DEIA Policies – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility

DEIA Policies – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility

 

The International Journal of Artificial Intelligence, Educational Technologies and Teacher Education – IJAIET formally adopts the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility – DEIA as foundations of its editorial, scientific, and institutional policy.

The DEIA policy guides the processes of submission, peer review, editorial decision-making, composition of the scientific team, editing, publication, and dissemination of knowledge, seeking to ensure fair conditions for participation, reduce structural barriers, prevent discrimination, and expand representation in scholarly communication.

For IJAIET, scientific excellence is associated with the ability to incorporate different perspectives, experiences, social, cultural, territorial, epistemological, and institutional contexts, without personal or social characteristics being used as criteria for editorial advantage or disadvantage.

This policy takes as references the DEIA principles adopted by the Revista on line de Política e Gestão Educacional – RPGE, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – SDGs, the guidelines of CAPES – Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel, the initiatives and principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and research integrity of the São Paulo Research Foundation – FAPESP, as well as international references from UNESCO on inclusion in education.

CAPES currently recognizes diversity, inclusion, and equity as institutional values and establishes as part of its mission the promotion of qualified higher education training with sustainability, inclusion, and equity. The Brazilian National Graduate Education Plan also incorporates the reduction of inequalities and the promotion of diversity as relevant dimensions of graduate education development.

FAPESP, in turn, associates the promotion of diversity and equity with the quality and excellence of scientific research and maintains initiatives aimed at reducing barriers related, among other factors, to gender, ethnicity, and origin. Its Code of Ethics also emphasizes principles such as justice, equality, honesty, dignity, and respect.

1. Concept of DEIA

DEIA refers to the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility, understood in an integrated manner.

Diversity refers to the presence and appreciation of different people, groups, experiences, perspectives, cultures, territories, institutions, academic trajectories, and legitimate forms of knowledge production.

Equity means recognizing that people and groups may face different conditions and barriers and that promoting fair opportunities may require measures capable of reducing historically constructed inequalities.

Inclusion refers to creating conditions so that different people and groups can participate, contribute, be respected, and have their perspectives considered within spaces of knowledge production and scholarly communication.

Accessibility encompasses the identification and removal of physical, digital, communication, linguistic, technological, and attitudinal barriers, seeking to enable the broadest possible access to scientific information, editorial processes, and published content.

At IJAIET, these four principles are complementary and should guide both published content and the journal's organizational structure.

2. Diversity

IJAIET recognizes diversity as a scientific, ethical, and social value and seeks to promote the participation of researchers from different academic, cultural, geographic, social, and institutional contexts.

The journal encourages:

  • participation of authors, reviewers, and editors from different regions, countries, and institutions;
  • internationalization and geographic diversity of the editorial and scientific boards;
  • participation of researchers at different career stages;
  • participation of groups historically underrepresented in science;
  • recognition of researchers affiliated with emerging institutions or institutions located outside major scientific centers;
  • diversity of gender, race, ethnicity, origin, generation, and social condition;
  • participation of persons with disabilities;
  • plurality of theoretical, methodological, and epistemological perspectives;
  • recognition of scientific contributions produced in the Global South;
  • dialogue among different areas of knowledge;
  • recognition, when scientifically relevant, of local, traditional, and Indigenous knowledge.

The interdisciplinary nature of IJAIET reinforces this commitment by enabling dialogue among Education, Humanities, Social Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering, Health Sciences, Biological Sciences, Exact Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, and other scientific fields that investigate their interfaces with education, technologies, innovation, and Artificial Intelligence.

Diversity does not imply reduced scientific standards. All manuscripts remain subject to the same requirements of quality, originality, methodological rigor, integrity, and scientific relevance.

3. Equity

IJAIET is committed to treating authors, reviewers, and other participants in the editorial process with fairness, impartiality, and respect, preventing undue advantages or disadvantages related to characteristics irrelevant to scientific merit.

