responsibilities

This committee serves the Society by working to encourage and facilitate an increase in the diversity of active participants of the Society by working to reduce any and all barriers to participation, service, and governance (especially those associated with under-represented groups).  Accordingly, the committee is examining approaches and efforts to increase diversity within the Society, especially the diversity of the participants in societal activities and functions.  This committee also plans and conducts various workshops, symposia, and other activities associated with its mission. 

The committee also reminds ASM members that independent ombudspersons (currently, Enrique P. Lessa and Jessica E. Light) are available to mediate or advise on issues regarding inappropriate conduct, discrimination, or other unprofessional behaviors (see Journal of Mammalogy 78:268 [1997]).

History of Human Diversity Committee Activities

Year Committee Activity Meeting Site for Activity
1992 Forum:  Women and Minorities in Science University of Utah, Salt Lake City
1993 Workshop:  So You Want to Be a Professor?  How Women & Minorities Succeed in the Tenure Mainstream Western Washington University, Bellingham
1994 Symposium:  Careers in Mammalogy:  Is There Life Outside the Ivory Tower? Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC
1995 Luncheon:  Women and Minority Issues (What does ASM have to offer you?) University of Vermont, Burlington
1996 Special Feature:  Women in Mammalogy Journal of Mammalogy, 77:609-674
1996 Forum:  Where do we go from here? University of North Dakota, Grand Forks
1999 Survey of Annual Meeting Participants I University of Washington, Seattle
2003 Member Mixer and Social for Diversity Texas Tech University, Lubbock
2003 Survey of Annual Meeting Participants II Texas Tech University, Lubbock
2007 Survey of Annual Meeting Participants III University Of New Mexico, Albuquerque
2008 Symposium:  Human Diversity & Mammalogy in the 21st Century South Dakota State University, Brookings
2011 Survey of Annual Meeting Participants IV Portland State University, Portland, OR
2011 Poster:  The Changing Face of American Mammalogy:  The History and Status of Human Diversity Portland State University, Portland, OR