What’s in a name? Well, everything! A name can spark curiosity, cement a legacy, or start a revolution. Scientists name species to classify life, but they can also be named in tribute to something, or someone. There has been much recent debate about the practice of naming species after people because historical figures often come with complex or problematic legacies. As societal values change over time, some names can become controversial or offensive, and consequently names need to be changed to reflect our evolving understanding of science, culture and ethics.
The BOU strives to foster a platform where diversity, equality and inclusion drives cohesion and collaboration across the ornithological community. The language that underpins our efforts to build this platform is important, and one of the roles of the BOU’s Equality & Diversity Working Group (EDWG) is to make sure the BOU uses terminology that is precise, inclusive, and relevant to our changing world. This includes the very name of the working group and the focus on Equality and Diversity within the acronym. Depending on the context, you may see different organisations use alternative acronyms such as ED&I (Inclusivity), DEI and D&I to cover the same general principles. There has also been some debate around what the “E” stands for in these acronyms (Equity or Equality), which is why some organisations have now dropped the “E” to avoid any confusion. Below is the BOU definitions of our working group title, which signposts the BOU’s commitment to equality and diversity, which encompasses inclusion and accessibility (https://bou.org.uk/about-the-bou/equality-diversity).
Equality: providing everyone with the same opportunities, rights, and access to resources, regardless of their background, characteristics, or circumstances. The term equity is sometimes used instead to acknowledge that achieving fairness may require different approaches based on individual needs. At the BOU, we want to emphasise equal rights, opportunities and treatment for all of our members. While the term equity focuses on fairness and acknowledging different people may need different levels of support, it can be misinterpreted as promoting preferential treatment rather than equal opportunity. As such, the working group believes the use of Equality in our E&D acronym keeps the focus on ensuring fairness for all, by making ornithology accessible to all, while still supporting discussions about equity in the broader conversation surrounding inclusion and diversity.
Diversity: we are all different, and diversity encompasses us all. At the BOU, we believe uniqueness should be celebrated, as a diverse ornithology community brings a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and knowledge that enrich the study and conservation of birds. People from different backgrounds contribute unique insights, whether through traditional ecological knowledge, varied research approaches, or fresh ideas for engaging wider audiences in bird conservation. Diversity also fosters innovation, as a broader range of viewpoints leads to more creative problem-solving in areas like habitat protection, citizen science, and climate adaptation strategies. Additionally, an inclusive ornithology community helps make birding and bird conservation more accessible, ensuring that more people feel welcomed and invested in protecting avian biodiversity for future generations.
Names are significant, but only if we can deliver on what the acronym represents. We also need to not be afraid to get things wrong – continuous learning is essential when it comes to equality, diversity and inclusion. These areas are constantly evolving as they are shaped by new perspectives, experiences, and societal changes. Names can and will change, as part of the process. By actively listening, educating ourselves, and adapting to new understandings, the BOU can drive for meaningful change and ensure that, as a community, we remains dynamic, representative, and responsive to global challenges.
Image credit
Top right: A diverse flock of finches © Danni Hinchcliffe.
