Geoscience Diversity Programs: What Works and Does Not and Their Evolution Through Time

Geoscience remains one of the least diverse science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines, despite investment in diversity initiatives. Obstacles such as insufficient funding, paucity of geoscience offerings, and lack of information continue to promote a culture of exclusion. This review critically examines the evolution of belonging, accessibility, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (BAJEDI) programs in the geosciences, focusing on efforts to increase participation and retention of minoritized people of color. We explore the philosophical foundations that have shaped BAJEDI efforts and the challenges they face despite realistic gains. This review identifies institutional and political limitations and offers recommendations to support positive, long-term institutional and systemic change. We underscore the need to move beyond symbolic gestures and argue for ethic of care practices that center authentic, relational interactions and systemic accountability. Understanding what truly works and the conditions under which it works for minoritized people of color is critical to building a more inclusive and innovative geoscience community. ▪ Increasing racial diversity in geoscience requires sustained, resilient, and evidence-based strategies rather than short-term or ad hoc efforts. ▪ Efforts to increase racial diversity and improve the experiences of people of color in geoscience must attend to relational dynamics within the field. ▪ Learning from past missteps and evaluating what works are essential to strengthening existing efforts and advancing racial diversity in geoscience. ▪ Including an ethic of care, rather than relying primarily on deontological or utilitarian frameworks, within diversity programs and policies is key to meaningful, lasting transformation in geoscience.