Academic hierarchies are an uphill struggle for black women

The academic landscape in the United States, much like in other parts of the world, is a hierarchical environment with male gatekeepers often determining advancement to higher levels of seniority. This situation can perpetuate a lack of diversity in decision making and a lower likelihood of women, especially black women, being awarded tenure.1 In 2020, just 2.3% of US medical school faculty were black women, with most in entry level positions.2 Diversifying tenure committees can elevate the voices of minority scholars, catalyse innovative scholarship, and stimulate a more inclusive academic climate.Diversity in academic leadership is key, and when it is lacking it can stunt the expansion of knowledge.4 For instance, research shows that promoting gender diversity in STEM fields can lead to better innovation and higher impact publications.5 But the benefits of gender diversity can be especially limited for minority women. This is partially driven by stereotype threat, which is…
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