Fighting Racial Inequity in the Publishing Industry: Closing the Intention-Behavior Gap

Most members of the scholarly publishing community would say they value racial equity and inclusivity within the industry. Some do so for strategic reasons, perhaps to diversify and grow their customer base or improve their bottom line; others value racial equity because they believe it is the right thing to do. However, for many who work in scholarly publishing, gaps often appear between rhetoric and action. Research shows that intentions do not adequately predict behaviors. This keynote address will explore the personal and professional obstacles that prevent members of the scholarly publishing community from engaging in anti-racist work within organizations and communities and offer tips for turning good intentions into actions.