Applying an Equity Lens to Manuscript Writing, Reviewing, and Publishing

Abstract

Background The profession of nursing currently is examining systemic racism within the discipline. Nursing journals, as the gatekeepers of knowledge in the discipline, can reinforce dominant paradigms of racism in nursing science and scholarship. Method This article discusses the hegemonic forces operating in nursing science with examples of research topics and approaches lacking equity considerations. Recommendations are provided on embedding the core principles of nursing and social justice into the development, implementation, dissemination, and publication of nursing scholarship. Results Recommendations include committing to antiracism and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion by ongoing assessment of bias, honing an equity lens, and using inclusive language. Structural changes for instructions for authors, selection of editorial boards, and peer review are necessary to promote an equity lens in nursing scholarship. Conclusion Intentional actions must be taken to align nursing scholarship with the principles of social justice and health equity. [ J Nurs Educ . 2024;63(12):826–834.]