Taking an antiracist posture in scientific publications in human genetics and genomics

From its earliest days, the field of human genetics has had a complex, and at times troubling, connection with racist ideologies. Although the modern field of human genetics and genomics has come a long way from those earlier errors, systemic racism remains ingrained in its institutions and practices. Although a variety of efforts are needed to excise systemic racism, we focus in this commentary on the work that must be done in scientific publishing in genetics and genomics. We propose eight principles that are both scientifically grounded and antiracist that we hope will serve as a foundation for the development of policies by publishers and editorial boards that address the unique needs of the field of genetics and genomics. Publishers and journals must go beyond mere policies, however. Editors and reviewers will need training on these policies and principles, and will benefit from resources like rubrics that can be used for evaluating the adherence of submissions to these guidelines.

Automated summary

The field of human genetics has a complex history with racist ideologies, with systemic racism still ingrained in its institutions. Efforts are needed to address racism in scientific publishing in genetics and genomics, including training editors and reviewers on antiracist principles and implementing policies to address unique needs of the field. Beyond mere policies, resources like rubrics can help evaluate submissions in adherence to these guidelines.