Science doesn't Exist in a Vacuum: HeLa and Science Ethics
Help me give my students the opportunity to read 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' as we explore science ethics and the impact of racism, classism, and sexism in science on marginalized communities.
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
There are many students who say they don't care about or don't enjoy science, but usually, this isn't actually true—underrepresented communities have been told over and over that they don't belong in science. Simultaneously, the truth of how people of color have been mistreated in the name of science and how many scientific discoveries would not have been possible without people of color is erased.
98% of the students at my school are people of color, and it's rare for us to feel represented by Western science.
I hope that by sharing the story of Henrietta Lacks with my students, they'll be able to uncover a little bit of the truth of the relationship between people who look more like them and science, and maybe eventually, want to take an active role in improving and increasing diversity in the world of science with their brilliance and thoughtfulness.
My Project
Through this project, I am hoping to be able to obtain a class set of "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" to read together with my biology students.
Science classes often cover science concepts and stop there, not daring to delve into the rich and complicated stories that the science concepts arose from.
There is so much history behind scientific discoveries, and oftentimes, that history includes racism, classism, and sexism. Oftentimes, these stories are erased in classrooms, lessons, and textbooks.
98% of the students at my school are people of color, and science doesn't usually represent them. People of color are erased in narratives of science, but important discoveries were made by literally stealing from them, without regard to ethics and basic human respect. Science does not exist in a vacuum, but in a society, and it is important that students can see the bigger, more complete picture of science. The idea that science is simply "pure" and "objective" could not be further from the truth.
With guided readings and discussions, I hope to have meaningful conversations about how science has mistreated people of color and other marginalized groups, while helping them to place science within the context of white supremacy and sexism.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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