No editorial decision shall be determined by:

  • gender or gender identity;
  • race or ethnicity;
  • national or territorial origin;
  • religion or belief;
  • age;
  • disability;
  • socioeconomic status;
  • sexual orientation;
  • native language;
  • nationality;
  • institutional affiliation;
  • geographic location;
  • career stage;
  • reputation or institutional prestige;
  • professional or academic position.

Decisions regarding acceptance, revision, or rejection must be based on scientific merit, alignment with the journal's focus and scope, originality, methodological quality, relevance, integrity, and contribution to knowledge.

IJAIET also recognizes that formal equality of treatment is not always sufficient to eliminate inequalities. Therefore, the journal may review editorial procedures that create unjustified barriers to scientific participation, without compromising standards of editorial quality.

4. Inclusion

IJAIET understands inclusion as effective participation, rather than merely numerical representation.

The journal seeks to build an editorial environment in which authors, reviewers, editors, and readers can participate with respect for their differences and circumstances.

Its practices include:

  • encouraging participation by researchers from different countries and regions;
  • valuing the participation of early-career researchers;
  • maintaining clear, respectful, and transparent editorial communication;
  • preventing discriminatory or exclusionary behavior;
  • encouraging publication of research on inequalities, inclusion, social justice, assistive technology, accessibility, and democratization of education;
  • valuing research that considers the social consequences of implementing technologies and Artificial Intelligence systems;
  • addressing inequalities in access to digital technologies;
  • encouraging the development of educational technologies capable of expanding participation, autonomy, and learning.

IJAIET recognizes that digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence can create opportunities for inclusion, but can also reproduce or amplify existing inequalities. For this reason, the journal encourages critical analyses of algorithmic bias, digital exclusion, accessibility, technological inequalities, and differentiated impacts of AI on groups and communities.

5. Accessibility

Accessibility is understood by IJAIET as a component of the right to knowledge and as a principle related to Open Science.

Within its technical and institutional possibilities, the journal seeks to:

  • maintain immediate Open Access to published content;
  • provide clear organization of editorial information;
  • produce structured and readable digital files;
  • maintain standardized metadata;
  • promote compatibility with assistive technologies;
  • adopt digital accessibility resources whenever technically feasible;
  • use alternative text for images and graphic elements when applicable;
  • reduce navigation barriers in the electronic environment;
  • encourage authors to consider accessibility when preparing tables, figures, charts, multimedia resources, and supplementary materials.

The journal will seek progressively to observe international digital accessibility references, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines – WCAG, when applicable to the technologies used in its editorial environment.

Accessibility also has a linguistic dimension. As part of its strategy for internationalization and democratization of knowledge, IJAIET adopts trilingual publication in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, contributing to reducing linguistic barriers and expanding access to articles across different scientific communities.

6. DEIA and the Sustainable Development Goals – SDGs

IJAIET's DEIA Policy is aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals – SDGs.

Although different SDGs may be related to studies published by the journal, the DEIA policy has a particularly direct relationship with:

SDG 4 – Quality Education

SDG 4 – Quality Education seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Its targets include equal access to education, reduction of gender disparities, inclusion of persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples and vulnerable groups, teacher training, and the development of inclusive educational environments.

IJAIET contributes to this goal by prioritizing the production and dissemination of knowledge on education, teacher education, educational technologies, innovation, and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.

SDG 5 – Gender Equality

SDG 5 seeks to achieve gender equality and expand participation and opportunities for women.

Within scholarly communication, IJAIET promotes equitable participation, representation, and recognition of women's scientific contributions in authorship, peer review, editorial governance, and knowledge production.

The journal also recognizes FAPESP's initiatives related to equity, diversity, and inclusion in science, including gender equality.

SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities seeks to reduce inequality within and among countries.

IJAIET relates this goal to the need to reduce barriers to participation in science, expand the circulation of knowledge produced in different regions, and address inequalities related to access to education, technologies, digital infrastructure, scientific training, and publishing opportunities.

SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The DEIA policy also relates to SDG 16, particularly through the defense of accountable institutions, transparent processes, prevention of discrimination, respect for human rights, and integrity in decision-making.

SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

IJAIET's international and interdisciplinary character supports SDG 17 by encouraging scientific collaboration, international networks, knowledge exchange, and cooperation among researchers, institutions, governments, and society.

The journal understands that the 2030 Agenda should not function merely as a declaratory element. Whenever relevant to the object of research, authors are encouraged to discuss critically and substantively which SDGs are effectively related to the results and impacts of their studies.

7. DEIA, Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technologies

Given IJAIET's scientific scope, DEIA principles must also be considered in the development, application, evaluation, and use of Artificial Intelligence systems and educational technologies.

The journal encourages research investigating:

  • algorithmic bias;
  • automated discrimination;
  • representation in datasets;
  • equity in the development and deployment of AI systems;
  • inequalities in access to technologies;
  • accessibility of digital platforms and tools;
  • assistive technologies;
  • impacts of AI on vulnerable populations;
  • cultural and linguistic diversity in AI systems;
  • digital inclusion;
  • digital literacy and AI Literacy;
  • algorithmic justice;
  • protection of human rights;
  • responsible and human-centered development.

This policy is aligned with the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, particularly with respect to equity, non-discrimination, diversity, inclusion, transparency, human oversight, and protection of fundamental rights.

8. Mitigating Bias in Peer Review

IJAIET recognizes that conscious or unconscious biases may affect scientific evaluation processes.

As mitigation mechanisms, the journal may adopt:

  • double-blind peer review as the predominant model;
  • proper anonymization of manuscripts;
  • guidance for reviewers on impartiality and bias;
  • mandatory disclosure of conflicts of interest;
  • editorial monitoring of peer-review reports;
  • replacement of reviewers where there is evidence of prejudice, discrimination, conflict of interest, or evaluations lacking scientific justification;
  • maintenance of records of editorial decisions;
  • the possibility of appeal in accordance with journal policies.

No review report may contain personal attacks, discriminatory language, intimidation, harassment, or judgment based on author characteristics irrelevant to scientific merit.

9. Inclusive Language and Respect for Diversity

IJAIET encourages authors, reviewers, and editors to use language that is precise, respectful, inclusive, and scientifically appropriate.

Texts should avoid:

  • discriminatory terminology;
  • unnecessary stereotypes;
  • offensive generalizations;
  • stigmatizing characterizations;
  • expressions that dehumanize individuals or groups.

When characteristics such as sex, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age, socioeconomic status, origin, or other sociodemographic variables are scientifically relevant, authors should explain, whenever possible, their importance to the research design, analysis, or interpretation.

The use of population categories must respect the scientific, social, and cultural context in which the research was conducted.

10. DEIA in Editorial Composition

IJAIET seeks progressively to develop a scientific team characterized by institutional, disciplinary, regional, and international diversity.

In composing its boards, editorial team, and reviewer network, the journal will seek to consider:

  • different fields of knowledge;
  • plurality of institutions;
  • different countries and regions;
  • gender balance and diversity;
  • different stages of scientific careers;
  • participation of historically underrepresented groups;
  • internationalization;
  • scientific competence and editorial experience.

Diversity, however, does not replace the criteria of qualification, experience, scientific competence, and integrity required for editorial responsibilities.

11. Commitment to CAPES Guidelines

IJAIET's DEIA Policy considers CAPES guidelines aimed at building a graduate education system that is more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and socially relevant.

CAPES institutional planning explicitly includes diversity, inclusion, and equity among its values, and Brazilian graduate education policies incorporate measures related to reducing asymmetries and increasing the participation of historically underrepresented groups.

IJAIET recognizes that diversity within the scientific community contributes to broadening research questions, approaches, interpretations, innovation, and the social impact of knowledge.

12. Commitment to FAPESP Principles

IJAIET also considers FAPESP principles related to integrity, ethics, diversity, and equity.

