The Ethical Responsibilities of Forensic Science Organizations in an Era of Oppressive Legislative Action

Document Type

Article

Authors

Samantha M. McCrane, University of New Hampshire, DurhamFollow
Sean D. Tallman, Boston UniversityFollow

Abstract

In 2023 and 2024, a wave of anti-DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) legislation has been passed in multiple states, representing a dramatic reversal from 2019–2022, when violence and systemic injustices against minority individuals were highlighted and DEI measures increased. In forensic anthropology, where practitioners frequently work with remains of individuals from marginalized identities, these events have forced a necessary period of disciplinary and individual self-reflection regarding our complicity in the entrenched racism and cis-heteropatriarchy that underlies our society. This article reflects on the role that professional forensic science organizations play in perpetuating and/or combatting inequity. It discusses how recent anti-DEI legislation negatively impacts forensic science, hurting both practitioners and scholarly output, and the ethical responsibilities of professional organizations to publicly affirm support for minority members and contradict scientific misinformation around these legislative measures. In particular, the authors highlight how the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) has responded—often with silence and a lack of meaningful change—and propose potential remedies to promote long-term equitable changes both within the AAFS and external to it. The role of professional organizations in supporting all of their members, and good science, is more important now than ever, and it is time we expect and demand more from them.

Recommended Citation

McCrane, Samantha M. and Tallman, Sean D. (2022) "The Ethical Responsibilities of Forensic Science Organizations in an Era of Oppressive Legislative Action," Human Biology: Vol. 94: Iss. 2, Article 4.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol94/iss2/4