Scientists are part of our culture, we aren't some separate class of people that have special immunity of irrational behavior. One of the cultural issues that the practice of science is not immune from is implicit bias, a subconscious aspect of racism. This isn't something we think about, it is in the fabric of how we conduct ourselves and what we expect of others, and it can have an enormous effect on opportunities for individuals.
Tomorrow, we will have a panel of people who have studied the issues and who have personally dealt with them in their lives as scientists. This isn't a conversation that many people are comfortable with, we recognize this. This issue touches on hot-button topics like social justice, white privilege, and straight up in-your-face-racism. It's not an easy thing to recognize how you might contribute to others not getting a fair shake, I know we all want to be treated fairly, and think we treat others fairly. This isn't meant to be a conversation that blames any one group or individual for society's problems, this is discussing how things are with all of us (myself included) and how these combined small actions and responses create the unfair system we have.
We're not going to fix society tomorrow, it's not our intention. Our intention is to have a civil conversation about biases, what we know about them, how to recognize them in yourself and others. Please ask questions (in a civil manner of course!) we want you to learn.
As for those who would reject a difficult conversation (rejecting others is always easier than looking at your own behavior), I would caution that we will not tolerate racist, rude or otherwise unacceptable behavior. One can disagree without being disagreeable.
Lastly, thank you to all of our readers, commenters and verified users who make /r/science an quality subreddit that continues to offer unique insights into the institution we call science.
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