Chapter 1: The Need for Kindness in Academic Spaces

At what point did we lose sight of kindness towards one another? A professor once remarked that students should endure the same hardships he faced during his academic journey, believing it would foster appreciation for their future work. Regrettably, this attitude is not unique.

About nine months ago, I shared my experiences as a peer reviewer for academic papers. The primary responsibility of a peer reviewer is to evaluate whether a research article meets the standards for publication in scientific journals. The process is designed to be anonymous, preventing bias by keeping the identities of authors and reviewers concealed.

During my first peer-review experience, one reviewer offered feedback that felt harsh and discouraging. While their critique contained valuable insights, the delivery was lacking in compassion. Fortunately, the second reviewer was much more constructive.

In the realm of scientific publishing, access to articles is often restricted. If you or your institution do not have a subscription, obtaining the full text can be challenging. Open-access journals exist, but publishing in them often comes with fees that can exceed $2000, which many individual researchers cannot afford. Consequently, institutions must cover these costs to ensure their work is accessible to the public.

I have co-authored articles in open-access journals thanks to employer coverage of these fees. However, publishing my independent research proved financially unfeasible. While authors typically receive a copy of their manuscript to share under specific conditions, it is common for students and researchers to reach out for access when they face barriers.

Many universities, particularly in less affluent regions, struggle to afford subscriptions to essential journals, exacerbating disparities in research access. This is where the concept of kindness becomes critical.

After my research was published, I received two emails from Master's students seeking access to my article. I was delighted to share it with them, wishing them success in their projects. One student expressed gratitude, noting it was the first time someone had responded to her request with kindness.

I understand that some researchers may overlook such requests, potentially overwhelmed by their workloads or adhering to the belief that students should face hardships. Unfortunately, elitism and gatekeeping persist in academia, limiting equal opportunities for many.

Some individuals seem to derive satisfaction from holding power over others, whether through dismissive remarks or ignoring straightforward requests for assistance. Yet, I strive to contribute positively to the world, believing we should all aim to be part of the solution, not the problem.

When I mentioned my views to more experienced researchers, one suggested that exposure to the harsh realities of academia would eventually alter my perspective, asserting that idealism seldom lasts. I refuse to accept this notion; I am convinced that continued kindness will bring about change.

On a related note, you might appreciate the senryu poem chain by Jason Edmunds, which reflects on kindness and its healing nature:

Word Thorns Hurts, Kindness Doesn’t

A Senryu Chain.

Section 1.1: The Impact of Kindness in Academia

Chapter 2: Lessons from Kindness

In light of the discussions around kindness, it’s essential to highlight the value of compassion in academia.

The first video, Be Kind | A Children's Story about things that matter, illustrates the significance of kindness and empathy in our daily interactions.

The second video, No Small Act || Committing to Kindness, Episode #4, emphasizes how even small acts of kindness can create meaningful change in our communities.