The FAPESP Code of Good Scientific Practice reinforces a culture of ethical research integrity based on education, prevention, and fair and rigorous handling of violations.

FAPESP also develops initiatives aimed at expanding Equity, Diversity and Inclusion – EDI, seeking to improve processes and remove barriers that may limit researchers' participation and development due to factors such as gender, ethnicity, or origin.

These references guide IJAIET's understanding that diversity and integrity are not competing objectives, but complementary components of scientific excellence.

13. Open Science, Open Access and DEIA

IJAIET integrates its DEIA Policy with the principles of Open Science and Open Access.

This integration occurs through:

  • immediate Open Access to articles;
  • Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 licensing;
  • trilingual publication in Portuguese, English, and Spanish;
  • encouragement of responsible data sharing;
  • methodological transparency;
  • preprints;
  • open peer review, when applicable and consented to;
  • open and interoperable metadata;
  • broad dissemination of scientific production;
  • reduction of linguistic barriers;
  • encouragement of knowledge circulation among different communities.

UNESCO highlights that educational opportunities continue to be affected by factors such as poverty, geographic location, gender, language, disability, ethnicity, religion, migration, and displacement, reinforcing the importance of effective inclusion policies.

Accordingly, IJAIET understands Open Science not merely as technological openness, but also as an instrument of democratization, participation, and reduction of inequalities in access to knowledge.

14. Prevention of Discrimination, Harassment and Intimidation

IJAIET does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, intimidation, retaliation, or degrading treatment in its editorial processes.

Substantiated reports involving authors, reviewers, editors, or other participants may be evaluated editorially, observing:

  • confidentiality;
  • impartiality;
  • documentation;
  • proportionality;
  • the right of the parties to respond;
  • prevention of conflicts of interest.

When necessary, measures may include replacement of a reviewer, review of an editorial decision, removal of inappropriate communications, or referral of the matter to the competent authorities, depending on the nature of the case.

15. Governance and Editorial Responsibility

Implementation of the DEIA Policy is a shared responsibility of the Editorial Team, Editorial Board, reviewers, authors, and other IJAIET collaborators.

The journal commits to:

  • periodically evaluating its editorial practices;
  • reducing unnecessary barriers to participation;
  • promoting diversity in editorial composition;
  • guiding reviewers on impartiality and respect;
  • monitoring changes in national and international good practices;
  • progressively improving accessibility;
  • preventing discrimination;
  • responding responsibly to complaints;
  • encouraging research related to inclusion, equity, and social justice;
  • integrating DEIA with the principles of Open Science, ethics, and research integrity.

This policy has a permanent and evolving character and may be updated in accordance with scientific, social, technological, regulatory, and editorial developments.

16. Final Commitment

For IJAIET:

Diversity is a scientific value.

Equity is a principle of justice.

Inclusion is effective participation.

Accessibility is a right to knowledge.

These principles guide relationships among authors, reviewers, editors, readers, and institutions, as well as the composition of the editorial team, manuscript evaluation, scholarly communication, and the construction of the journal's international identity.

By integrating DEIA, Open Science, Open Access, internationalization, research integrity, responsible Artificial Intelligence, and the 2030 Agenda, IJAIET reaffirms that scientific excellence must be associated with quality, ethics, plurality, responsibility, and social commitment.

The journal therefore seeks to contribute to scholarly communication capable of expanding opportunities, reducing barriers, recognizing different forms of participation in science, and producing knowledge relevant to a more just, inclusive, accessible, and sustainable society.

Institutional References

DEIA Policies – Revista on line de Política e Gestão Educacional – RPGE

United Nations – Sustainable Development Goals

United Nations – SDG 4: Quality Education

United Nations – SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

UNESCO – Inclusion in Education

UNESCO – Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

CAPES – Institutional Portal

CAPES – Strategic Planning

FAPESP – Good Scientific Practices

FAPESP – Code of Ethics

 

The Editors