A right-wing consumer watchdog, Consumers' Research, has launched an attack on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), accusing the institution of misusing taxpayer dollars to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, transgender rights, and climate action. This assault represents a broader effort to undermine organizations dedicated to advancing social justice and scientific progress.

NASEM, which receives 70% of its funding from the federal government, plays a crucial role in providing independent, objective advice on matters of science, technology, and medicine. The organization's work is essential for informing public policy and addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing society, from climate change to healthcare disparities.

Consumers' Research's "Woke Alert" report focuses on NASEM's efforts to promote DEI within the scientific community. This includes workshops aimed at "Advancing Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEMM Organizations" and "Protecting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Higher Education and the Workforce." These initiatives are vital for creating a more inclusive and equitable scientific workforce, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds have the opportunity to contribute to scientific discovery.

The attack on NASEM's work on transgender rights is particularly troubling. The organization has conducted workshops and published research on "Supporting the Health and Well-Being of Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth" and "Reducing Inequalities Between Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Adolescents and Cisgender, Heterosexual Adolescents." This work is critical for promoting the health and well-being of transgender individuals, who often face discrimination and marginalization.

Furthermore, Consumers' Research criticizes NASEM's involvement in climate advocacy and its response to the Black Lives Matter movement. Following the 2020 protests, NASEM established the Committee on Reducing Racial Inequalities in the Criminal Justice System, which considered proposals to defund the police. This reflects a commitment to addressing systemic racism and police brutality, issues that disproportionately affect communities of color.

Will Hild, executive director of Consumers' Research, accuses NASEM of being "a radical woke organization masquerading as a nonpartisan educational institution." This inflammatory rhetoric is designed to delegitimize NASEM's work and undermine public trust in science. It is part of a broader trend of right-wing groups attacking institutions that promote social justice and scientific progress.

The attack on NASEM is particularly concerning given the current political climate. Right-wing politicians and media outlets have increasingly targeted DEI initiatives and transgender rights, seeking to roll back progress on these fronts. This assault on NASEM is likely to embolden these efforts and further polarize the debate over social justice issues.

The broader context of this attack involves decades of conservative efforts to defund and discredit scientific institutions. From climate change denial to attacks on public health, conservatives have often sought to undermine science when it contradicts their political agenda. The attack on NASEM is simply the latest example of this pattern.

Despite the challenges, it is crucial to defend NASEM and other organizations that are working to advance science and social justice. These institutions play a vital role in informing public policy and promoting a more equitable and sustainable future. By supporting their work, we can help ensure that science and social justice remain at the forefront of our national conversation.

The attack on NASEM also underscores the importance of addressing systemic inequalities in funding and access within the scientific community. Persistent disparities in race, gender, and socioeconomic status limit the diversity of perspectives and talent that can contribute to scientific innovation. By dismantling barriers to inclusion and investing in programs that support underrepresented groups, we can strengthen the scientific enterprise and create a more just society.

It is important to recognize that science is not politically neutral. The questions that scientists ask, the methods they use, and the ways in which they communicate their findings are all shaped by their values and perspectives. By embracing diversity and inclusion, we can ensure that science serves the interests of all members of society.

The work of organizations like NASEM is essential for creating a more equitable and sustainable future. It is vital that we resist attacks on these institutions and continue to support their efforts to advance science and social justice.