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On Discrimination and Girls |
When Larry Summers, former president of Harvard, questioned whether there was an innate difference in ability between boys and girls in areas of science and math, he illustrated the bias against girls that still exists in the country even among some academics. FGATA believes that such bias is real and is hurting girls and consequently the country as well. In fact, based on our research and experience, we feel that this bias is more pervasive than many realize because it is subtle. And it is its very subtlety that causes it to sometimes be infused in girls themselves to the point where they feel that math, science and technology are not for them. This we feel causes many girls not to be as interested in these areas or to pursue them as often or as assertively as boys and men do.
As such we feel that to remain silent about it is to allow it – or even to encourage it - and along with it, its regrettable and costly consequences for girls and the country as well. Offsetting and overcoming such bias and discrimination is one of the driving forces in creating and carrying FGATA forward.
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