GeneBites

Humane genomics education offers a transformative approach to combating racial biases and genetic essentialism in science curricula. By moving beyond outdated genetics curricula to a nuanced understanding of human diversity, it empowers students to see race as a social construct shaped by genetics and environment. Integrating this into K-12 education enhances scientific literacy and prepares future leaders to challenge systemic racism and foster inclusivity.

It is fascinating and troublesome how many of our social ills stem from a lack of quality science education. From a lack of modern curriculum, to textbooks with problematic essentialist notions, there is clearly a need to change our focus when it comes to teaching science and especially genetics. Last month, fellow GeneBites writer Amanda Weiss discussed how certain teaching activities were able to challenge racial biases in college undergraduate students. But what does it look like to intervene in genetics education to proactively combat scientific racism even earlier, in K-12 curricula? 

In a world increasingly aware of the consequences of racism, conversations around race still tend to be quite uncomfortable.  Despite this discomfort, it is crucial to explore innovative approaches to combat prejudice and promote understanding for greater equality. One powerful tool emerging in this fight is human(e) genomics education. The idea behind humane genomics is to teach content that moves beyond outdated Mendelian genetics to a more nuanced understanding of human genetic diversity. This educational approach not only enhances scientific literacy but also challenges harmful misconceptions about race and genetics that have perpetuated racial stereotypes and discrimination.

Historically, the concept of race has often been misrepresented through the lens of genetics. The work of Gregor Mendel, who laid the foundation for our understanding of heredity through experiments with pea plants, has been inappropriately appropriated to support racial essentialism—the misguided belief that different races possess inherent, unchangeable traits determined by their genetic makeup. This essentialist viewpoint has fueled racial prejudice, suggesting that disparities in behavior, intelligence, and health outcomes are genetically predetermined among different racial groups. In reality, genetic variation within so-called racial groups is often greater than the variation observed between them.

Humane genomics education aims to dismantle these misconceptions by promoting a more accurate view of genetics and race. This approach emphasizes three key concepts: (1) the overwhelming majority of genetic variation exists within populations rather than between them, (2) complex traits—including those related to race—are influenced by a myriad of factors beyond genetics, and (3) the environments in which individuals develop play a significant role in shaping their traits. By integrating these principles into the curriculum, educators can provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human diversity that counteracts the simplistic and harmful narratives propagated by genetic essentialism.

Evidence suggests that traditional genetics education, which often focuses on Mendelian inheritance and monogenic (single gene) diseases, can inadvertently reinforce essentialist beliefs. When students learn about specific genetic conditions that disproportionately affect certain racial groups—such as sickle cell anemia in Black populations—they may develop an inaccurate perception that these groups are genetically homogeneous and that their health outcomes are purely a product of their race. 

A recent Science study by Donovan and colleagues highlights the potential of humane genomics education to combat genetic essentialism and reduce racial prejudice by moving beyond traditional Mendelian genetics instruction. Humane genomics education fosters an understanding of the complex interplay between genetics and the environment, helping students recognize that social disparities are often rooted in historical and systemic factors rather than inherent genetic differences. Using this approach these researchers show that instruction in humane genomics decreases students’ belief in essentialistic ideas and promotes a more accurate view of race as a social construct. They did this by examining a number of perceptions including the influence of environment on traits and beliefs around racial genetics. The study suggests that with proper training and curriculum adjustments, educators can foster a more scientifically accurate and socially aware understanding of race and genetics among students.

Humane genomics education not only combats genetic essentialism but also promotes social constructionism—the idea that race is a socially constructed concept rather than a biological fact. By encouraging students to engage with the societal implications of race, educators can help foster empathy and awareness of the injustices faced by marginalized communities. This understanding is vital in cultivating a sense of responsibility among students to challenge racism and advocate for social justice.

Implementing humane genomics education in schools requires not only teachers to be thoughtful in lesson planning but also to be trained to teach these complex topics effectively. This includes learning how to address sensitive subjects surrounding race and genetics while creating an emotionally safe learning environment for all students. Importantly, the potential benefits of such an educational approach far outweigh the challenges.

By investing in humane genomics education, we can cultivate a generation of students who are not only scientifically literate but also socially conscious and aware of systemic biases and oppressive systems that perpetuate racism. Having a more socially aware populace in turn builds the foundation for future leaders in anti-racism.

Humane genomics education represents a promising early intervention strategy in the ongoing fight against systemic racism. By challenging genetic essentialism and promoting a more nuanced understanding of human diversity, this educational approach empowers students to critically engage with the social constructs of race. As we strive for a more equitable society, it is imperative that we integrate humane genomics education into our schools, fostering a future where knowledge leads to understanding, empathy, and ultimately, positive social change. 

Shouldn’t we just be teaching what is true? Our understanding of genetics has evolved substantially since the ideas of essentialism were accepted. Shouldn’t our curricula evolve as well? Through this transformative educational approach, we can sow the seeds for a more genetically literate and less racially prejudiced society, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Edited by Ethan Honeycutt, Jameson Blount, and Jayati Sharma