I am very disturbed and disappointed by Prof. Hudlickly's comments in this article in @angew_chem where he makes the case that “diversity of the workforce” has a ”negative impact” on the field of organic synthesis (see the ridiculous figure!) onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.10… 
The insinuation he makes is that providing support of under-represented individuals and inclusion practices “results in discrimination against the most meritorious” individuals is ridiculous. This is completely preposterous! 2/x
As an experienced recruiter and a leader of a chemistry group in the pharmaceutical sector, I can tell you that these views are not only factually wrong, they represent the exact types of biases that the field has been trying to overcome. I encourage other leaders to denounce it!
The evidence surrounding the superior performance of diverse teams and organizations is incontrovertible, as recently highlighted here: mckinsey.com/~/media/McKins…
In our own work, we’ve benefited immensely from a more inclusive culture and increased diversity of leading to more creative solutions to the tough problems that we solve every day. Other fuming reactions to this specifically:
1. This article was PEER REVIEWED presumably by MULTIPLE REFEREES in addition to the review of the @angew_chem editorial staff! This is unacceptable and I call for the article to be retracted by the Editor in Chief Neville Compton.
2. Prof. Hudlicky is funded and even mentions @NSERC_CRSNG discovery grants in his article. A grant that specifically requires that 1) applicants are required to describe equity, diversity and inclusion considerations in their future approachs to recruitment, training & mentoring
in addition it requires that 2) applicants are asked to describe specific actions implemented in support of equity, diversity and inclusion in their past training of "highly qualified personnel". I'm pretty sure this is evidence of the contrary IMO!
Finally, this is a senior and established member of the #CanadianChemistry community with Tenure @BrockUniversity which has endorsed the Dimensions: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion charter. Having a faculty member take the opposing view is unacceptable. brocku.ca/brock-news/201…
I call on all chemistry editors & @cenmag to rise up & advocate for the important work of increasing diversity in our field so we can all benefit! @pchirik @cathleencrudden @stuartcantrill @CarolynBertozzi @BaranLabReads @lisamjarvis @JakeYeston
The article appears to have been taken down by @angew_chem (thankfully). However I had linked it in several emails to leaders @BrockUniversity, @NSERC_CRSNG and the journal. I only have the screen-shots I posted here now. Did anyone download a full copy & can send it to me?
Hey @CDNScience, @JustinTrudeau and @KirstyDuncanMP I realize the Minister of Science and Sport is vacant, but this article is written by a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair, Chemistry. It's embarrassing and goes against the values of the EDI Charter! Be better!nserc-crsng.gc.ca/NSERC-CRSNG/ED…
Ok, one more thing... @RSCTheAcademies, is this the kind of conduct you expect of your Fellows?
