The statistical community embraces a wide variety of interests and includes many organizations that express a strong commitment to the principles and actions of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. This month, JEDI Corner looks at some of these groups—their organizational parameters and missions—and highlights their DEI initiatives.
The Statistics Society of Canada/Société Statistique du Canada has long been a DEI leader. It’s even in their name and throughout their work, as they serve the science and practice of statistics and data science in Canada in French and English. Their Committee on Equity Diversity and Inclusion carries out the mission to support these principles and actions in their work as statisticians and data scientists in service to society.
The International Biometric Society has separate regional organizations in North America. The Eastern North American Region serves roughly anywhere east of about Denver, Colorado, and Regina, Saskatchewan. Their diversity liaison promotes diversity and inclusion, especially through meetings and conferences. The Western North American Region formed a JEDI Committee in 2021. Its activities include an annual diversity workshop; advising WNAR on equity, diversity, and inclusion matters; and coordinating travel awards for Indigenous students.
Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion is championed by leading statistical institutes, as well. Members of the National Institute of Statistical Sciences have written a multifaceted statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion stating their commitment to areas including nondiscrimination, collaboration, and accountability. This statement can serve as a guide for organizations developing JEDI initiatives.
JEDI principles and actions also guide the mission of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics through its Committee on Equality and Diversity.
Because justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are important in all sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science works to foster these principles across the scientific landscape. It plays a significant role in bringing people together across disciplines and areas of interest. Their annual DEI report thoroughly explores DEI issues and progress in the sciences and includes useful data and infographics.
These are just a few of the many organizations sharing a common mission to foster justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in statistics and data science and serving as a resource for anyone seeking to promote JEDI principals and actions. Reaching out to one or more can support your own JEDI mission.
David Corliss
With a PhD in statistical astrophysics, David Corliss works as a data scientist in industry. He serves on the ASA Board as a Council of Chapters representative and is the founder of Peace-Work, a data for good nongovernmental organization.
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