Racism, structural racism, and the American Association for Anatomy: Initial report from a task force

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Medical Education
• Sociology of Science

Background:

• The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) has a 130-year history.
• Racist ideas and exclusionary practices have impacted membership and participation.
• Marginalized groups, including African Americans, Jews, and women, have been affected.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of structural racism within the AAA on membership and participation.
• To understand the historical context of racism in the association.
• To provide the first public report from the Task Force on Structural Racism.

Main Methods:

• The study is a commentary based on the findings of the Task Force on Structural Racism.
• Analysis of the AAA's historical laws, rules, and practices.
• Focus on the underrepresentation of African Americans in the association.

Main Results:

• Structural racism within the AAA and its broader social context contributed to the underrepresentation of African Americans.
• African Americans constitute 4.1% of AAA membership, compared to 13.4% of the U.S. population.
• Intentional efforts to address bias have only recently begun, leading to more diverse leadership.

Conclusions:

• The AAA must acknowledge its history of racism and its role in the underrepresentation of African Americans.
• The association should commit to sustaining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) projects.
• Additional resources are needed to support new DEI initiatives to improve recruitment and retention of marginalized individuals in anatomy.